How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity

  Divij Jain     May 25, 2021

Invest in Your Education

Whatever path you choose, education is key. One of the primary reasons for the many unfilled cybersecurity jobs — Cybersecurity Ventures estimates there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2021 — is that employers continue to have trouble finding talented professionals with the advanced education and high-level skills they need.

n such a desperate landscape, where so many jobs remain unfilled due to the lack of qualified candidates, those with a cybersecurity degree have a great advantage. Not only are job options vast for information security degree holders, salaries are high due to the lack of supply and the urgent demand..

Get Certified

In order to land a job in cybersecurity, you will also want to consider earning industry certification in a specific area or subject matter that you are interested in. Some of the most popular and sought-after cybersecurity industry certifications include:

• CompTIA Security+
• CISSP — Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• CISM — Certified Information Security Manager
• CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor
• GIAC — Global Information Assurance Certification
• CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker

Network

Networking is important in almost every industry, and cybersecurity is no exception. There are multiple avenues available if you are looking for networking opportunities:

• Join local cybersecurity orgs such as the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence.
• Many cities have their own cybersecurity associations, which can be excellent venues not only for learning but also for networking with professionals in the industry.
• Volunteer with a cybersecurity organization. There are a number of organizations that seek to spread the word about cybersecurity and attract people to the field. Getting involved with one of these organizations can be great for networking and for boosting your resume. Mansi Thakar, a University of San Diego graduate student in the Master of Science Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program who had no experience in cybersecurity before beginning the master’s program, began working with the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, in an effort to expand her knowledge and community.
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