7 Reasons to Start a Career in Cyber Security
If you’re looking for a career field with a stellar job outlook and many opportunities for advancement, cyber security is right up your alley. For technology lovers and those who enjoy problem-solving, cyber security is a career that is rapidly growing and in high demand.
Choosing a career in cyber security comes with so many benefits that it’s impossible to list all of them, but here are the top X benefits and reasons why you should choose to start a career in cyber security today.
#1. Fantastic Job Outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that job openings in cyber security (specifically information security analysts) will increase by 33% in the next ten years, though it’s expected to remain a vital industry for the foreseeable future.
Every time a new app is made or a new business creates an internet presence, the need for cyber security increases, and more companies will start looking for those who have cyber security experience. As long as apps, websites, and businesses are being created, there will always be job openings for cyber security professionals.
#2. It’s an Evergreen Industry
Cyber security is often referred to as an evergreen industry, meaning that no matter what time of year it is, your skills will always be in high demand. Unlike the travel industry where you might see a lull during the winter or off-season, cyber security professionals will always have work and will always be able to find work if needed.
The need for cyber security will never disappear, so you don’t have to worry about making less money during a certain time of the year. As businesses and individuals alike use the internet 24/7, 365 days of the year, cyber security needs to be regularly updated and improved to keep users safe from hackers and malware.
#3. Minimal Education Requirements
While some cyber security positions require a master’s degree, most companies are willing to hire those with only a bachelor’s. In some cases, you may even be able to find a job with only a certificate or an associate’s degree, though you’ll have more limitations when it comes to advancing your career.
On average, cyber security professionals will need a bachelor’s degree. Although it isn’t necessarily a requirement for many recruiters, more companies are starting to prefer those with a college degree over those who are self-trained.
If you’re working on getting your degree and want to work part-time, cyber security is a great field to do so! You’ll be able to find jobs that don’t require a degree and in some lucky cases, you may be able to land a job that will pay for your schooling if you commit to working for them.
#4. Travel Opportunities
If you land the right job, you may just find that you’ll get paid to travel! Whether the company you work for has multiple locations or you work as a freelance contractor, there are possibilities to travel as a cyber security professional.
Cyber security professionals are in such high demand that many companies are willing to pay you extra to move to them. This may mean working for the government, a private business, or in the public sector. As someone who works in cyber security, you won’t be lacking in opportunities.
With a degree in hand and a bit of experience, you may be able to land a job overseas or in a city that you’ve always dreamed of living in. You may be able to find a short-term contract or find a job where you’ll stay indefinitely. Whatever you choose, you can find travel opportunities if you’re looking for them.
#5. High Salary
It’s no secret that many people want a high-paying career. While most people turn to medicine or business, few realize that cyber security plays just as well.
Entry-level cyber security positions average $93,000 annually while some chief positions earn over $400,000 depending on their location. Even if you don’t live in a major metropolitan area or hold a chief position, a lot of cyber security jobs will pay over $100,000.
#6. Remote Work
With the pandemic, many businesses sent employees home and had them work from home. Even once the pandemic ended and it was deemed safe to return to the office, many employees wanted to continue working from home. While some businesses allowed this, many did not.
As more and more people start looking for remote opportunities, cyber security becomes more prominent. Many businesses are willing to let their cyber security specialists work from home, only coming in when it’s necessary. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate hybrid work: part-time at home and part-time in the office.
#7. Flexibility
With job satisfaction linked to flexible schedules, employers are starting to provide more flexibility for their employees. It’s a commonly sought-after benefit that many employees may leave their old jobs in favor of, but many businesses that seek out a cyber security expert are readily offering it to attract and retain knowledgeable cyber security professionals.
As cyber security specialists are desired by businesses in all industries, you have a lot of negotiation power when hunting for a job. If you don’t like an employer’s scheduling policies or you want more flexibility, you won’t have a problem finding someone who will be willing to bend to your needs.
As long as you’re able to do the work they need to be done, many employers are going to be more than willing to provide you with the flexibility you want.
Get Started Today!
To take advantage of the many career benefits listed above, you must start your journey to becoming a cyber security professional as soon as possible. Whether this is by completing the degree you, ve already started or finding a new program to start in the fall, the perfect career in cyber security awaits you!
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more