Plotting Your Cyber Security Career Path: A Guide for New Grads

Cybersecurity is an industry that is expected to reach approximately $170 billion in worth by 2020. This fact alone makes it an enticing field for college graduates to pursue.

But, like with any career journey, you'll need a plan if you want to thrive in the industry.

Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we got you covered.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about finding a cyber security career path for recent graduates.

Starting Fresh

We'll assume you don't have the luxury of being an intern at a firm or happen to have connections that could get you hired.

While it may seem disheartening to lack these advantages, it shouldn't pose too much of an issue. Due to the rising need for privacy and data protection, the number of jobs is growing right along with the value of the industry.

By 2021, there is expected to be approximately 3.5 million jobs in the field, giving plenty of opportunity to those looking for an entry-level position.

But, you're still going to have to stand out among the rest of the applicants.

Choose a Path

The term "cyber security" involves many different aspects. Saying that you want to work in the cyber security field is the same as saying you want to work in the legal industry.

Take a moment to think about the personal abilities and interests that you have and what position they could be best applied to. Common specializations to consider include:

• Security software engineering
• Incident response
• Cryptologist
• Virus technician

There are plenty of other job titles to think about, so don't let these suggestions limit you on your search.

Hone Your Skills

Want to stand out from the pack? You're going to have to offer something that the rest of them don't.

You're going to want to seek out as much information as possible about key skills like network defense, network foundations, and web application security. Reading books, researching on the Internet, and even finding a mentor can help you learn as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.

In addition to the hard skills that are relevant to the industry, you'll also need to get into the habit of asking questions, self-teaching, and working well on teams.

Get out There!

The industry is growing fast, and there's often a shortage of available security workers in the field.

Even if your skills aren't perfect, a sharp wit and willingness to learn could be enough to convince prospective employers that you're worth their time.

You don't need to know everything before you hunt for open positions. You simply need a foundation of knowledge that you can build upon in the future.

Mapping out a Cyber Security Career Path Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn't have to be.

With the above information about planning a cyber security career path in mind, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream job and catapulting yourself to new heights.

Want to learn more about cyber security and how to succeed in the field? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!