What Education Do You Need for Cybersecurity Work?
Even if you're not a computer expert, you might still want to keep an eye on a potential career in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity jobs are incredibly abundant right now, and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. According to Forbes, there are as many as half a million open cybersecurity positions in the United States alone, and that number is only going to increase.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2026, the number of information security analyst jobs in the US will increase by 28 percent. Cybercrime causes trillions of dollars in damage every year, and those figures are getting worse. Cybersecurity is going to remain essential for a long, long time, which means even those who aren't already cybersecurity experts have the time to learn the skills they need to launch their careers.
You might be wondering if you should pursue a degree in cybersecurity, or just learn the skills yourself. There is plenty of information on the internet and libraries, right? However, you might find that enrolling in a formal degree program isn't just easier; it's worth it. When it comes to looking for cybersecurity jobs, there are a number of ways that having a degree can give you an advantage. Here are some of the ways that a formal education can help you in your cybersecurity career.
State of the art techniques and resources
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing, rapidly changing field. There are constant updates and changes to the technology, both in terms of what cybersecurity experts and cybercriminals use. In a formal degree program, you should be kept up to date with the latest technological resources and could have access to labs and simulators that allow you to put state of the art concepts into practice. When you start looking for a job, you could do so with confidence, knowing that you should possess the expertise needed to keep up with the times.
Training for certifications
Third-party certification exams could play a huge role in landing the job you want. Certifications display your skills in areas that employers are looking for. Some certifications are for general IT and cybersecurity expertise. Others are for more specific skills, such as penetration testing, systems auditing, or management. A good formal program will help you prepare for several certification exams, so that you can be ready to take them as soon as you graduate.
Networking
Your degree program teachers and advisers won't just help you get your education. They should be cybersecurity experts who understand the industry and can provide essential advice for launching your career.
As you navigate the cybersecurity field, having your former teachers to turn to for advice can make all the difference. Likewise, you will also have classmates who will be entering the workforce at the same time as you. Keeping in touch with them after you graduate can help you keep up to date with new opportunities.
Honing your skills
When learning on your own, it can be a challenge to develop your skills so that they're well-rounded. It's easy to lean into what comes naturally to you an focus less on things that are more challenging. In a formal degree program, you should be able to easily find out which skills you need to work on, and do so in an environment where you have the resources and support to improve. Whether you need to work on hard skills, such as coding, data security, or penetration testing, or soft skills like communication, writing, and adaptability, you should be able to do so in an environment that is dedicated to learning and improving.
Are you interested in cybersecurity? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a knowledgeable admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s
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