Is a Career in Cybersecurity a Good Fit for You?
How do you know that a career working in cybersecurity is going to be a good fit for you?
Even though a job in cybersecurity can be highly rewarding and satisfying, it can also be very challenging and stressful. Understanding some of the job responsibilities, as well as the characteristics and personality traits of these jobs, may help you decide if a career in cybersecurity is right for you.
Why Cybersecurity?
Understanding some of the job responsibilities, as well as the characteristics and personality traits of these jobs, may help you decide if a career in cybersecurity is right for you.
There are several different careers available in cybersecurity, each with their own role in data and network protection. Based on the level of your experience and education, here are some of the most in-demand jobs in cybersecurity.
Popular Career Paths
- Entry-level: Entry-level jobs are a good opportunity to get your foot in the door and gain experience. These jobs may include system engineers, system administrators, web developers, IT techs, network engineers, and security specialists.
- Mid-level: For those with mid-level experience, job opportunities include security technician, security analyst, incident responder, IT auditor, cybersecurity consultant, or penetration tester.
- Advanced-level:Opportunities for those with a lot of work experience may include cybersecurity managers, cybersecurity architects, cybersecurity engineers, and chief information security officers.
What Degree is Needed?
The degree needed for a job in cybersecurity depends on which career path you choose. If you’re interested in an entry job you may be able to enter cybersecurity with a bachelor’s degree.
Most jobs in cybersecurity will require a bachelor’s degree in an IT field such as computer science or information technology. Some security jobs will require a master’s degree in cybersecurity, such as a masters in computer engineering or a masters in data science. A higher level of education may qualify you for advanced job opportunities
Different Personalities for Cybersecurity Careers
Understanding some of the different personalities in the cybersecurity industry can help you match up your interests with a specific career path. Knowing where you fit can help you determine if a career in cybersecurity is right for the next step in your career.
Here are some of the different personalities in cybersecurity:
The Problem Solver
Problem solvers are analytical and perceptive. Their skills at critical thinking make them adept at addressing and managing both security incidents and cyber threats within a company or organization.
When it comes to cybersecurity jobs, incident responders typically use the skills of the problem solver. They’re analytical brains of cybersecurity, using advanced computer technology to discover security weaknesses and mitigate the risks.
The Quick Learner
You may be the quick learner personality if you’re curious and enjoy researching new information. Quick learners typically work well when they’re put under pressure and are adept at anticipating what cybercriminals are up to.
If you’re the quick learner, you may want to consider a career as a security architect. Using your curiosity about IT technologies, these professionals build and maintain the security structure necessary for a company’s computer network.
The Avenger
You’ll recognize yourself as the avenger if you’re empathetic in your job and have the instinctive desire to fight against cybercrime.
Security engineers often have the personality traits of the avenger, enjoying the process of foreseeing possible security risks that may come up in the future. Typically a company’s first line of defense against a security breach, the security engineer uses their natural instinct and technical skills to pinpoint threats from outside sources.
The Teacher
Cybersecurity professionals with the personality of the teacher are helpful and caring when part of the security team. They use their effective listening skills to understand what the rest of the team is talking about, stepping in to share their knowledge and expertise when needed.
If you enjoy helping others and sharing your skills, consider a career as a cybersecurity consultant. You’ll work with the rest of the security team, as well as company managers, in the role of advisor for security issues.
The Enthusiast
The enthusiast personality is passionate about cybersecurity. They’re highly motivated to keep data security and computer networks safe from security breaches. They often use their creativity to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, have all the personality traits of the enthusiast. They’re hired by companies to hack into their computer networks, thereby leading the way to discover security vulnerabilities and how best to mitigate these security risks.
Choosing a career in cybersecurity is extremely rewarding, with more cybersecurity professionals in demand than ever before. Knowing what security job best matches your interests and personality traits can help you narrow your choices and decide what cybersecurity career is the right fit for you.