A career in cybersecurity can be very lucrative. (Photo credit: Max Duzij)
There are many possible IT career paths, and cybersecurity can be a great choice for some. If you like problem solving, consider yourself to be a fast learner, and are passionate about defending against cybercrime, than a career in cybersecurity may be right for you. Here are just a few potential jobs in the cybersecurity field:
Entry Level:
IT Technician / Help Desk
Network Engineer
Junior Security Analyst
Junior Penetration Tester
Systems Administrator
Mid-Level:
Security Technician
Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
Incident Responder
Advanced:
Cybersecurity Architect
Cybersecurity Engineer
Chief Information Security Officer
Cybersecurity Manager
This list is definitely not exhaustive, and there is some overlap between job titles and what the actual job entails depending on who you speak to. When job searching, it is also worth noting that there is no standard for whether these jobs are called cybersecurity, cyber security, IT security, etc. It is recommended to tailor your resume to fit whatever terminology the current job description is using; this helps you not get filtered out by an automated system looking for keywords that may or may not be on your resume. Again, the job description for that particular listing is your best resource when choosing your words carefully.
How to get started
To get your first job in cybersecurity, start by looking at your current background. Do you already have a degree or work experience in IT? Do you have a degree in an unrelated field? Some jobs are looking for a 4-year degree, and some are not. Certifications are a great first step, whether or not you have a degree. Many professionals recommend the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ as some of the first certifications to get to jumpstart any IT career.
It is also important to get hands on experience. Start using programs like Nmap to see how network connections work. Download a virtual machine and install an operating system that you might be less familiar with, such as a Linux distribution. Volunteer at a local small company to help them with tech support and troubleshooting. Watch some videos about bash scripting or Python and teach yourself some basic coding. Do anything that you can to add relevant skills and experience to your resume!
A degree in IT can help, but it is not required for all jobs. What you know and what you can do is more important than what school you did or didn’t go to. Don’t forget about soft skills: being able to communicate professionally is key to any interview and any successful career.
If you are passionate about technology and willing to do the work to learn the skills you need, a career in cybersecurity can be a great fit. Good luck!