Due to the increased occurrence of cybercrime, there are more opportunities for people who want to take up careers protecting people, businesses, and organizations from cyberattacks. Cyber security skills not only offer many potential employment opportunities, but they also promise a lifelong, secure career since cyber criminals will never stop attacking classified and private data and information. As a final point, it is a lucrative occupation, offering salaries commensurate with the importance of the job. Cyber security jobs are highly competitive, so it is not surprising that they are in high demand. If you are looking for a cyber-security job, here are some tips to help you get ahead.
Do a thorough research
Find out more about cyber security and what it entails. The more you know about the different kinds of disciplines that are associated with the work, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate to a potential employer that you have a general interest in it. But it will also help you decide based on your skills and experience. Get as much information as possible about data encryption, data confidentiality, information assurance, and penetration testing.
Increase your credentials
Education and training in cyber security will make you a much more competitive candidate. Consider registering in an industry-recognized cyber-security course, such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or GPEN (Certified Penetration Tester).
Get an internship
An excellent way to gain work experience is through cybersecurity internships, which many large companies offer right after graduation. Although, in this case, you may be doing unpaid work, this experience may prove invaluable. At the very least, it will be a worthwhile addition to your resume, even if you do not get paid for it.
Develop a rounded skill set
Cyber security expertise is helpful, but showing a more rounded, overall technical background will also assist you in your job search. If you are already employed in IT, you can use this information as a starting point for developing a set of core IT skills and knowledge.
As someone who isn’t working in IT, you may want to take advantage of any courses that are available in your local area. This will help you get a basic IT foundation that will help you get the job you want if you don’t work in IT.
Apprenticeships offer workplace learning
You may prefer a more “hands-on” approach to gaining cyber security expertise through apprenticeships rather than going to college. In this way, you will be able to earn a living while you are learning the necessary skills and gaining the experience that you need.
Experience in the Workplace
Suppose an apprenticeship is not available in your area. In that case, it might still be possible to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental aspects of cyber security and how industry professionals conduct themselves in their daily work by spending some time on a work experience placement.
The experience you will gain from this may not be paid for, but it might cover your expenses for a couple of days. And it may make a big difference when it comes to applying for cyber security jobs.
Despite working for a regular IT company, you could ask your employer to move you into their cyber security department to gain some hands-on experience.
Get involved in a professional organization
By joining organizations such as ISSA (Information Systems Security Association), you can learn about security work and get involved in the profession before becoming a professional.
The ISSA provides networking opportunities for information security professionals. In addition, it also hosts educational forums and publishes publications to promote security education and skills development; ISSA encourages free information exchanges, communicates current security events, and assists enterprise business managers in understanding the importance of security controls.
Set up a testing site of your own
Cybercrime is difficult to comprehend unless you are either the criminal trying to commit the crime or the security professional assigned to stop it. If you want to test your skills on a more real-world basis, one way would be to set up your own network using two or more old computers and a cheap wireless router. It will also test your skills on a more hands-on basis. By doing this, you will be able to carry out all sorts of checks and tests regarding the security of the network switch, firewall, server, as well as other hardware and software in the network, as well as devise ways of securing any shortfalls that you discover along the way. It is exactly the kind of initiative that could tip the balance in your favor if you compete for a real cyber security job. You have this type of initiative.
Make sure you have a personal network set up
The people we meet in life are often as important to us as the lessons we learn. You should spend as much time as you can with professionals in the field and those looking to pursue a career in it. Take the time to share your ideas and experiences with them and, more importantly, listen to what they have to say to you.
Developing a personal network of people who are interested in and understand the field of cyber security will help you gain knowledge and empower you to make valuable contacts that could be useful when you seek cyber-security employment.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that cyber security is an exciting and technologically advanced field that has recently gained a lot of popularity. Those who are interested in cyber security have probably completed the program or are on their way to learning it. Either way, you’re headed in the right direction. Having the right skills and determination can make you successful cyber security professional. This article has offered some useful tips that can help you find a decent job following graduation.
