A cybersecurity analyst is a technology specialist who identifies a company's possible digital security issues and provides solutions to safeguard the company's software against attackers. Many cybersecurity analysts work for companies' IT departments or as independent contractors.
How Do You Get a Cybersecurity Job Without a Degree?
To get a career in cybersecurity without a degree, follow these three steps.
- Obtain certification. While a degree isn't required to begin a career in cybersecurity, appropriate certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker might be advantageous. These demonstrate that you are engaged in cybersecurity enough to devote time and money in learning about it, as well as that you have some fundamental expertise.
- Look for methods to show that you know what you're doing. I know, I know—how do you find a job if you've never worked before? There are options. Participate in competitions, volunteer, and build your own initiatives.
- Prepare to begin at the very bottom. Accept that your first cybersecurity job will be entry-level, and you may have to work nights or weekends even if you have credentials. IT technician, network engineer, information security analyst, junior penetration tester, and systems administrator are examples of entry-level positions.
- Your cybersecurity career will be on its way once you've earned some expertise, and you may start looking for your next position in this profitable industry.
Pros and Cons of Starting a Career in Cybersecurity Without a Degree
It's crucial to highlight that, like many worthwhile efforts, establishing a cybersecurity job without a formal degree is a mixed bag.
There are several advantages to entering the cybersecurity field without a bachelor's degree. These are some of them:
- Your training will most likely be focused on highly marketable technical abilities.
- You don't have to devote years of time and large financial resources to upskilling.
- Alternative training choices may be a more effective road to the profession you want than a conventional college degree if you have similar work experience or a degree in a non-cyber sector.
On the other side, skipping a four-year degree might come with its own set of problems:
- You may have to work harder to persuade employers of your talents if you don't have a formal degree.
- If you don't have a technological background, you'll need to invest time and money in an educational path that will provide you with the technical abilities you'll need to thrive in a cyber-centric position.
- You'll need to be self-motivated and devoted if you want to pursue a self-guided educational route.
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