Cybersecurity protection is an integral part of our lives and requires everyone to be aware of how to reduce the risks of cyberattacks. Effective protection helps safeguard sensitive information including personal, financial, and business data from unauthorized users.
Investing in cybersecurity is not just about prevention; it’s about fostering a safe digital environment for everyone. Your online safety is essential and due to the demand for better security, the number of cybersecurity positions are increasing globally. Understanding how to best position and market yourself is key to landing your targeted position.
Part of being prepared to enter the cybersecurity workforce is being able to articulate to the employer which aspects of cybersecurity you would like to work. For example, do you want to help defend against possible cyberattacks, or do you want to be on the offensive side of protection? Check out this article by Coursera for further information about the different types of skills and job titles associated with different roles within the industry.
Whether you are starting out with cybersecurity technology as your first career or are switching careers, successfully obtaining a job in cybersecurity involves a combination of education, skills development, work experience, and industry certifications.
Education
Many cybersecurity positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Earning a degree in computer science, cybersecurity technology, or a related field is an excellent place to start. Explore your options and learn more about the various cyber and technology-related degrees offered by UMGC.
Industry Certifications
There are numerous industry certifications that can be obtained to further reinforce your desired career path within the information technology and cybersecurity industries. Several UMGC courses are set up to introduce you to relevant content and information related to varying industry certifications. Check out UMGC’s current academic catalog and research related industry certification options from CompTIA.
Develop Technical Skills & Gain Practical Experience
Whether you develop technical skills and experience through your education, industry certifications, or self-guided courses or internship experiences, it is necessary to have a solid foundation of technical knowledge and skills before entering the workforce. The following information provides a guide for ways to acquire, obtain, or gain technical experience and skills based on which job areas you are targeting within cybersecurity.
Technical Skills
- Networking Knowledge: Understand networking fundamentals, including protocols, firewalls, and routing.
- Operating Systems: Gain experience with various operating systems, especially Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Programming/Scripting: Learn programming languages relevant to cybersecurity, such as Python, JavaScript, or Bash scripting.
Practical Experience Options
- Internships: Seek internships or co-op programs to gain hands-on experience.
- Virtual Work Simulations: Found within CareerQuest, Forage collaborates with world-leading companies to create virtual job simulations. You can also translate this work experience from Forage into your resume.
- Cyber Labs and Online Platforms: Practice skills in a controlled environment on platforms, including TryHackMe.com, Nmap "Network Mapper," Hack The Box, VulnHub, Hack This Site, and Defend The Web.
- Volunteer: Offer to help with cybersecurity for non-profits or small businesses to build your portfolio.
By strategically combining your education, technical skills, and practical experience, you can create a compelling profile that stands out to employers in the cybersecurity field.
Security Clearance and What You Need to Know
It is important to know that a level of security clearance is often required for jobs that involve access to sensitive or classified information. Security clearances assess trustworthiness and protect against espionage as well as comply with organizational security policies, legal and regulatory requirements. Learn about cybersecurity employment and security clearances.
Network and Stay Updated
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. It is important to follow industry news, blogs, and podcasts to stay informed about the latest threats and technologies. Consider joining professional organizations and participating in cybersecurity conferences, workshops, and local meetups to connect with professionals in the field.
Build a Strong Resume and Online Presence
When applying for these positions it is important to tailor your resume by highlighting relevant skills, certifications, and experiences specific to cybersecurity. Also, an online presence with a LinkedIn profile is an excellent way to showcase skills, projects, and certifications. You can also read and engage with cybersecurity content and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn.
Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs
There are several places to find cybersecurity and technology-related jobs.
- CareerQuest Jobs: Allows you to search for jobs and internships by location, industries, job type, etc. You also have the option to set search alerts.
- Handshake: Connects you with employers seeking to hire UMGC students for entry-level jobs and internships. Use your UMGC student sign-on to access the Handshake portal.
- General Job Boards: Utilize LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and Dice.
- Cybersecurity-Specific Job Boards: Explore Cybersecurityjobs.com and Clearedjobs.net.
- Government and Non-Profit Job Boards: Checkout USAJobs.gov, Cyberseek.org, and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
- Careers Webpages: Go to the websites of companies you’re interested in and check their careers pages!
Summary
Pursuing a cybersecurity or technology-related degree and gaining practical experience along with industry certifications will set you on a positive path to finding your desired career in cybersecurity. By following these steps, preparing for interviews, and being persistent, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in cybersecurity.
Raelynn F. Grasso is a Career Advising Specialist at the University of Maryland Global Campus and Adjunct Psychology Professor. She has experience leading and providing individual, group, and career counseling as well as executing and developing programs to enhance college student enrichment. Ms. Grasso’s areas of research include career decision-making, epistemic cognition, self-efficacy, and college student development. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah as well as a M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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