Explore A Cybersecurity Career

7 Reasons to Explore A Cybersecurity Career

7 Reasons to Explore A Cybersecurity Career 864 486 N2K

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, layoffs and furloughs have sent U.S. unemployment rates surging. Currently, more than 16.8 million Americans have filed for unemployment and experts expect unemployment rates to climb 20% by this summer. While some industries have been hit particularly hard, others like the cybersecurity industry have remained stable, even proving their importance. 

Why Cybersecurity Is Here To Stay

This pandemic, the subsequent stay at home orders, have taught us that technology plays an enormous role in our day-to-day life. From the IoT smart devices that bring us information and entertainment, to the high-tech innovations used throughout the medical, financial, and technology industries. But behind all of these devices there are dedicated individuals using their talents to secure and advance technology, while preventing threats actors with bad intentions. But they need help. Lots of help.

As the reach of technology grows, the need for qualified candidates increases. While there are many reasons to consider a cybersecurity career, we’ve outlined the top seven below.

1. More open jobs than cybersecurity professionals.

Due to the explosive growth in technology and services, and the industry’s slow to react in building a pipeline of talent, the cybersecurity industry currently has more open roles than people to fill them. CyberSeek.org indicates that there are currently more than 500,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the United States, and ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates that the workforce needs to grow by 62% to meet the current demand for cybersecurity personnel. 

2. You can earn a higher salary.

Cybersecurity professionals are among some of the highest paid technology professionals. Many of the entry-level jobs in cybersecurity have a base salary around $88K a year, while the ZipRecruiter estimates the average pay for cybersecurity in the United States is $112,974 a year.

3. Job security.

71% of business leaders believe that the lack of cybersecurity talent has a measurable impact on their organization. Because organizations can’t afford to shrink their security teams, and finding replacements is often a costly endeavor, cybersecurity professionals often enjoy much job security than other departments. 

4. Unlimited growth potential.

The rapid evolution of technology and associated services  lead to the development of new roles, or at a minimum, the opportunity to expand knowledge and skills. Additionally, organizations often look within their own ranks to fill talent gaps and will help employees develop the skills needed to succeed within new roles. 

5. High job satisfaction.

When employees feel valued, secure, and can take pride in their work, they also feel satisfied. According to a recent study by Exabeam, 82% say they’re satisfied with their jobs and 86% would recommend a cybersecurity career. 

6. It takes all types.

Cybersecurity is a field composed of individuals from a wide variety of disciplines. Despite the misconception that you need to be tech-savvy to enter the field, cybersecurity offers various career paths and roles to suit a variety of needs, talents, and personalities.

7. Ability to make an impact.

In addition to the personal gains covered above, you’ll benefit the society around you with your ability to make a difference. Cybersecurity professionals play an essential role in protecting the digital world, as well as the physical world. 

Become Essential

Are you ready to explore a career in cybersecurity and develop the core skills needed to join the ranks of cybersecurity professionals? We’re offering new online training modules to help provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to launch your cyber career today.