Cybersecurity is a huge topic due to the rise of cyberattacks. Such attacks affect regular working-class people, business owners, CEOs, and healthcare systems alike. That’s why the demand for cybersecurity engineers, analysts, and managers is so high.
There are so many job titles within cybersecurity, such as cloud security engineer, information security analyst, and network security engineer. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, and an information technology and cybersecurity degree can unlock many doors.
Follow along as we explore how to prepare for a cybersecurity career when you’re starting from scratch.
How to Enter the Cybersecurity World with No Experience
Today, there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. That leaves plenty of room for people like you to enter the field, even if you have little to no experience. Starting from scratch may seem intimidating, but that’s how everyone who currently works in cybersecurity got there.
However, you cannot simply submit a job application without any certifications or experience. That said, you’d be surprised at how accessible a cybersecurity career is if you take the right steps, such as:
1. Define Your Goals
Your path to a cybersecurity career ultimately depends on what you want to achieve. Without any experience, you may not know much about the many cybersecurity jobs to choose from. First, you must research cybersecurity roles, their requirements, and the responsibilities they entail.
For example, many people start their cybersecurity journeys as IT support specialists. However, even entry-level cybersecurity jobs require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT). With this in mind, you now know that you at least need a basic IT degree to get started.
Next, research the chain of command and learn more about how to climb the cybersecurity ladder. This can tell you which degrees and certifications high-ranking positions require. Once you define your goals, you can move on to take online courses or enroll in college.
2. Take Online Courses
Today, all you need is a laptop to learn some of the most important cybersecurity basics. Keep in mind that basic online courses don’t necessarily equate to degrees. Sure, you can enroll in online college courses, but some online courses aren’t affiliated with colleges.
Even still, it’s worth learning the fundamentals to give yourself a strong base before you enroll in college. Online courses can also help you decide whether cybersecurity is the right career path for you. Everything you learn will eventually benefit you if you pursue an IT degree.
3. Get a Degree
The first step to starting a career in cybersecurity is getting a bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Technology can open the door to a cybersecurity career. It’s hard to get a job interview in a cybersecurity department or firm without a degree.
Upon earning a degree, you can get an entry-level cybersecurity job. Naturally, getting advanced IT degrees can help you land a better position. However, some people simply enter the workforce with a bachelor’s degree and take advanced degree classes on the side.
That way, you can earn practical experience and make a living while you pursue a higher-education degree. However, an advanced degree isn’t necessary to enjoy a great career in cybersecurity.
4. Earn Certifications
Cybersecurity work requires some important certifications, some of which vary based on your desired position. For example, a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification can help you if you want to become a penetration tester or cybersecurity analyst. This certification can help you see whether your company or client’s system can be easily hacked into.
Basic certifications, like a CompTIA Security+, can help you get many entry-level jobs. Research several job listings and see what certifications they require. Getting certified isn’t that hard, as you already have the basic knowledge and skills you need after graduating.
5. Learn Soft Skills
Cybersecurity relies on a lot of technical skills, but the soft skills you learn on the job are just as important. You will learn many important soft skills on the job, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving. However, you can only develop such soft skills if you stay open-minded and let yourself learn from others.
Teamwork is another important soft skill, as you won’t likely be the sole cybersecurity analyst or engineer on the team. You can make a strong impression and more easily land your dream cybersecurity job if you can work well with others. Strong collaborative skills can lend themselves to leadership skills.
All the soft skills you pick up will make you a great candidate for promotions. The more adaptable and easier to work with you are, the more successful you will be.
6. Evolve with the Times
The world of cybersecurity constantly evolves, and so too must your skills. It’s easy to get comfortable and stick to your existing skillset when you already have a job. However, resting on your laurels is an easy way to become stagnant and stop moving up the ladder.
Stay up to date on developments within cybersecurity, such as new threats and programs. Sometimes, this entails taking new online courses and having someone teach you about new programs. It may even be as simple as watching videos online and reading the news.
Visit online forums, attend conferences, read the news, and subscribe to newsletters. The more you know, the more you can help your employer. New threats arise every day, and it’s your job to stay ahead of the curve and protect your clients.
Don’t Hesitate to Pursue a Cybersecurity Career
There’s no reason to worry that you aren’t qualified to work in cybersecurity if you have no IT knowledge. Enroll in college, take online courses, and get certified. Doing so will at least help you get an entry-level job and develop practical soft skills. You’ll be glad you took the chance when you realize how much job security and upward mobility the cybersecurity world offers.
However, you can’t get too comfortable and stop learning once you land a job. Continually adopt new skills and stay ahead of the many cyber threats we all face today. That way, you’ll make yourself as useful as possible, and enjoy a long career.
About the Author
Ryan Ayers is a researcher and consultant within multiple industries including information technology, blockchain and business development. Always up for a challenge, Ayers enjoys working with startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. When not at work, Ayers loves reading science fiction novels and watching the LA Clippers.
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