In the United States, millions of cybersecurity jobs go unfilled each year. This occurs because cybersecurity is still viewed as a discipline that is not popular for today’s students. On the contrary, cybersecurity is one of the best disciplines to get into right now because the opportunities are endless.
The first area I would like to discuss is the degree or credentials needed in order to work in cybersecurity. Many job applications list that potential candidates should have a degree in Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science or related disciplines.
While many employers would like their candidates to have a bachelors or masters degree in cybersecurity, it is sometimes not listed since few people actually have a cybersecurity degree. Therefore, professionals that are already working in IT or Computer Science may not need to get a supplemental degree in cybersecurity at all, if they take the proper certifications then they can easily land a job in cybersecurity without having a cyber degree.
Even though many potential candidates will come from an IT or Computer Science background, there is still a major shortage in professionals with proficient skills in cybersecurity.
If students do not have a degree in IT or Computer Science, then it is highly recommended that they pursue a diploma in cybersecurity in order to gain the skills and knowledge that will help them be successful in the corporate world. It will also help them understand the material they may find in the various certification exams.
Candidates that understand threat detection and information assurance will be successful as cybersecurity professionals today.
