Introduction
Embarking on the journey of self-discovery to find your career-path in life can be a complex endeavor. It's natural for numerous thoughts and questions to arise, such as "What path should I choose?", "Where does my passion lie?", or "I want to have a fulfilling career." If you're considering a transition, concerns about financial stability and supporting your loved ones might understandably weigh on your mind.
Fortunately, the internet offers a wealth of free resources that can greatly facilitate your transition into the field of cybersecurity, regardless of whether you're a recent high school or college graduate or someone looking to switch careers. In the realm of information technology (I.T.) and cybersecurity, a popular saying is "Google is your best friend." This adage holds true because search engines play a pivotal role in this domain, serving as invaluable tools for finding solutions to various challenges and problems.
It is of utmost importance to conduct thorough research when making critical decisions, particularly those with the potential to significantly impact your life. When it comes to entering the cybersecurity field, one invaluable resource that stands out is Cyberseek.org. Designed to address the pressing issue of the cybersecurity workforce shortage, Cyberseek offers a wealth of information and tools to assist individuals in pursuing a career in this domain. According to Cyberseek "From May 2022 through April 2023, there were 159,000 openings for Information Security Analysts and 163,000 workers currently employed in those positions – an annual talent surplus of 4,000 workers for cybersecurity’s largest job. There are 490,513 additional openings requesting cybersecurity-related skills, and employers are struggling to find workers who possess them. On average, cybersecurity roles take 21% longer to fill than other IT jobs.". Cyberseek provides two tools to look at, a heatmap of the U.S. and a career pathway chart.
Cyberseek Heatmap
Cybersecurity talent gaps are prevalent nationwide, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity workforce within your region. To address these gaps effectively, we offer an interactive heat map that provides detailed insights into the demand and supply data of cybersecurity jobs at the state and metro area levels. This powerful tool empowers you to grasp the challenges and opportunities inherent in your local cybersecurity workforce, enabling informed decisions for bridging the talent divide.
The heatmap provides a comprehensive visual representation of the United States. It offers a range of customizable filters that allow you to personalize your viewing experience. By hovering over a specific state, you can instantly access information about the available job openings within that area. The website enables you to narrow down your search by selecting specific states or metro areas, such as Los Angeles, Austin, Charlotte, and more. You also have the option to filter results based on the Public sector (Federal or State) or Private sector, considering different industries.
As you scroll further down the page, you'll find valuable data including national averages for supply/demand ratios, the total number of cybersecurity job openings, the overall cybersecurity workforce, as well as historical datasets. Additionally, you can explore information regarding the count of certification holders and job openings that require specific certifications. These resources contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity landscape.
Career Pathway
The field of cybersecurity offers abundant opportunities for individuals to embark on and progress in their careers. To provide a clear understanding of these possibilities, an interactive career pathway has been created. This pathway showcases key positions within the realm of cybersecurity, highlights common transition opportunities between these roles, and provides comprehensive details regarding salaries, required credentials, and essential skill sets for each position. It's important to note that jobs within cybersecurity can span across multiple career levels, offering a dynamic and diverse range of growth prospects.
On the career pathway page, you can seamlessly navigate through different roles and gain insights into potential career progression. By interactively clicking on specific roles, you can explore the pathways they may lead to. For instance, if you click on "IT Support" under the Feeder Role section, you will discover three highlighted entry-level cybersecurity positions: Cybersecurity Specialist, Cyber Crime Analyst, and Incident & Intrusion Analyst. This interactive feature allows you to visualize the possible trajectories and opportunities available within the cybersecurity field, empowering you to make informed decisions about your career path.
As you scroll down, you will find comprehensive information about the IT Support role, including essential details such as job titles, required education, the total number of job openings, top requested certifications, and in-demand skills. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the IT Support position, equipping you with valuable insights into the specific qualifications and proficiencies sought after by employers in this field.
When you click on the entry-level role of Cybersecurity Specialist, the career pathway will dynamically highlight mid-level roles that you can potentially progress into. As you scroll down, you will discover a wealth of information specifically tailored to the Cybersecurity Specialist role. This includes details such as job titles associated with mid-level positions, educational requirements, the current number of job openings, the most in-demand certifications for advancement, and key skills sought after in this field. By presenting role-specific information, the pathway enables you to explore the necessary steps and qualifications to advance your career as a Cybersecurity Specialist.
Moreover, by clicking on an advanced level role, you will witness a new set of roles highlighted that align with the progression path for the Penetration & Vulnerability Tester role. This feature allows you to explore the potential career trajectory and options within the field. Additionally, below the highlighted roles, you will find comprehensive career information specific to the Penetration & Vulnerability Tester role. This information may include job titles associated with advanced positions, educational prerequisites, the current availability of job openings, prominent certifications sought after in this domain, as well as valuable insights into the skills and expertise required for success in this role. As you can see you can navigate through this tool to get an idea of what roles are available and what you may need to invest in order to achieve that role.
One last thing I will cover is Skills and Certifications. I would like to highlight the Skills and Certifications section, a feature of Cyberseek. This section empowers you to gain a general understanding of the skills and certifications that are beneficial for the role you aspire to pursue. By exploring this section, you can gather some insight into the specific competencies and qualifications that would enhance your suitability for your desired career path. It serves as a valuable resource to identify the skills you should aim to develop and the certifications you should consider acquiring in order to excel in your chosen role within the cybersecurity field. One thing to note is that it does not cover all certifications that are available for the cybersecurity field. Do your own research is an important point to get across here.
As depicted in the image, Cyberseek offers an intuitive feature where hovering over a skill, such as "Threat Analysis," provides the roles where this skill is relevant and applicable. Similarly, when you hover over the listed certifications, you will receive guidance on the roles and positions for which these certifications hold significance. This interactive functionality enhances your exploration and understanding of how specific skills and certifications align with various cybersecurity roles. It enables you to make informed decisions about which skills to focus on and which certifications to pursue based on their relevance to your desired career path.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cyberseek presents a wealth of resources and interactive features that facilitate career exploration and progression within the cybersecurity field. By offering an interactive career pathway, it enables individuals to visualize the potential trajectory of their careers, transitioning from entry-level to advanced roles. The platform provides comprehensive information about each role, including job titles, educational requirements, certifications, and in-demand skills. Furthermore, the Skills and Certification section offers valuable guidance, highlighting the skills and certifications relevant to specific roles. With its user-friendly interface and extensive data, Cyberseek empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps towards a successful cybersecurity career. With anything, it is still recommended to do your own research and find other sources of information to help corroborate the data you have researched so that you are able to make an informed decision. Cyberseek is only one tool in the toolbox, don't forget to use the others.
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