Considering how hackers appear in the news on a regular basis, it’s no surprise that cybersecurity professionals continue to be in high-demand across the technology world.
Because of this acute need, a copious number of lucrative opportunities remain available to professionals experienced in information security. This trend shows no sign of abating in 2020.
A constantly changing tech industry also means other changes for cybersecurity pros in the coming year, especially in education and training. Let’s take a look at a few of the more important ones to keep your career path trending upwards. After all, staying informed helps ensure your continued success.
Looking For Your Future in Cybersecurity?
Information Security Remains a Growing Field
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 37 percent growth in the number of information security jobs from 2012 to 2022. This is significantly higher than the average for all other job roles. As the end of that period approaches, the need for cybersecurity professionals obviously continues to grow, proving the BLS’s analysis.
The Need For Cybersecurity Leads to More Educational and Training Options
With the strong demand for cybersecurity pros, colleges are beginning to add undergraduate programs in the field. Previously, training programs and earning certifications positioned IT personnel for an information security role. While training is still a valid option for those already working in technology, those just starting college need to consider one of these new cybersecurity degree programs.
Diana Burley, a professor at George Washington University and 2014 Cybersecurity Educator of the Year, commented on these growing options. “Continuous professional development is critical in the field of cybersecurity because the nature of the threat continuously evolves. Many options exist for current professionals to augment their skill set; including certificates from technical training companies, additional degrees through university study, or stand-alone hands-on courses to develop specific skills. The right decision depends on specific knowledge or skill required. There is no one-size fits all,” said Burley.
The Cybersecurity Positions in Today’s Job Market
While “Cybersecurity” isn’t always present in an official job title, this is beginning to change. When looking for work in this arena, search for positions like Cybersecurity Analyst or Cybersecurity Engineer. Experienced information security professionals need to consider a Cybersecurity Architect role to take full advantage of their senior-level skills.
The typical experience required for these positions includes incident response, firewall/IDS/IPS skills, intrusion detection, application security development, and advanced malware prevention. Other tech abilities, notably Cloud computing and virtualization, are also a must. Use this information to build a résumé filled with the information security and technology experience able to attract interested companies.
Looking for the next step in your cybersecurity career?
When you need help with your IT job search, speak with the expert recruiters at The CERES Group. As one of the top technical staffing agencies in Boston, we know the companies that need cybersecurity pros. Connect with us soon!