How to start a career in cyber security with no experience (Guide)?
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How to start a career in cyber security with no experience (Guide)?

There is a severe skills gap in the cybersecurity sector, which is crying out for new entrants.

The annual survey from ESG, which publishes an information technology report every year, makes this evident. Cybersecurity is considered the most crucial category for skilled people in their 2018 survey. According to a recent (ISC)2 report, the cybersecurity industry will need 1.8 million new employees by 2022 because of its importance. Source

The demand for cybersecurity skills is apparent, but many people are still unsure how to make themselves appealing to businesses. Is it possible to join the field without any prior knowledge, for example? Do you need a specialist cybersecurity degree? To be a cybersecurity professional, do you need to be able to code software?

Many of the skills required for a cybersecurity career are similar to those needed in other technical fields. But while there are plenty of similarities, some significant differences exist between Cybersecurity and other jobs.

The first step is to determine if Cybersecurity is the right professional path for you before investing in education and training.

You may have caught wind of the cybersecurity sector’s job market through news articles or industry-related websites, but this is still only the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding what Cybersecurity means for your future career path. The more on-point knowledge you have about the subject, the better equipped you will be.

For Leadership Role in Cybersecurity

A varied skill set and a desire to continue learning are required to pursue the leadership route. You must have strong leadership abilities and a thorough grasp of information technology systems and procedures, and advanced cybersecurity skills and knowledge in this position.

For Operations Role in Cybersecurity

Operations are an essential part of information security management, which requires that you have strong IT skills. You need to know how to detect potential threats, resolve technical issues and maintain network security.

Information security specialists who are graduates or have knowledge in the sector may consider pursuing positions as security analysts, malware researchers, penetration testers, network engineers, cybersecurity consultants, IT help desk staff members, among other professions.

Here are other roles in Cybersecurity to look out for:

  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Global Information Security Director
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Lead Software Security Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Architect
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Penetration Tester
  • Network Administrator
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Security Auditor

For Engineer Role in Cybersecurity

The second alternative is to pursue the engineering route in Cybersecurity. Those with engineering expertise and an interest in creating secure systems to avoid dangers are well suited for this profession.

Engineers who have a deep understanding of what it takes to create a secure system may seek employment as follows:

  • Lead Software Security Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Architect
  • Cybersecurity Engineer

How to Begin a Career in Cybersecurity?

Invest in Your Education and Get More Knowledge

Earning a professional PGP certification in Cybersecurity is generally the first step toward entering the field. If you have a degree and expertise in information security, you have many options to choose from.

You could first start with obtaining an undergraduate degree in information technology, information systems and computer science and gain experience in the field.

You could then expand your knowledge by obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity operations and leadership or information technology, which could help enhance your career opportunities in Cybersecurity and increase your chances of getting hired for senior positions.

If you want to enter the cybersecurity engineering profession, start with an engineering degree and then acquire valuable experience in Cybersecurity through direct experience or a master’s program focused solely on cybersecurity engineering.

Whatever path you pursue, education is essential. One of the main causes behind the growing number of unfulfilled cybersecurity openings — According to Cybersecurity Ventures‘ predictions, there would be 3.5 million vacant cybersecurity positions by 2021 — is because employers continue to have trouble finding skilled workers with sophisticated training high-level abilities they require.

The number of vacant cybersecurity jobs is staggering, and it’s expected to rise as cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their assaults and businesses search for individuals with the necessary skills and understanding to defend against them.

Those with a cybersecurity degree benefit from many job openings due to a lack of qualified applicants. Not only are employment prospects numerous for information security degree holders, but salaries are also substantial owing to the scarcity and strong demand.

Get Certified in Cybersecurity

It would help if you earned an industry certification in a specific area or topic that you are interested in to obtain a position as a cybersecurity specialist. The following are some of the most popular and sought-after cybersecurity qualifications:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Networking is Important

In nearly every sector, networking is essential, and Cybersecurity is no exception. If you’re seeking networking possibilities, there are a variety of options open to you:

Join your local cybersecurity organisations.

