Since cyberattacks can happen anywhere and at any time, employers hiring cybersecurity professionals range from large corporations to small-business owners across a wide variety of industries. Interested in switching to a career in cybersecurity?

How to get an entry-level cybersecurity job

The first step to getting an entry-level cybersecurity job is to take stock of your current skill set. When putting together your resume, be sure to include soft skills such as communication, adaptability, conflict resolution, time management, and organizational skills, as well as technical skills.

For those who need additional training or upskilling, enrolling in a boot camp can provide in-demand skills backed by hands-on, project-based learning. These projects can also be included in a professional portfolio to share with potential employers. The relatively short time it takes to complete the courses (from 3 to 6 months), at a much lower cost than traditional university programs, is another advantage for many learners.

Learners with the time and financial resources can choose to earn a traditional degree in computer science, with a complementary degree in cybersecurity. Along with cybersecurity theory and practice, these learners will have the opportunity to explore additional interests beyond their major at a more leisurely pace.

As another option, some learners choose self-study as their educational path. This offers more flexibility in scheduling since you can learn at your own pace, and it’s also useful for those who want to master just a few specific skills. However, some employers may require independent learners to obtain additional certification to verify their training and skill set.

Where to look for entry-level cybersecurity jobs

Anyone with a computer network needs some kind of cybersecurity plan. Industries including finance, healthcare, and technology are increasingly affected by breaches that impact their customers. Because of this threat, demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever—and it exceeds the supply.

Is cybersecurity right for me?

You may be asking yourself: is cybersecurity right for me? One of the first steps toward answering that question is to do your research and understand the commitments, skills, and steps required to succeed in this field.

It’s also important to decide which aspect of cybersecurity interests you.

Cybersecurity is an umbrella term covering many specializations. For that reason, in-depth research is a great place to start looking for your niche. Browse different cybersecurity job descriptions to identify which of your skills and interests match each position.

Next, look into the types of training, credentials, and experience you’ll need to become a cybersecurity analyst, security specialist, digital forensics investigator, IT auditor, or penetration tester—to name just a few entry-level cybersecurity jobs.

As technology advances, so does the number of hackers trying to gain illegal access to computer systems. For this reason, cybersecurity professionals will continue to be in demand. According to the BLS, more than 16 000 IT job openings are projected each year over the next decade.

If you’re looking for a career that offers flexibility, cybersecurity may be an option. The ability to work from home, as well as lateral moves into other sectors, is fairly common. And with cybersecurity boot camps offering certificates in a short time, cybersecurity may be a field that’s right for you.

How to start a career in cybersecurity

Whether you’re gaining work experience, training at a cybersecurity boot camp, or earning a traditional degree, starting a career in cybersecurity isn’t always a linear path.

Of course, the most direct route to a career in cybersecurity is through a traditional degree program in computer science, engineering, information technology, or a related field. In fact, some professionals even choose to go further and earn a master’s degree. Still, those just starting out and looking for entry-level positions sometimes prefer to skip the traditional degree path in favor of 24-week intensive cybersecurity boot camps. As demand for cybersecurity professionals grows, learning cybersecurity skills without a full university education is becoming increasingly popular.

Not all cybersecurity jobs require degrees or credentials. Although diplomas or certificates can offer a more direct path to gaining skills, building a portfolio of work, and putting together a resume, learning on the job can be invaluable. However, it’s worth noting that finding a cybersecurity job with little or no experience can be challenging.

There’s no single path to starting a career in cybersecurity. You can choose where to start and where to go next based on your needs.