The global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $248.26 billion by 2023, according to forecasts. The industry is predicted to continue to expand at a steady rate. You know what it means: more job openings, higher income, and better opportunities for advancement.
A cybersecurity master’s degree is not easy to obtain, and it might cost thousands of dollars. Will the investment of time and money be worthwhile? Let’s start by mentioning that there are plenty of employment openings in this industry. The pay is above average, and there is a lot of room for advancement.
If you’re a student considering furthering your education in the field of information technology, you might be asking if a cyber security degree is a wise investment. Yes, in a nutshell. Let’s look at why you should study cyber security in 2021 for a more detailed response.
Why Should You Pursue a Cyber Security Degree?
Your Job Will Never Be Boring
A cyber security expert’s job responsibilities will vary depending on their job title and the firm that hires them. You could work as a cyber intelligence analyst, security operations centre analyst, information security consultant, security analyst, and so on with this degree.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Researching and evaluating existing cyber security concerns, as well as developing management strategies
- Keeping up with the newest industry advancements
- Creating and maintaining the security systems for the company
- Monitoring for intrusions, attacks, and unexpected behaviour against the system on a regular basis
- Creating reports for stakeholders and employees, among other things
Writing reports and covering monotonous activities will still be part of your work. You will, however, confront a variety of security concerns on a daily basis and will need to consider a variety of solutions.
The Studies Aren’t Boring, Either
MA programmes are usually the only way to get a specialisation in IT security. After you finish your college education, you’ll pursue focused, specialised, and specialised studies.
Cyber threats, cyber defence, scripting and programming, data analysis, cryptography, information assurance, fundamental security design principles, system management, and other topics will be covered. Essay assignments will be required in several of these courses. In these instances, students frequently turn to organisations like EduBirdie for writers, programmers, and data analysts. However, most MA programmes concentrate on teaching students through practical work. You’ll be tasked with resolving issues, devising solutions, and assessing real-world cyber security threats. You’ll never become bored if you’re sincerely engaged in the niche.
Organizations Are Eager to Hire Cyber Security Graduates
Across industries, there is a significant demand for these specialists. You’ll discover that various firms are ready to hire competent specialists right out of university if you search through Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, LinkedIn, or any other employment site. They are just interested in practical talents and do not care if you can produce a decent personal essay in the application.
Apple, Oracle, Parsons, IBM, Venmo, the government, and others are among the industry’s most well-known employers.
You might be asking what the difference is between a cyber security certification and an MA degree. The degree is permanent, and it will increase the value of the credentials you obtain. You’ll be seen as a candidate who not only knows a lot about cyber security, but also about leadership.
The Salaries Are Great
A specialist’s compensation in this field varies depending on the role, organisation, and region. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a cyber security engineer in San Francisco is $129,253. On the other hand, a network security engineer earns $100 per year. According to Glassdoor, a cyber security engineer at General Electric earns between $116K and $125K per year, while a cyber security engineer at VISA earns around $121K per year.
It’s possible that your first wage will be underwhelming. When you finish your degree and begin applying for entry-level jobs, you may find that they pay less than $100K a year. However, it is critical to evaluate the long-term picture. The sector is expanding, and knowledge is in short supply. Because companies fight to attract the top professionals, you should expect to be contacted by recruiters on a regular basis. All you have to do now is concentrate on doing your job well.
Ready to Work towards a Rewarding Career?
Cyber security courses will provide you with the information and experience you need to work in a profitable business. Graduate school isn’t going to be simple. On top of the degree, you may need to get a few certificates. A cyber security degree is a smart investment in your future profession when you consider all of the benefits outlined above.