Published:
Cybersecurity is an ever-growing field with new opportunities sprouting up daily. That’s because cybersecurity experts are tasked with defending against the constantly changing landscape of cyber threats.
This field is incredibly lucrative, with a starting average salary of $123,000, but it’s not for the meek of heart. However, if it is for you, you’ll find an engaging job that will always keep you busy.
Read more about the pros and cons of working in cybersecurity.
At the REDC at Yavapai College, we have a number of certificates that can propel your career in cybersecurity:
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Threats and Vulnerabilities Scenarios
- Software Development Security
- Cybersecurity for Healthcare Professionals
Keep reading to learn how these certificates can help you in your career in cybersecurity.
Education Requirements for Cybersecurity
There are a lot of Job requirements for cybersecurity experts. It’s a stressful job, and managers want to know that hires are more than qualified for the job. That being said, a formal education is almost always required to work in this field.
College Degrees
A formal education will teach students the important skills needed to work in cybersecurity.
A college education is very expensive. It’s not something to pursue lightly. Consider the cost, but also consider what you can make back. Cybersecurity is a very lucrative career. So, over time, you’ll be able to pay back loans more easily than other careers.
Related Articles: Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
You can find work in cybersecurity with an associate's, bachelor’s, or master's degree. The more education you have, the more opportunities will be open to you.
Associate’s degrees are more likely to yield a job in computer science or IT before cybersecurity. However, these kinds of jobs are a common jumping-off point for cybersecurity or more advanced degrees
Cybersecurity Certificates and Bootcamps
You may not need a degree to get a job in cybersecurity. Boot camps and online certificates are enough to get you started in computer science. From there, you’ll be able to move into a cybersecurity job after you have enough experience.
Some of the most helpful certifications for a cybersecurity career are:
- Cloud computing
- Networking
- Project management
- Ethical hacking
Online courses and boot camps let students learn at an accelerated rate on their own time. Most of these options provide self-directed learning options, so it’s easier to complete while doing professional work.
While this option will require more work to get into cybersecurity, it’s a great option for those who can’t afford a formal education. Related Articles: Are Online Certificates Worth It?
Industries That Require Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity experts are needed across countless industries. Almost every industry requires technical support from cybersecurity. These are the most common industries that require cybersecurity
Finance
The finance sector manages the wealth of billions of people. It’s one of the most vulnerable industries to cyber attacks. This makes the finance industry great for cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity jobs in the finance sector include:
- Security engineer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Penetration tester
- Chief information security officer (CISO)
The cybersecurity team is dedicated to finding vulnerabilities before they happen and implementing crisis responses.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector handles private and sensitive documents about people’s health. If the information kept by doctors and hospitals were released, that information could harm billions of people.
The cybersecurity jobs available in the healthcare industry include:
- Consultant
- Compliance specialist
- IT security analyst
- Data engineer
Government
Government jobs in cybersecurity require a lot of experience and a formal education. These are the cybersecurity entry-level jobs most often filled in government agencies:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Engineer
- Information systems security manager
- Cyber defence analyst
- Security architect
All forms of government maintain and work with very sensitive information and data. The federal, state, county, and city governments require cybersecurity professionals.
Moving From Computer Science to Cybersecurity
Many people working in cybersecurity don’t start in cybersecurity. They’ll get a degree and work in either IT or a related computer science field.
These are called “feeder roles”. These positions are great for getting into any entry-level cybersecurity position.
- Networking
- Software development
- Systems engineering
- Financial and risk analysis
- Security intelligence
- IT Support
In other careers, entry-level positions are obtainable right out of college. However, due to the sensitive nature of most jobs in cybersecurity, entry-level positions often require years of experience.
That shouldn't discourage you from pursuing a cybersecurity career. Cybersecurity degrees will also teach the necessary prerequisites and provide a solid computer science background.
For those who have an education in computer science or programming the transition to cybersecurity is relatively easy, especially after obtaining a few certificates.
4 Common Cybersecurity Jobs
As you work your way up the cybersecurity ladder, you’ll notice some common roles that are similar across different industries. Starting at the most entry-level and leading to the most advanced positions, here is a list of the four most common jobs in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists are well-trained to detect threats and protect sensitive information. While this is entry-level, it’s still a very intensive role. People in this role:
- Perform risk and threat assessments
- Monitor malicious activities
- Test, research, and implement security measures
You’ll need a good mixture of education and experience. This is a great starting opportunity in cybersecurity.
Cybercrime Analyst
Many places across cyberspace are used for malicious and criminal activity. It’s the job of a cybercrime analyst to investigate and gather evidence of criminal activity for the government. They do this by:
- Investigating computer systems after a crime
- Recovering data from damaged hardware
- Drafting testimony
- Assessing systems for security flaws
A cybercrime analyst will work closely with law enforcement and other agencies to identify and stop criminal activity.
Incident and Intrusion Analyst
An incident and intrusion analyst is very similar to a cyber crime analyst. Intrusion analysts are considered the first responders to security breaches. Their job includes:
- Investigating incidents
- Responding to threats
- Maintaining firewalls
- Performing risk assessments
This job is a great starting point and can lead to other roles like cybersecurity analyst, consultant, and penetration & vulnerability tester.
IT Auditor
An IT auditor is responsible for evaluating the safety of current IT infrastructures, finding vulnerabilities, and suggesting improvements.
If you choose to pursue this role, consider getting the certified internal auditor (CIA) certificate. This certification will let hiring managers know that you understand internal auditing processes.
This job can lead to many opportunities within the cybersecurity industry.
Get Ready With The REDC
Get ready to start your cybersecurity journey by learning with the REDC at Yavapai College.
Enroll in these online courses to learn important skills for cybersecurity:
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Threats and Vulnerabilities Scenarios
- Software Development Security
- Cybersecurity for Healthcare Professionals
When the time comes to start looking for a job in cybersecurity, the REDC has job fairs and events to help you start your cybersecurity journey.