Are you interested in cyber security and wondering if you should pursue higher education? Technology is the way of the future and it’s an open secret that technology professionals are in demand, especially those in information security. Technology is growing more sophisticated and so are the cyber threats and attacks.
With technology not going anywhere and digital reliance increasing, cyber security professionals are needed. If you are intrigued by the cyber world, are highly analytical, or are simply looking for a job market with solid job security, you may want to consider five reasons why a cyber security degree is worth it.
Maintain Job Security
Many will tell you to get involved in the world of tech if you are looking for a good and secure job. There is a reason for this. Job positions in the field of technology currently have a high degree of job assurance, meaning that the job isn’t likely to go anywhere. In fact, it is favorable to be stable and expand, leaving you with a job role that won’t likely disappear.
Technology is among the modern-day job markets that are not likely to disappear but expand in demand and job opportunities. There is a race to build the best new thing in tech, meaning that cyber-attacks and threats are bound to increase in commonness and refinement. Organizations will need qualified cyber security specialists to combat these risks.
Forbes reports that 1.8 million cybersecurity jobs will go unfilled in 2022. Yes, 1.8 million! So, you can earn your degree and expect to secure a job following graduation, but not only that. You can expect job stability as the demand, complexity, and positions are projected to grow each year.
Earn a Higher Salary
The technology market has one of the highest potentials for earning a high income, and, as a result, those who enter the field of cyber security have a chance to earn high salaries. This is due, in part to the lack of skilled workers and demand for cyber security professionals. Most cyber security professionals receive the highest benefits in the technology sector.
To give you an idea of what cyber security professionals can earn, consider these few salary averages. Entry-level cyber security analysts can earn, on average, $82,565. Cyber security engineers can earn around $96,400. It security specialist can earn a median salary of $96, 152. Most cyber security professionals can see around 94,000 as their average salary.
This potential for earning a high salary only increases as you grow in your career. Already starting off high, cyber security professionals can earn six figures in higher positions, such as Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Growing Job Opportunities
Earning a cyber security degree will open the door to various opportunities. Your investment in your education or continuing your education will pay for itself because your salary (even at entry-level) can pay off tuition and you can be assured of stable, well-compensated, and long-term payment.
In the technology market, cyber security is among the fastest-growing sectors, growing at rates between 21% – 31%, depending on the job role. These are faster than average. However, just because these jobs are growing in demand, does not mean that it’s easy to obtain one, which is why a cyber security degree is worth it and necessary.
The education and, at times, the experience level to secure specific cyber security job positions can be high. Your opportunities can be limited or vast based on your education and experience. If you have an idea of the direction you want to go, prepare to gather the education and experience necessary.
Having your cyber security degree can set you up for career growth. The idea of technology may seem limited, but the variation in roles and needs can create an interesting work environment and intriguing paths for career growth. You can start in one area of cyber security, like a cybersecurity specialist, and move into a cybersecurity architect.
Learn What You Need to Know
While there are many platforms and places you can go to learn about cyber security, getting your cyber security degree will help you learn what you need to know to perform the work, understand foundational knowledge, and enter the workforce. You will learn all of the basic skills, in addition to theory, leadership and law if you take advanced courses.
Secure a Job Position You Will Be Invested In
It is important to secure a job position you will be invested in and entering the world of cyber security can offer you just that. It is integral to having a happy career to not simply work just to work. Why is this, you might ask? A job is a job, right? Sure, but it can be more than a job when you are looking for contentment and a foundation for building a successful career path.
It has been found that those who find meaning or value in their work are overall more efficient, fulfilled, and successful in their place of employment. This leads to a longer time on the job, an initiative to make more of an impact, and a more robust portfolio (or resume) of work. You can connect with the work you do in cyber security, fostering work satisfaction.
Cyber security can provide a rewarding career that you become invested in due to the significance and vitality of work. The consensus is the way of the future is technology. Cybersecurity will be a necessity for defense, security, and risk mitigation. Attacks will be in the virtual world. Institutions, organizations, and brands will rely on cybersecurity.
Only you can answer the question is a cyber security degree worth it? However, these five reasons may give you something to ponder over as you decide to pursue higher education.
Your education level can open numerous opportunities in the cyber security sector. As a cybersecurity professional, you can earn a high salary, have job stability, and have a compelling career path. Even more so, you can make a difference in the work that you do, finding meaning and value for a fulfilling career.
