Is Cyber Security a Good Career?

Cybersecurity is a great career to enter right now, as there is a high demand for professionals with these skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of information security analysts will grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029. In comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations is only 4 percent.

The field of cybersecurity offers plenty of variety. Businesses across all industries—from healthcare and finance to entertainment and retail—face cybersecurity challenges, so there are opportunities in countless fields and disciplines.

As a cybersecurity professional, you are on the front lines of ensuring that data stays safe and secure. For this reason, it can be rewarding and satisfying, allowing you to make a real impact. However, cybersecurity jobs also come with challenges and stress. Ensuring you have the right passion and personality can help in deciding if cybersecurity is the right field for you.

Which Cybersecurity Role Is Right for Me?

Finding the right cybersecurity role depends on your experience, interests, and personality. At the core, all cybersecurity professionals are focused on protecting online data from being compromised. But within different roles, the responsibilities can vary.

Depending on your experience level, you may consider the following jobs:

• Entry-level: Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Security Administrator

• Mid-level: Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Technician, IT Auditor

• Senior-level: Cybersecurity Manager, Cybersecurity Engineer, Chief Information Security Officer

Finding the right role also can depend on the area of cybersecurity you are most passionate about. For example, if you want to educate others and create practical solutions, you may look into being a Security Consultant. If you enjoy researching and are always on top of the latest IT technologies, consider pursuing a job as a Security Architect. If you have a technical background and want to dive into code to find security solutions, perhaps Cybersecurity Engineer is your calling.

There are countless roles within cybersecurity, so take the time to consider your interests and passions when trying to find the right fit.