Cyber attacks and terrorism by cyber criminals have become more pronounced in recent years. Not a month goes by without you hearing about a data breach at some big corporation. Also, according to a report by Norton, about 4.1 billion data breaches were reported in 2019 alone. With such a vast number, it’s no wonder that cybersecurity is essential.
Furthermore, organizations like banks, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and schools have very private information to protect. A data breach at any of these organizations could have catastrophic consequences. This is why most companies are willing to do anything and pay any amount to ensure their data is safe.
Additionally, cybersecurity professionals are trained to prevent any unauthorized access, damage, or alterations to data within an organization. If you’re having a difficult time deciding if you want to make a career in cybersecurity, here are seven reasons a cybersecurity degree is worth it.
Reasons To Get a Cybersecurity Degree
Flexible Study Options
Flexibility is significant when you’re a working student. Many who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity already have a job. Thus, having the option to study and work is very favorable to them.
Moreover, cybersecurity programs offer you the option of earning your degree online. This option of balancing study and work has convinced many people to venture into cybersecurity. Also, many universities and colleges offer online and hybrid cybersecurity programs.
Additionally, the online learning mode also allows you to have access to learning materials, professors, and school alums from anywhere in the world. Earning your degree online is cheaper and more convenient than taking on-campus classes. So you can keep working while studying for your cybersecurity degree without breaking the bank.
The Demand For Cybersecurity Professionals is High
Although cybersecurity is not a new concept, more companies are falling victim to cyberattacks. Since cybercriminals have increased the intensity and sophistication with which they attack the world’s top companies, cybersecurity professionals have increased in demand.
Furthermore, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to have a 33% growth over the next two decades, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The reality is that employers are looking for candidates who are highly qualified for the job. But there is a shortage of individuals who meet these criteria. Thus, having an advanced degree like a master’s degree or additional certifications will help you stand out and qualify for high positions.
A Cybersecurity Degree Equals Job Security
Now is the best time to consider a career in cybersecurity. With the rise and sophistication of cyberterrorism, the demand for cybersecurity experts outweighs the supply. This guarantees that your job as a qualified cybersecurity professional will be sure.
Furthermore, technology is one of the modern job markets that will never go extinct. Job opportunities and demand will always be available in the tech industry. Thus, there will always be a race to create the next best thing in tech, which will, in turn, give rise to more threats of cyberattacks. Organizations across all industries will need qualified cybersecurity experts to combat these threats.
Additionally, as long as cyberattacks continue, companies will have no choice but to hold unto their cybersecurity professionals. If you need to acquire some skills to scale up your profession, most employers will be happy to foot the bill to advance your education. This is because cybersecurity professionals are essential in ensuring company data stays secure.
Opportunity To Work Across Various Fields
One of the best things about a career in cybersecurity is that your job isn’t limited to the tech industry. In today’s digital world, companies in every industry need the services of cybersecurity professionals to protect their company data.
Therefore, your certification and skills as a cybersecurity expert can be used in any industry that requires protection from cyberattacks. For example, hospitals and banks are industries with an increased need for cybersecurity experts. A degree in cybersecurity allows you to work confidently in various fields of your choice within your capacity aside from the technology industry.
The Cybersecurity Industry Has The Opportunity to Grow
Reports state that the global cybersecurity market is expected to reach about $376 billion by 2029 from a projection of about $156 billion in 2022. With such vast numbers, it is clear to see that there is enormous growth potential in the cybersecurity industry.
Furthermore, the diversity and size of the cybersecurity industry allow for a variety of career specializations and paths. With a degree in cybersecurity, you can decide to work in engineering, incident reporting, or even digital forensics.
A Cybersecurity Offers High Salary Opportunities
As earlier stated, the demand for cybersecurity experts outweighs the supply. Due to this shortage, companies are willing to pay a considerable amount of money to qualified few available. Thus, cybersecurity professionals are among the highest-paid professionals in the tech industry.
Besides, it is no secret that cyber-attacks will continue to occur as new advancements in technology take place. Any data breach at a big corporation will cost a lot of money. Thus, there is always a need to protect against any cyber threat. Also, companies prefer to pay cybersecurity experts a lot to prevent any data breach.
Opportunity For Career Advancement
Earning a bachelor’s degree or associate degree in cybersecurity can play a significant role in helping you get a job in the cybersecurity industry. But education alone can’t boost your job opportunities; you must gain work experience. Your short-term goal might be to get a job with your cybersecurity degree, but it’s essential to know that you have room for advancement in your career down the line.
Similarly, your cybersecurity degree will provide you with a foundation of skills and knowledge you can build up as you gain more experience in your field of interest. So if you want to gain a higher position after working for a few years as a cybersecurity professional, you can decide to earn your master’s degree and gain a few certifications.
Get That Degree
The importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world cannot be overemphasized. Companies and individuals stand to lose too much if their data is breached. Earning a degree in cybersecurity will help you positively impact the world and assist companies and individuals in keeping their data safe.
Furthermore, earning a cybersecurity degree is not the end. You must work hard and try to stay ahead in this fast-changing industry. If you’re having difficulty deciding whether or not to earn a degree in cybersecurity, consider the reasons listed in this article. With a cybersecurity degree, you stand to gain a lot more than you can ever imagine.