Five reasons to pursue a career in cyber security

The choice of a career is one of the most consequential decisions a person will make in their lifetime. While a career is the means by which most people have access to a decent and dignified life, such a significant part of our lives is spent in service of that career that it becomes important that it means much more than a paycheck.

The good news is that in an increasingly digital world that has so many opportunities for learning, the scope of that choice is always expanding. The ease at which one can acquire a new set of skills, combined with the option to work from anywhere means so many new and exciting careers have never been more accessible.

Whether you’re diving into the workforce for the first time or you’re ready to follow a new path, here are five reasons cyber security may be right for you.

In-demand jobs

There is currently a shortage of well-trained and highly-skilled cyber security professionals across the globe. In Canada, there are 1000s of open positions across different types of cyber security roles. As cyber attacks increase in both number and complexity, and continue to threaten our way of life, this demand for talent is only expected to grow. Some of the top industries currently hiring cyber security professionals include the finance, government, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Not a coder? Not a problem! Cyber security jobs can include a focus on education, sales, law and ethics, and countless other cross-functional specializations. No matter your area of interest, you are sure to find a job that aligns with your strengths, motivations, and your passions.

Competitive salary

It’s no secret that careers in the Tech industry are well-compensated, and often allow plenty of room for advancement. As one of the most in-demand jobs within the IT industry, cyber security is no different. According to PayScale.com, the average base salary for skilled cyber security professionals is $84,000. Popular roles in this salary range include cyber security analyst, cyber security specialist, and penetration tester. As the industry grows and more value is placed on securing and protecting critical tech infrastructures, these numbers are expected to rise in parallel.

Exciting future

If career growth and innovation are important to you, then cyber security may be the right choice. Computers, and technology in general, have become ubiquitous in modern life, and define a large portion of all our business and social interactions. Yet the tools by which we protect these interactions are still very much in the infancy of their development. Choosing a career in cyber security means you’re at the forefront of an important industry that will shape and protect how the digital world operates for future generations.

Cutting edge technology & collaboration

Cyber security is a collaborative enterprise. As a cyber security professional you will learn and grow as part of a team that analyzes, investigates, and proposes the strategies necessary to protect and defend the world from cyber attacks. As the cyber security industry continues to advance, so too do the tools involved, and you and your team will make use of cutting-edge technology to stay one step ahead.

A rewarding experience

Everyone enjoys feeling their efforts have made a real and tangible difference in the world. As a cyber security professional, your role will be to protect the consumers, businesses, and stakeholders of the digital economy. Yes, cyber attacks are perpetrated digitally, but their effects often have real-world consequences. From banking credentials, health records, or personal information, everyone relies on technology in their daily lives and are therefore vulnerable to attacks by malicious actors. With a career in cyber security, you can witness the impact your work has on the rest of the world, bringing you into a very rewarding and satisfying job path.

Ready to start your cyber security journey? Check out our Cyber Security Program to jumpstart your career as a cyber security professional!

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