Careers in Cybersecurity: A 6-Step Guide to Getting Started
Launching a new career takes all kinds of grit and grind, but done right, can change your whole life trajectory. Transformations don’t happen overnight though, so whether we’re talking personal or career, it’s going to take some effort.
But we know you can handle it.
Choosing a new career path can kickstart big changes, dial up inspiration, and crank open new levels in your earning power. We suggest before you jump, take a beat to learn what’s out there and where the biggest opportunities are waiting. Big swings unlock big wins, but you gotta be smart about where you’re swinging.
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry offering women a unique opportunity to put their existing skills and competencies to work in a high-paying job. There are massive talent shortages in the industry, with an estimated global shortage of 2.72 million cybersecurity professionals, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education’s data on the sector’s workforce demand.
The rewards of a new career can be huge—all you need to do is take the first step, even if it feels scary. What have you got to lose? A job that feels like a thousand Mondays, and pay that isn’t even covering your bills. Seriously, leave that BS behind and let’s talk about how to kick off a new career in cybersecurity.
Let’s dive into what you need to know about careers in cybersecurity to get started. We’re going to serve up the goods on a few important things to expect. Stuff like:
Why cybersecurity is an appealing career path
6 steps to getting started in cybersecurity
How to know if a career in cybersecurity could be for you
Why is Cybersecurity Such an Appealing Career Path?
Now, let’s talk money. Anyone who pretends they aren’t working to earn a living isn’t living in the same world we are. Maybe money doesn’t buy happiness, but we’ve never been happier than when we’re earning enough to pay our bills and chase our best lives. It’s really tough to find passion and purpose when you can’t pay back your student loans.
So we’re going to talk about how cybersecurity is challenging and fast-growing, and how you’ll never be bored. But it’s also a very lucrative field, and we are also here for every conversation about women earning six figures and more. And when those discussions aren’t happening, we’re starting them.
Average annual salaries for cybersecurity jobs can range from $86,428 for an entry-level analyst to $163,121 for a cybersecurity architect, according to Cyberseek. You could earn the kind of money that lets you call the shots–from now on.
You can target many different pathways and roles, and jobs range from cloud security specialists to operations analysts, security administrators, and compliance specialists. Where you find the best fit will depend on your interests and strengths.
Providing a mix of challenge and opportunity, cybersecurity can offer a high-paying and satisfying career, even to those breaking into the field. There’s enough demand that 78% of decision-makers report having difficulty finding certified people, with 91% stating they are willing to pay for the training and certification of the employees they hire, according to Fortinet.
You can do work that matters and pays you well, too. Cybersecurity is core to protecting our collective livelihoods in an increasingly digitized world. Building a diverse workforce to lead in these spaces is critical, and you could be part of it, starting now.
6 Steps to Getting Started in Cybersecurity
No matter your background, you likely already have skills and knowledge to build on as you step into cybersecurity. You may need help figuring out how to connect your competencies to those in high demand in the industry or support to fill any knowledge gaps efficiently.
So, where should you begin? Let’s examine how to get clear on what you want, what you’re bringing to the table, and how to create the best path forward.
Here are six steps to get you started:
number 1: Conduct a self-assessment
Figure out what you want and need next in your career, so you can be sure your path includes the stuff you love: money, passion, inspiration (okay, more money too). Nothing wrong with that! A high-paying career can give you the freedom to enrich your life, and the lives of those you care about. So, determine what you bring to the equation and what you want from your next career move.
number 2: Learn about the field of cybersecurity
Gain the necessary understanding of the cybersecurity field, from terminology to job roles and key concepts. Learn about the industry and how cybersecurity practitioners contribute to a more secure society.
number 3: Check for overlap and gaps
Look for where your passions and strengths overlap with opportunities in cybersecurity. Organizations need people with a broad range of skills, and you may have valuable and diverse experience to lend. Identify areas where you may need training and greater understanding and find avenues to gain that knowledge.
number 4: Establish connections
Build a network of connections with others in cybersecurity to help create a foundation of support as you explore options and weigh decisions. Sharing the journey with others in the field will help create opportunities and accountability, building pathways for more women to come behind you.
number 5: Prepare for challenges
A crucial part of resilience is knowing change takes work. There will be rocks on the path. Boulders, even. This isn’t some cakewalk. Understanding the obstacles you could run into will help prepare you to confidently work past them, which you’re absolutely capable of doing.
number 6: Take decisive action
Once you’ve reviewed the industry and opportunities, gotten clear on the path, and prepared for obstacles, it’s time to decide what you want. Make your decision and create a plan to forge ahead with clearly outlined strategies to claim your stake in this fast-growing industry. Then get ready.
Could a Career in Cybersecurity Be Right for You?
Organizations are looking for cybersecurity practitioners with soft skills, cloud computing skills, and security controls, according to the State of Cybersecurity 2022 Report from IT governance organization ISACA. If you’re up for the challenge, we’ve got all kinds of intel on where you’re going to find a perfect fit, different ways you can get into the industry, and how to map your own six-figure path. Nobody’s going to notice you standing off to the side, and here’s the thing–you know you don’t belong there. It’s time to just go for it.
Feeling unsure about breaking into an industry that seems to be dominated by men? It’s that kind of thinking that’s held women back, when they should actually be leading. So let’s set down all the mythology we’ve been handed about who’s in charge and who deserves to head up the most exciting projects and pathways. You belong wherever you decide you do.
At Hacker in Heels, we straight up believe women are better at cybersecurity and risk management. Full stop. Women have a diversity of skills and competencies that can revolutionize the field of cybersecurity, making society more secure for everyone.
Women once led this fight, and we’ve been crowded out of a space now full of prosperity and prestige. A quick history check will tell you we were once at the forefront of calculating, codebreaking, and programming. It’s time to reclaim our voice in the narrative and show up with our talent and skills. Besides, you belong wherever you decide you do, remember?
Are You Ready To Find Your Place? What’s Holding You Back?
Remember, ambition isn’t a dirty word. It’s the drive that moves you to bigger and better things. A challenging, high-paying career in cybersecurity could be the best use of your skills and experience, helping you make a lasting impact.
Excited to claim your stake in a 150-billion-dollar industry? We’re here to ensure you do more than dream of your new career. Our strategic, efficient approach to growing your skills and advancing your cybersecurity career will get you on the right track.
We’ve got actionable information to deepen your knowledge of the opportunities in this rapidly growing and complex field. High-quality programming and insights will help you plan the steps you’ll need to make confident moves on the path ahead. If you’re ready for a challenge with the potential to fast-track you into work you love, cybersecurity could be just the right fit for you.
Sign up for our 6-week Changemakers program to claim your space and access the insights you need to envision your path into a career in cybersecurity.
