So far in 2018, there have been more than 300,000 cybersecurity job openings in the US, as reported by CyberSeek. This is predicted, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to rise by 28% before the year 2026, which is 300% higher than the average prediction for all occupations. This statistical magnitude is possible because any company that implements digital technology is always at risk of malicious attack. In a bid to mitigate the risk, countless companies seek to hire cybersecurity experts to protect their organization from the increasingly refined threats. With demand well above supply, cybersecurity professionals are hard to come by, which gives job seekers considerable advantages.
Assured Job security
Since technology is the future, data breaches and hacking are not a passing trend. Attackers are always inventing new and sophisticated ways to disrupt service, infiltrate information systems and get hold of sensitive information. Therefore, cybersecurity experts have an extremely critical role to stay ahead of the hackers, thereby protecting companies and customers. This keeps the industry on its toes and ensures job security.
Financial stability
The central salary for information security analysts was $95,510 in 2017 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure is well above the $84,580 average for other technology-related jobs and more than double the national median salary of $37,690. With such an income, you would be able to remain financially calm and repay your student loan in no time.
It is a candidates’ market, for now
For every cybersecurity job opening, only 2.5 qualified candidates apply. This is lower than the national mean for all jobs which stands at 6.5 candidates. As an achiever who seeks entry into the industry, you should enjoy this market eutopia while it lasts. Note that more and more people are actively joining cybersecurity training and education programs.
Most cybersecurity professionals start in regular IT jobs such as database administrators and developers. From here, they move to more specialized roles by gaining additional certifications. It is advised that you obtain at least a bachelor’s degree with a focus on cybersecurity to beat the competition when it comes to securing promotion. This means that if you are already familiar with the fundamentals of computer science, such as networking and information systems, you should take advantage and select an accredited degree program from a recognized educational institution. With the benefits that come with becoming a cybersecurity specialist, the time to enter this booming industry is now.
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