You can surely land a job in cybersecurity without degree. However, you will need a lot of determination and training than degree holders.
Cybersecurity is one of the industries that are projected to boost employment for the upcoming years. For instance, research shows that information security analyst jobs will expand by around 31% by 2030. That figure is far better than any other IT branch. Furthermore, professionals in the field can expect steady positions despite the COVID-19 crisis.
Hence, if you’re looking for job security and competitive benefits, consider a career in cybersecurity. It is really possible to land a job in cybersecurity without degree. Here is how to do it.
Realize That Your Chances Are Real
There are various reasons why others don’t have a computer science degree – or any degree at all. Some people don’t know which profession will work best for them. Meanwhile, others find college education too expensive, which is especially true for degrees in technology.
Whatever your reason is, don’t let it stop you. As mentioned all over again, you can certainly land a job in cybersecurity without degree. Many cybersecurity professionals have done it already. One reason is the industry has no strict regulations, unlike medicine. Thus, every employer is free to choose whom they want to hire.
Find the Job You Can Target
Regardless of whether you have a degree or not, it mostly matters whether you have any technical hard skills. If you have an IT background, you have quite numerous options to pursue. Some of those are security engineers, penetration testers, or virus technicians.
If you don’t have technical skills, you may be a technical writer, cyber policy analyst, or network administrator. It is best that you check relevant job postings in your area and find out what they have to offer.
Start as an Intern or Join the Military
Internships are a great way to gain the necessary experience and skills in the field. Reach out to the company you’re interested in and inquire about any internship opportunities. Of course, you will have to do less important duties and minimum salary as an intern. Yet, companies are usually interested in promoting their interns even without a college degree.
Joining the military is another entry point to cybersecurity jobs. Once you have served a few years in the military, you can easily move back to civil life and request a job at a tech company.
Regardless of the entry point you choose, you need to learn more technical skills to advance your career.
Acquire Certifications
Employers usually require Network+ or Security+ certifications. You may take courses online and study when you have time for it. Obtaining such certifications is a great way to kickstart your career. Online education is a good alternative to traditional learning, especially during the pandemic.
Reach out to Recruiters
You may do this step before you start learning or when you have obtained a basic certificate. You’ll receive useful guidance from them on how to land a job in the field or further in your studies.
