Cybersecurity is becoming a huge industry. With cybercrime on the rise and technology constantly being adapted to suit needs, you can forge an extremely successful career with the right skillset. This guide will look at some of the most important steps if you want to start a career in cybersecurity.
Identify your transferable skills
Before you start out on your new career journey, you need to identify any transferable skills that will help you land a job. Even if you have no experience in the tech world, you might have some in-demand skills. Here are some of the most in-demand skills in cybersecurity:
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical aptitude
- Knowledge of security across various platforms
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Fundamental computer forensics skills
- A desire to learn
- An understanding of hacking
The list above contains a mixture of soft and hard skills. You will need both to forge a successful career in cybersecurity. Employers and hiring managers are looking for more than just technical know-how. They’re also looking for people with the right attitude and mindset for a career in cybersecurity. Use the list above as a basis for building your skillset.
Get your basic tech knowledge up to scratch
You won’t be able to get a foot in the door without basic tech knowledge. The position you’re going for might not be extremely technical but you still need to understand the tech you’re working with. That means understanding coding languages, hacking, the latest devices, malware and adware, and more. If you are just starting out in this industry, this is the place to start. You can learn a lot from YouTube videos and free courses. However, you might need to attend a paid course if you’re serious about expanding your knowledge base.
Research the position you want
The next step is to research the position you want. There are many different career paths in cybersecurity including (but not limited to) security officer, forensic computer analyst, security architect, and IT security engineer. Learn about the different jobs and career paths. This will give you a better idea of the specific skills you will need to land a job. The more specific you can be, the better your chances of getting employed.
See if you can get experience in your current role
If you already have a job, you should see if you can get some experience in your current role. For example, you could offer to provide an analysis of the company’s cybersecurity procedures. This will look excellent when you’re applying to new roles. Another option is encouraging your employer to apply for Cyber Essentials Certification. This will give you a chance to learn about cybersecurity and get paid for it. To find out more, search for ‘what is cyber essentials certification?‘
If you want to stand out from the pack, you should try and build some industry connections. LinkedIn is the best place to do this. Start out by looking at your current contact list and see if anyone you know works in cybersecurity. Then, reach out to people in the industry and explain your situation. Who knows? You might end up getting the chance to intern at a cybersecurity company.
There are many different cybersecurity qualifications available. Pick the right one and you can almost guarantee yourself a position. Gaining a qualification will show employers and hiring managers that you have the skills needed to do the job.
Experience counts for a lot. Even the most basic experience will help you stand out from other candidates. Offer your time for free and see if you can get an internship at a cybersecurity company. In exchange for your hard work, you might be able to get some valuable experience that leads to a paid position.
You won’t be able to get a job in cybersecurity without applying. Even if you don’t feel like you are ready to start applying, you should give it a go. Start by writing your resume and highlight any soft and hard skills that relate to cybersecurity. Then, write a personal cover letter explaining why you would be perfect for the position. You might not get a job straight away but you will learn a lot in the application process.
Create your own real-world examples
One of the best ways to land a job in cybersecurity is to actually display your skills. You could create software that could help a company defend against cyberattacks. Your software might not be perfect but it shows that you know what you’re doing. It will also help you stand out from other candidates in a big way.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Technology category
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