Get in: How to Launch Your Career in Cybersecurity
Overview on how to get into Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a vital and rapidly growing field in our increasingly digital world. With technology and the internet becoming more ingrained in our daily lives, it is now imperative for individuals to have a strong understanding of cybersecurity.
Working in Cybersecurity for close to 6 years now, I highly recommend people learn how they can get in the field. Before we go over 3 ways to get started in this cybersecurity journey, one thing to note. Keep in mind that this is a constantly evolving field, one that requires you to enjoy learning. See this as a qualification for this career path.
I tell friends that tech is no longer a field, but is now a part of every other field.
With this growth, many have come to the conclusion that they need to get in the field.
Check out this heatmap which gives a birds eye view of the field and its growth outlook
https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html
If you're interested in entering the field of Cybersecurity, look no further, here are 3 ways to get started:
Education
Hands-On Experience
Staying Current
Education
Options here are earning a degree or certification(s) in cybersecurity.
There are numerous choices available, including associate's and bachelor's degrees in Information Systems, as well as certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, (ISC)², or cloud providers. These programs can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.
Hands-On Experience
In addition to education, it's important to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity. I would say even more so important. This can include participating in internships, volunteering for cybersecurity projects, or participating in online hacking and CTF competitions.
These activities will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world situations, and deepen your understanding of the practical side of cybersecurity.
Staying Current
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field and it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments. This involves keeping up with the major trends and innovations in the field, rather than trying to stay updated on EVERY single cybersecurity news article and breach out there. You can do this by reading cybersecurity blogs and newsletters (hint, hint), attending conferences or meetups, and participating in online communities.
By staying current, you'll be better equipped to handle new and emerging cybersecurity threats and technologies.
If you're naturally curious there will be many paths for you to go down to get started in this field. Whether it's through earning a degree or certification, gaining hands-on experience, or staying current with industry developments and the community, more importantly is to remain on the path. Just decide on a direction, and stay focused.
With hard work and determination, you can have a fulfilling and successful career in this exciting field.
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> I tell friends that tech is no longer a field, but is now a part of every other field.
That's a great way of describing how things have changed. This is a really important way into the field for many people. If you're currently working in a non-tech focused job and you're starting to learn some technical skills, you can sometimes start to apply what you're learning to your current job. Many people have broken into tech-focused roles by automating some part of their current job, just because no one else has that capability.
This can lead to a more tech-focused role with your current employer, but often times it's more beneficial as a stepping stone to a different job with a much more significant pay increase. These kinds of stories, "I automated _____ task at my old job and it impacted _____" are great on resumes, and give you something specific to talk about in interviews.