While we’ve spent time talking about how to stay safe online, it’s also a good opportunity to look at cybersecurity as a career path, especially for students thinking about what comes next. As digital threats evolve, so does the demand for professionals who can protect data, systems, and people.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of information security analysts to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for other occupations.

One common misconception is that cybersecurity is only for people who know how to code or build networks. While technical knowledge is certainly valuable, many roles in cybersecurity rely just as much on communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

In fact, a recent ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) study found that soft skills are among the top qualifications employers look for when hiring information security professionals, with adaptability, collaboration, and analytical thinking all ranking highly. This means students from a variety of academic backgrounds, such as business, psychology, law, communications, can find a place in cybersecurity. For example:

• Policy and compliance roles benefit from strong writing and organizational skills.
• Security awareness and training roles need educators who can connect with people.
• Risk analysts often come from business or data science backgrounds.

Getting Started

If you’re curious about cybersecurity as a career, here are some useful resources.

• CISA: Cybersecurity for Beginners
• SkillsBuild: Free Cybersecurity Courses
• CyberSeek: Career Pathways
• LinkedIn Learning: Cybersecurity Careers (login required)

And if you’re not sure where to begin, reach out to ITS. We’re happy to point you toward resources or answer questions.