Many cities have cybersecurity organisations, which can be helpful in learning and networking with professionals in the sector.

Volunteering with a cybersecurity organisation might be beneficial.

There are several organisations that educate the public about Cybersecurity and recruiting new candidates into the field. Getting involved with Cybersecurity groups can be beneficial for networking as well as improving your portfolio.

Go back to school.

One of the most significant advantages is networking and connecting with professors, employers, and peers in the field. Furthermore, most high-quality cybersecurity schools will have a career centre that has developed strong relationships with businesses. Your university’s career centre may assist you in locating potential employers and advising you on how to obtain your foot in the door.

How to Move From IT to Cybersecurity?

Maybe you’ve heard about the growing cybersecurity industry or how cybercrime is on the rise. Perhaps you’re searching for a new challenge after spending your entire career in IT and want to pursue a cybersecurity career. If that’s the case, meet Paul Cho.) Whatever your motivation, here are some suggestions to assist you in moving from IT to security.

Consider Your Professional Long-Term Goals

Consider how you’d like to spend the rest of your life. Make a list of everything that goes into being a happy (or nearly content) professional. Consider things like daily activities, projects, and difficulties you may be involved with. Are you more enthralled by leadership and administration or engineering? Where will your talents have the most significant impact?

Gain Experiences in Cybersecurity

Getting industry experience will help you figure out what kind of cybersecurity job you want. Networking is a fantastic place to begin. You may search for local networking groups or events or network online using Linkedin. This will not only encourage others to know that you’re seeking a career change and new employment possibilities, but it’ll also raise awareness about your desire to make such a transition.

Volunteering and internships are two methods to gain industry knowledge. This hands-on experience will provide you with a leg up in the job market.

Improve Your Knowledge

Pursuing higher education is perhaps the most essential step. Although a bachelor’s degree is required in many careers, many employers demand master’s degrees and industry certifications. Professional certification will allow you to pursue more job opportunities and earn a better salary. Look for a PG program in Cybersecurity that gives you the best exposure and includes lab work and hands-on learning as part of its curriculum.

Entry-level Cybersecurity Employment Opportunities

“Entry-level” and “non-experienced” do not always mean the same for cybersecurity jobs. It typically implies a bachelor’s or master’s degree with industry expertise.

A Cybersecurity Expert in India can earn an average of Rs 10,94,913 per annum. Source

Here are some places to look for an entry-level cybersecurity position:

  • Look at the government cyber career postings website.
  • Explore job listing sites.
  • Check out job ads from organisations you wish to work with.

Make Your Cyber Security Resume

Hiring managers seek a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The top of your resume should be easy to read, with your most recent work at the top.

A few suggestions to help you with building your resume:

Tips for a Great Resume

Make a point of being precise in your achievements, and if at all possible, including data. Make a concise career summary. Include your current phone number. Check everything twice.

List any relevant IT or Cybersecurity skills you’ve acquired. Highlight any IT-related accomplishments or successes that may be included. Include relevant education experience, such as self-paced courses and certifications. your current job responsibilities, including those with specific names or titles. Highlight any experience in the field of IT/Cybersecurity where you handled a difficult situation successfully.

Takeaway

There has never a good or right time to begin a career in Cybersecurity. Almost every firm on the planet now desires individuals who know how to construct and protect networks against continuing and potentially cataclysmic cyber dangers.

There are immediate cybersecurity employment possibilities worldwide, across all sectors and industries if you have skills in information security and can demonstrate your knowledge with education and experience.

We offer the best PGP in Cybersecurity powered by Cybint/ ThriveDX with a one-of-its-kind CompTIA Certification.

Our Cybersecurity Program is focused on academic excellence and the latest cybersecurity mitigation, with an emphasis on teaching students how to become effective lifelong experts— a skill that will be critical in the ever-changing world of cybercrime and security.

Those interested, connect with us at admissions@wpurise.com.


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