Word count: 1,028

Introduction

The cybersecurity industry has been around for a while now but has garnered more interest and attention in recent years. Given that technological advancements have connected more and more people and businesses around the world, cybersecurity professionals are in great demand. Organizations with extensive connections to the online digital world are seeking to hire cybersecurity professionals to protect their important data and prevent them from hackers and online attacks. If you’re considering entering the cyber security industry, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to understand why cybersecurity is the next big thing and why entering the industry might be good for you.

Cybersecurity is the Next Big Thing

With the ever-developing advancement of technology, the cybersecurity industry is growing at a rapid pace, where the demand for cybersecurity professionals outweighs the supply. The industry is estimated to grow by 31% in the next seven years (till 2029) and is projected to be worth approximately $345.4 billion by 2026. These impressive statistics just show how much room for potential the cybersecurity industry has and you might want to get a slice of that!

It is important to note that the cybersecurity industry is a rather niche one. Individuals typically have to be tech-savvy and understand the intrinsic details of how coding and computer data work — this is why the demand for cybersecurity professionals exceeds the supply. Not everyone has the capability to work in such environments or has those skill sets. Thus, if you were to be one of the candidates that were hired, you can expect a decent starting pay.

While the technical aspects of coding and computer data are important, what employers are seeking is the right attitude and the willingness to learn. As long as you demonstrate your interest (with concrete actions, of course), you have an equal chance as other candidates with more experience as the technical skills can be acquired through on-the-job training or cyber security courses; while passion is something that is difficult to cultivate overnight.

No Discrimination in Your Career Background

One common misunderstanding about the cybersecurity industry is that it is only for people with cybersecurity diplomas or degrees. While cybersecurity is indeed a rather niche industry, it has its versatility as well. In fact, there are various sectors and fields within the cybersecurity sector for people with different skills.

Some job openings do require a cybersecurity certificate as these jobs typically require individuals to be knowledgeable about the more complex theories and workings. However, if you do not have a cybersecurity background, fret not, there is space for you too!

For example, a marketing and communications background will allow you to work in the nontechnical field of cybersecurity. This could come in the form of spreading awareness about cybersecurity and teaching other employees ways they can stay safe on the internet. This is different from the coding but still significant and important in the industry.

Humanities and social sciences majors typically help out in the sector of cybersecurity education. Their critical thinking and communication skills allow them to think out of the box and come up with interesting ways to educate the public about cybersecurity.

Individuals with accounting or project management certifications under their belt are vital to the cybersecurity industry as well, specifically the global risk and compliance sector. Individuals are expected to be thorough and capable of ensuring that the data and evidence of compliance in the organization are matched. These jobs require the detail-oriented and ability to dissect data of individuals trained in accounting and project management. Since this sector is rather a niche, bigger companies often seek candidates who have some sort of cybersecurity certification. Some of the desired certifications include ISO, SOC2, NIST, HIPAA, and HITRUST.

Huge Opportunities for Career Advancements

The cybersecurity industry is ever-changing given the constant advancements in technology and the online world. Hence, there are endless opportunities for growth. As mentioned in the previous point, cybersecurity jobs hire candidates regardless of whether they have a technical or non-technical background.

Understanding your personal capabilities and job scope within the organization is important for you to plan out your next moves. There are no set rules for people to follow in order to achieve career growth. However, generally, there are a few guidelines you can follow.

Employees are often promoted to higher positions based on their merit and contributions. They are also expected to handle more responsibilities. As such, adding to your existing skillset will set you apart from others. For example, if you’re employed to work in the technical sector of cybersecurity, you could find ways to improve your technical skills by attaining higher certifications, participating in more projects, and taking more initiative during work hours. You could also learn valuable non-technical skills by participating in workshops or boot camps. If you’re determined, ask your superiors or colleagues and find out how you can improve your skillset! Your initiative and desire to learn will definitely leave an impression that will go a long way.

Personal Satisfaction

Ultimately, the cybersecurity industry exists to protect the nation’s and ordinary citizens’ critical data and information. Your work in the cybersecurity industry helps to keep people safe. While the impact may not be explicitly shown, the contributions of cybersecurity employees honestly make a significant impact on people’s lives. It is only when undesirable situations occur will people realize the importance of cybersecurity. By contributing to the cybersecurity industry, you’re allowing people to go to sleep soundly and at night without having to worry about their digital information being hacked and taken advantage of.

Conclusion

The cybersecurity industry is the up-and-coming place you will definitely want to find yourself in. Its wide array of career options within the industry is suitable for people coming from any background. As long as you are passionate and demonstrate willingness and initiative to learn and grow each day, your efforts will ultimately be rewarded whether is it through financial promotions or personal satisfaction. As the saying goes, “hard work pays off” and that is certainly true if you want to penetrate into this industry. If you’re considering switching to the cybersecurity industry, the best of luck to you!