Tips for Studying Cyber Security
Do you want to study cybersecurity? Completing a certificate or degree program can be a significant first step in starting your career.
Besides learning the history and theories of this industry, try to take as many hands-on or simulated courses online as possible to understand the job requirements.
Reach out to faculty for extra practice or put yourself in a position on-campus to maintain computer systems. This could be through an internship or work-study opportunities. Doing this will set you apart from your classmates.
So what are the skills employers are seeking in cybersecurity professionals?
One security research survey found that 85% of employers ranked networking as a critical skill. Other skills they looked for were in Linux, Windows, and standard exploitation techniques.
Perfecting these skills will help you shine in your degree program. More importantly, it will make it easier to find a job after graduation.
Your days will be spent planning security measures, monitoring or securing your employer’s infrastructure, and responding to attacks.
Consider These Cyber Security Degrees
There are many options for starting a degree in cybersecurity. First, think about whether you prefer taking classes in-person or online. There are great programs in both tracks.
Before choosing a program, consider your learning style and what you expect from a degree program.
Some learners need the social interaction of the classroom and don’t perform well in online classes. Depending on your institution, online programs may not have the same hands-on opportunities.
But, online courses are also perfect for working professionals who need flexibility.
Online degrees include associates, certificates, or bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. Potential concentrations include national security, cybercrime, network forensics, management, policy, and more.
Cybersecurity professionals need to be curious and open to learning new things. Technology is continually changing, and they need to keep up with the latest trends.
Experts recommend completing a two-year or associate’s degree in cybersecurity first to master the basics. Plus, you can save money on tuition.
Once employed, you will learn more about the practical skills needed for the job. Then you can go back to school and finish a bachelor’s degree. Some employers even provide tuition assistance.
Finding the Best Schools to Study Cyber Security
Search online for top cybersecurity degrees, and you’ll find hundreds of recommendations. But how do you choose the best school for you?
Online courses are growing in popularity. Approximately 6.3 million students in the United States have taken at least one class online.
A majority of academic leaders now rate online programs as equal to or superior to in-person. Now is a great time to finish your degree virtually.
One of the first things to consider is the cost of tuition. Can you afford to pay it off each semester or take out student loans? Do you have scholarships or grants?
Next, do some research on the college’s accreditation. There are both regional, national, and international accreditations. You want to know what you’re getting from your school.
If you found a college you want to attend, read some online reviews to find out what past students said. Call the admissions office and make an appointment to get your questions answered.
One last tip in selecting an online college is to look up their job placement rate. How many graduates find a high-paying job when they finish?
How Is the Cyber Security Job Market?
We have great news for students like you! There is a huge demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Cyber attacks are becoming more common. Companies across the world need professionals to help protect their systems.
The number of job postings for cybersecurity jobs increased 7% between 2017-2018, yet there was a 1.3% decrease in clicks on these postings. What does this mean you? A ton of jobs to choose from.
Companies posted 313,735 openings for cybersecurity professionals between this same period. They desperately need graduates to protect their operations.
Once you gain some experience and progress to a senior-level role, you could be making an average of $100,000 a year.
With major cybersecurity issues on the horizon, the job market will expand further.
One billion more threats were blocked in 2020 compared to 2019, proving ransomware attacks are on the rise. Upcoming election security is another massive issue after the 2016 presidential election.
As more people start working from home, their secure connections to an employer are a target. The global pandemic and a shift in the workforce have made virtual work more appealing.
And finally, cybersecurity professionals will be needed to help protect mobile technologies.
Start Your Cyber Security Degree Today!
Companies all over the world need employees with cybersecurity degrees. Online threats are not only increasing each year, but they’re getting more sophisticated.
Now is the best time to consider a career in the exciting field of cybersecurity. InterCoast Colleges is proud to announce our new associate’s degree to prepare you for this cutting-edge industry.
We cover all relevant topics, including network security, ethical hacking, Linux security, testing, and more. These are skills employers are looking for.
We have been open for 35 years and have served over 20,000 students. Faculty at InterCoast Colleges are industry professionals with real-world experience.
Contact us now to learn more about InterCoast Colleges, specific degrees, or how you can apply for a program.