The cybersecurity talent shortage has been a problem for over ten years. Yet, the problem is getting worse rather than better. CyberSeek reports that there are currently 755,800 cybersecurity jobs available in the UK.
Much has been written over the past year about how companies have tried to fill this gap by accepting candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, including those looking for a career change.
It’s great that someone wants to get into cybersecurity. However, it can take time to understand how to do so. It’s scary to make a career shift. It is a scary decision.
- What are the steps to get started in cybersecurity?
- What are the steps?
- Are you required to have certifications to apply for a job?
- Are you required to have a degree to apply for a job?
These are fundamental questions that matter, and there needs to be more guidance for aspiring cybersecurity professionals on making the switch.
Read: Top 10 Cyber Security Threats to Know
Practical Steps to Start Career as Cybersecurity Expert
I have a bachelor’s and a master’s in elementary education and teaching. This was my first time going through this process.
It was challenging, and I had to do it all myself. It has become a passion for helping others in similar situations.
No one should be forced to take this path alone. These are five steps to help you start a career in cybersecurity.
Read: How to Become a Cybersecurity Expert
#1. Consider the reasons why you want to enter cybersecurity.
Please do not change careers because it seems more accessible or more lucrative. Take the time to understand why you are drawn to this career change.
This applies to cybersecurity. The old saying “If you love your work, you won’t ever work a day in your life” is true. You should be entering cybersecurity for the right reasons.
#2. To find the right career path for you, explore different careers in cybersecurity.
There are many job opportunities in cybersecurity. You can be a designer/architect, defender, hacker, and responder.
Consider a more technical job, such as education and training, risk assessment, marketing, HR, or salesperson. Whatever path you choose, ensure your cyber pathway aligns with your personality.
Read: How to Prevent The Top 5 Cyber-Threats
#3. Take a look at your job board.
After you have decided which path in cybersecurity you would like to pursue, you can look at the job boards of your company to see what positions are available and whether any skills you may be able to transfer.
You don’t need all the qualifications, but you might have some experience and expertise that is more valuable than what you lack.
Common “soft skills,” such as problem-solving, lifelong learning, and communication skills, are now essential for cyber roles. They are just as valuable as technical skills.
Read: 10 Best ways to increase Cyber Company Security
#4. Network:
You may need to contact people outside your company if you are looking for cybersecurity roles. It’s an excellent way to network by joining the industry and local cybersecurity organizations.
Women in CyberSecurity, which has the mission to “recruit, retain and advance women in cybersecurity,” is one example of such an organization that supports networking and support.
Read: 6 Significant Cyber Security Tips for College Students
#5. Take advantage of the resources you have to acquire cybersecurity experience
To help people kick-start their careers, (ISC.2) offers a free Certified in Cybersecurity Certification. I took the exam and found it to be beneficial and relevant.
You don’t need to worry about getting too many certifications. These can be added later if you choose to specialize in one area.
A Note for Hiring cybersecurity Manager
Career changers and recent graduates are discouraged from applying for open positions by entry-level cybersecurity job descriptions.
This is directly contributing to the talent shortfall. Many entry-level jobs have unrealistic requirements. Many require a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) after only five years of work experience.
How is it possible for an entry-level candidate to have only five years of experience? They won’t. They don’t need a college degree to succeed as cybersecurity professionals.
Read: 8 Best Ways To Avoid a Cyber Security Attack
Candidates can learn the necessary skills by enrolling in post-secondary vocational schools, online courses, and self-learning. It is crucial to reset our expectations.
The best way to do that is to have cybersecurity teams looking for new employees work directly alongside hiring managers. This will fix the gap between job descriptions and qualifications required to succeed in an entry-level cybersecurity role.
It’s all about support.
Cybercriminals often band together to pursue victims. We in cybersecurity need to work with each other to defend ourselves and support one another. Companies will have more robust defences against cybercriminals if they have full-time security personnel.
We can also help fill these vacant positions by supporting people interested in cybersecurity, giving them the resources they need, and correcting misperceptions made by hiring managers about entry-level job qualifications. We can make huge strides in overcoming the cybersecurity talent crisis if we all work together.
