Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?

With many careers available in technology, you might ask yourself, Is cybersecurity a good career? and Is a cybersecurity degree worth it? Cybersecurity is an important part of the information technology field, but is it the right choice for you?

If you are asking yourself, Is cybersecurity a good major? the answer may be yes if you are interested in applying technical skills to help people and organizations stay safe online. Continue reading to learn more about the field of cybersecurity.

In This Article:

• Why Study Cybersecurity? Why Is It Important?
• Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Choice for You?
• Are Cybersecurity Jobs in Need?
• Which Industries Need Cybersecurity Experts?
• Is Cybersecurity Hard?
• What Skills Do Cybersecurity Professionals Need?
• Do You Need a Degree To Become a Cybersecurity Professional?
• Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It for Career Advancement?
• Starting Your Career in Cybersecurity
• Can I Really Make a Difference?

Why Study Cybersecurity? Why Is It Important?

Companies both small and large are at risk of cyberattacks, proving the need for cybersecurity professionals. Whether it is a multi-billion-dollar company or a small family business, it is important to incorporate security measures to avoid cyberattacks. This may include having cybersecurity professionals on staff to ensure the company’s networks and online presence are safe and secure.

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Choice for You? 

Cybersecurity can be an exciting and meaningful field to work in. Of course, only you can decide which career path is best suited to your interests and preferences. Start by asking yourself the following questions: 

• Do you have a curious personality, and do you enjoy learning new things? 
• Do you have a knack for computers and a desire to sharpen your technical skills? 
• Are you interested in a job that can make a difference by protecting organizations and individuals from cybercriminals? 
• Do you enjoy coming up with creative solutions to challenges? 
• Can you work well as part of a team as well as independently?

If your answer to all or most of these questions is “Yes,” then cybersecurity may be the right career path for you.

Are Cybersecurity Jobs in Need? 

The need for cybersecurity professionals is an important factor to consider when entering a cybersecurity degree program. The good news is that cybersecurity and similar information technology careers are on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for information security analysts to increase by about 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 53,200 jobs in the field.¹

Career Opportunities for Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity work can be a meaningful career with room for advancement. With the right education and experience, you have the potential to pursue a range of career options in this field. Job postings in cybersecurity can range from internships and entry-level positions to mid-level and executive positions.

Some of the career possibilities in cybersecurity include:²

• Systems integration engineer 
• Systems administrator 
• IT systems engineer 
• Security consultant 
• Information security analyst 
• IT security specialist 
• Systems test engineer 
• Penetration tester 
• Chief information officer

The opportunity to make a difference in the world and improve the lives of others is precious. If your passion lies in IT, you may be able to use your skills to protect people’s sensitive information and potentially save them from possible financial struggles. Another option is to work for a government agency, which can bring personal and professional satisfaction while helping to defend your country.³

Which Industries Need Cybersecurity Experts? 

Any organization that has a digital presence needs some type of information security. Cybersecurity professionals work to protect businesses, supply chains and government agencies.³

Some industries that rely heavily on cybersecurity professionals include:³ 

• Healthcare 
• Finance and insurance 
• Energy 
• Manufacturing 
• Education 
• Digital assets markets

Is Cybersecurity Hard? 

Cybersecurity can certainly be challenging, as black hat hackers are continuously looking for new ways to thwart security systems to steal sensitive information or disrupt the functioning of computer systems. However, people who enjoy solving problems and embracing innovative thinking may enjoy this line of work. It’s also ideal for those who are passionate about technology and enjoy continually refining their technical skills.

What Skills Do Cybersecurity Professionals Need? 

Each cybersecurity job may have a different set of required skills and characteristics. However, some common soft skills include:⁴

• Problem-solving 
• Analytical reasoning 
• Strong communication 
• Attention to detail 
• Creativity

These skills may be beneficial in a business setting to fix issues as they arise. Other technical skills that are important include:⁵ 

• Network configuration and management 
• Programming 
• Operating systems administration 
• Risk identification and management 
• Data management and analysis 
• Cloud implementation and management 
• Attack surface management

Do You Need a Degree To Become a Cybersecurity Professional?

In most career fields, the higher your degree level, the more employable you are. Cybersecurity is no different. Many employers look for quality candidates who understand the concepts of security for a computer-based work environment. Having a bachelor's degree in the field is typically considered a minimum requirement.

Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It for Career Advancement? 

Earning a cybersecurity degree may help you to work toward pursuing a career as a cybersecurity professional. And, with a degree, you are more likely to have opportunities for advancement as you gain more experience, particularly supervisory experience. Another way to pursue career advancement is to earn one more more information security certifications.⁴

Starting Your Career in Cybersecurity 

Now that you know the answer to the question, Why study cybersecurity? you may be thinking about beginning your own career pathway. You can use the following steps as guidance while thinking about your next moves.

Earning an Undergraduate Degree 

For those who are interested in contributing to the technological world and keeping the cyber atmosphere safe, the first step is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. When you earn a degree in cybersecurity, you will be taught to: 

• Prevent data breaches and protect systems against various types of cyberattacks
• Address vulnerabilities in current systems 
• Adapt quickly to fast-evolving technology and industry standards
• Apply critical thinking to practical threats

Undergraduate students may want to major in cybersecurity or choose to get their BS in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity. 

If you are not quite sure whether cybersecurity is the right choice for you, you may want to check out other technology-related degree programs, such as: 

• Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Software Development

Advancing Your Cybersecurity Career With a Master's Degree

Not all cybersecurity jobs require an advanced degree. However, there are many advantages to earning a master’s in cybersecurity, including the potential for higher pay and career advancement.⁶ Knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals are needed in most industries throughout the world, so the more experience you have, the more likely you are to land the job you want, where you want.³

If you already have your bachelor’s degree and you’re an entry-level cybersecurity employee, obtaining your master’s degree may be a good choice. Many master’s programs offer flexible online course scheduling options, so you can earn new credentials while continuing to meet your other responsibilities.

Students pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity receive hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program. The benefit of an immersive program is that it gives students the practical exposure they need to be effective in the field. You'll be taught how to stay ahead of emerging threats as well as keep current on attack vendors, incoming trends and new technologies.

If you currently hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field of study, you may want to consider earning a certificate in cybersecurity before applying for a master’s degree. Many students use the certificate program to explore foundational knowledge and new skills that can prepare them to pursue a master’s program in cybersecurity.

Professional Certifications in Cybersecurity 

Your education doesn’t end after earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity. Success in this fast-paced, dynamic field requires a commitment to ongoing learning opportunities. Among these opportunities are certification courses specific to your position or area of interest.

A few certification programs designed for cyber professionals include: 

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security 
• CompTIA Security+ 
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

Can I Really Make a Difference? 

If you want to make a difference in the world and are passionate about technology, cybersecurity may be a great option for you. Businesses and consumers have the desire and need to keep their information secure. As a properly trained cybersecurity analyst, you’ll have the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information and potentially preventing it from getting into the wrong hands.

If you are interested in starting your career path in cybersecurity, consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree at Grand Canyon University or view our other technology degree programs. Our technology programs are designed with the needs of modern workplaces in mind. Complete the form at the top of your screen to get started.