Types of cyber security jobs (also called “cybersecurity”) range from intense computer programming fields to business management. As a graduate in a programming, security, or related IT field, you may be wondering what jobs exist in your range of expertise. Even knowing this, the education, certification, and experience required to obtain them may not be immediately apparent.
Use this guide to understand how different cybersecurity jobs lead to one another. We’ll go over entry-level and high-level positions so that you can map out your career and gain the certification and experience you need to excel.
Skills and Education
Cybersecurity demands skills in diverse fields to be a viable career path. As a low-level programmer or technician, you may gain experience. However, first you need the right skills and education.
Those who earn degrees in IT or programming are well on their way to entry-level security positions. However, most of us want to apply for the higher-paying positions, which may favor those with advanced degrees. A master’s degrees in programming along with additional education in management and business administration can greatly improve your applications.
As for skills, cybersecurity employees need experience in threat detection and programming. Go for programming certification, such as CompTIA completion. Apply to be certified as an Information Systems Security Professional. These certificates on your applications will help you nab the best jobs.
3 Types of Cyber Security Jobs
These are 3 of the main types of positions available, which exist as entry-level positions but also progress to high-paying careers in cybersecurity.
Developer
Cybersecurity developers create software for companies, including web development for their sites. This is a functional entry-level job that can progress to higher fields in programming and network development (such as the coveted cybersecurity architect position) if you gain enough experience.
Consultant
Cybersecurity consultants often work for companies by commission to assess their security networks and coordinate their IT departments on viable solutions. Their job involves a lot of communication since you have to explain to business owners how their security systems work and how they should be optimized.
Many consultants now make good money working freelance, hiring themselves out to companies on a temporary basis to lend their expertise.
Analyst
Security analysts work with company networks to set up firewalls and detect (as well as respond to) security breaches. As companies rely more on networks for data storage, analysts will continue to be a high-demand IT job.
Those who hope to become high-paying head security officers for big clients need experience as an analyst first.
Where to Go Next With Your Degree
Types of cyber security jobs number so many that you may not know what to do with your new bachelor’s degree. The three main types of jobs listed above lead to higher-level positions through the experience and skills you gain.
Seek out higher certification, such as through CompTIA, to make your application more impressive to prospective employers. Positions in cybersecurity remain in high demand because of corporate dependence on networks to store and process data. However, this also means that jobs remain competitive. Those with diverse education, certification, and skills will be most likely to obtain the most-coveted positions.
