In 2020, over 4 billion dollars were lost to cybercrime in the United States. Since then, the world has been paying closer attention to online security than ever before. As the next arms race happens in cyberspace, cyber security jobs have never been more in-demand. If you think you can hack it, this is a lucrative, in demand career choice, even if you don’t have a degree. To see if you can hack it, Top Applicant consults with an industry expert.
Where You’ll Work
While you may picture some crazy server farm in the basement of a skyscraper, that’s typically not where you’ll find cyber security jobs. There are three typical focuses our experts come from.
Private
At private firms, there are more opportunities for flexibility than in any other cyber security job. Most leading, privately owned cyber security companies offer various services, ranging from roles for on-site and remote work. Whether you’re an engineer, support, or in sales, you’re sure to find a role that suits your career goals.
Going private can be a great way to build a career. However, it can be one of the fastest paths to burnout. Many positions may require you to work long hours and deal with customers. That’s why our career experts recommend looking into corporate cyber security.
Corporate
At the corporate level, cyber security jobs may seem more routine, but that doesn’t mean you can get complacent. Even if you’re just in networking or DevOps, you still need to be up-to-date on the latest threats. Protecting the company you work for is important, so make sure you’re on a team you can trust to be there when you need them most.
Our experts will tell you that’s the hardest thing about this type of cyber security job. Processes, threats, and teams can change quickly if the C-suite says so. Which is why securing yourself in this field can be so difficult. Trying to climb the corporate ladder while fighting off new threats every day can lead to immense burnout.
Government
For most, the final boss of cyber security jobs is state and national governments. This is one of the most difficult yet rewarding career paths in the industry. Everyone at this level needs to be at the top of their game—but don’t worry, these jobs come with plenty of training!
From boots on the ground around the world, to, yes, the basements of skyscrapers, government cyber security jobs can take you many places. The top brass in these positions are on-site for double digit hours, and they have to adjust how they live their lives for their job. If you still think you can hack a career in cyber security, let’s discuss what you’ll be doing on the job.
What You’ll Do
Obviously, cyber security jobs will require a great deal of coding and systems management experience. But being a skilled coder is only half the battle. To get to the top of this game, you’ll need a lot more than just sharp wits and a big brain.
Hard Work
While it may seem like just sitting at a computer all day, very rarely do top professionals have time to sit down! Networking specialists can be on their feet for hours a day, while some analysts barely have to leave their desks! No matter what position you find yourself in, you’ll have to manage threats and solve problems in seconds. If you’re looking to hack a career in cyber security, make sure you’re prepared for the stress.
Long Hours
When your systems are threatened, you can’t just clock out at 5. This is far from your typical 8-hour shift, but this is one of the few fields where long hours are taken into consideration. Whether it’s compensation, overtime, or stellar benefits, many companies are prepared to invest in their cyber security jobs. However, long hours away from family and the extensive commitment level required have some people leaving the industry.
Leaving IT
Learn and Lead
Our expert’s second-to-last piece of advice is that you have to learn how to take a loss. Perfection is impossible, and the pursuit of it will only make you hate your job and yourself. Learn what went wrong and what you can do better next time. That’s how everyone learns, from new project managers to seasoned industry professionals!
Finally, Top Applicant’s experts agree that you have to learn how to celebrate a win, too! Anyone who gets into this field will say that it always feels good when things go right. That’s why celebrating wins is important, no matter how small. Leaders inspire their team to do better as they crush new challenges. To become a leader and build a successful career in cyber security, there’s one crucial question you need to answer:
Can You Hack It?
Prove it by getting matched with the right company for you! Build your profile and put your free resume out there. Whether you’re just starting your career, or blazing a new trail, Top Applicant is here for you! Put our proven hiring tools to the test for your next job search.
