It seems as if we can’t go more than a week or two without hearing about another major blunder by a big multinational corporation. All too often, these lapses in security seem to end with our personal data being spread far and wide throughout cyberspace. Even if you are lucky enough to have avoided being exposed by one of the many leaks and breaches that we’ve witnessed, cybersecurity is something that affects us all.
The frequency with which these attacks occur should give you an idea of just how in-demand the services of a qualified cybersecurity professional are. In fact, many people would argue that there has never been a better time to study a cybersecurity degree.
Personal and Professional Goals
Cybersecurity is a job role that is always going to be in demand. You won’t find a single industry or business out there that doesn’t have a need for cybersecurity services. In fact, many businesses are on the lookout for people who can manage their cybersecurity for them reliably – it’s easier than learning the subject themselves. There are boundless professional opportunities for a qualified cybersecurity officer – you can work within virtually any sector you like.
Studying for any degree is an excellent way of evolving and developing a number of different skills, as well as enriching yourself as a person. If you’re passionate about cybersecurity in a particular setting, you can set yourself on any career trajectory you like. For example, if you feel strongly about ensuring that patient’s rights are respected when they are in hospital, you could aim to work as a network administrator in a healthcare setting.
An Important Issue for Our Society
Cybersecurity is no longer a niche subject that is only of interest to hardcore nerds. The field of cybersecurity today presents us with a number of pertinent issues to discuss and try and resolve. Studying for a cybersecurity degree will equip you with all the context and knowledge that you need to take the lead in these discussions. Whether you plan on working on a freelance basis or you want to join an existing corporate structure, if you are able to intelligently and clearly articulate these issues, you will inspire confidence.
Many businesses are looking for a cybersecurity expert who will take the entire thing off their plate and manage security automatically on their behalf. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t also looking for someone who has a firm grasp of the broader context. Understanding the wider environment in which cyberattacks occur is essential for understanding their ultimate nature.
Opening Doors
Most of those who study for a cybersecurity degree are planning on working in the role of network security. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that this degree is a key for just one door. In fact, there are plenty of doors that will swing open for you if you have a cybersecurity degree. You can choose to work for a business in just about any industry or sector that you like with a cybersecurity degree.
If you have other work experience or formal training and education in a particular field, a cybersecurity degree can augment your existing knowledge and enable you to bring a unique set of qualities to the table.
Studying Options
Students looking to study cybersecurity today can do so in a number of different ways. Of course, there are campuses throughout the country that offer cybersecurity degrees, so you can study this subject wherever you like. There is also the option of studying for an online masters cybersecurity remotely. Studying online enables you to decide whether you want to study as a full-time or part-time student. If you would like to continue to work at an existing job while you study, an online degree makes this a lot easier.
If you are an independent learner who does their best work when they are left to their own devices, studying online is the ideal option. With any university course, you will have to take responsibility for your own learning and scheduling – something which can be challenging for some people. When you are studying remotely, you won’t have the opportunity for face time with your professor and other students. Make sure that this is the format that works best for you before you commit.
Studying a cybersecurity degree is a fantastic way of engaging with one of the most important issues of our time. It can also open up new career pathways and act as a stepping stone towards your dream career.
