Although a rapidly digitalized world has made our lives incredibly convenient, it also has a few drawbacks. With so many systems and institutions now shifting their operations online, the threat of cyberattacks has increased significantly. Advancing technology means hackers and cyber criminals lurking on the internet have also extended their strategies to exploit people and companies online. And so, with so many businesses falling victim to a data breach, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand.
Since a company’s data is its most valuable asset, every industry needs a cybersecurity expert. The primary job of a cybersecurity professional is to utilize or modify existing technology to prevent unauthorized online attacks. Besides learning how to monitor systems, they also mitigate threats when they happen and take pre-emptive measures to intercept future attacks. Therefore, to gain the relevant knowledge and skillset, professionals can pursue a master’s degree in this field to help them land the perfect job.
Earning a master’s in cybersecurity may be the best investment you could ever make to kickstart your professional career. To help you decide if it’s the right choice for you, we have listed the top 7 benefits it can provide you.
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Growing career opportunities
Cybersecurity experts are in high demand across various industries. So, if you’re looking to switch careers, pursuing an online masters in cybersecurity can be just the ticket you need. The greatest advantage of such programs is that you can earn a degree without giving up on your current job or delaying it till you have some extra time to enroll in a college. Most employers prefer candidates who have a graduate degree because of their experience and knowledge. And so, with this degree, you’ll have incredibly vast opportunities in the field of your choice. Additionally, a master’s in cybersecurity can open doors for you in almost every state and throughout multiple sectors, both public and private.
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Job security
In this digital era, cyberattacks are increasing both in frequency and sophistication. Since data is a precious commodity for the company and criminals, businesses must protect it at all costs. More importantly, what we once thought was a secure communication line may be highly vulnerable to cyberattacks in today’s day and age. Therefore, wherever there is classified data, a cybersecurity professional can take the opportunity to apply their expertise in that area.
With so many jobs available in various sectors, cybersecurity experts will have the opportunity to pick what they want. A master’s degree can make your job especially secure as it will put you ahead of other candidates applying for the same position.
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Chance to move up
If you currently work in the technology sector and are looking for ways to advance your career, consider pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity. Earning such a degree shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills to perform the necessary tasks required of a job. Besides your technical skills, it also showcases the soft skills that help you lead, manage, and take charge of teams for a particular project.
While staying in the same job role may seem safe and comforting, it can quickly grow tiresome and monotonous. You may miss out on incredible opportunities by letting your professional growth become stagnant. Therefore, to keep your mind afresh, you must take steps to move up your career path. With the appropriate credentials and qualifications, you can quickly stand out among a long list of candidates and move to bigger and better opportunities.
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Higher salaries
On average, cybersecurity professionals earn more than $95,000 per year. These high-level roles require higher education experts, so a master’s program significantly improves your chances to land one of these jobs. If you have an advanced degree qualification, it automatically qualifies you for other job positions that pay even more lucrative salaries.
Although there is a high demand for cybersecurity experts, there is a severe shortage of skilled workers. Due to this, they are among the most highly compensated professionals in the technology sector, with the opportunity to climb further up the career ladder. So, if you want to land your dream job in cybersecurity with top-tier companies, advancing your education is the way to go.
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Increasing specializations
Integration of cybersecurity within the IT sector was standard for several decades. However, with time the field has advanced so much that it’s a separate field altogether. Cybersecurity has established its roles and requirements with time, even though it’s still closely linked to the tech industry. It offers specialties covering engineering, risk management, forensics, governance, compliance, assessment, etc. With various options to choose from, you can develop skills in a specific field of your choice when pursuing your master’s. These specializations can make you an expert in your area of interest and put you in high demand for jobs in this field.
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Offers jobs that are hard to outsource
Earning a master’s in cybersecurity can help you land jobs that are hard to outsource. When it comes to implementing security measures to ward off breaches that can be a company’s downfall, few organizations are willing to take the risk of outsourcing. Due to this, as an in-house cybersecurity professional, you’ll be well-positioned for better job security. Additionally, it reduces the chances of clients frequently changing their service provider and makes it more likely for them to stick with you for long-term work.
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Meaningful and vital work
It’s not just the tech companies that hire cybersecurity professionals. Even government organizations and institutions recruit experts to strengthen their systems and protect confidential data from malicious software. Several reports have pointed towards a country’s weapons system being vulnerable to online attacks from enemies in the past few years. With an increased risk of threats, experts with advanced skills are highly sought-after to prevent incidents. By building a career in cybersecurity, you can use your skills to achieve personal and professional fulfillment where you’re able to defend your state’s security measures. Without the appropriate experts, a country can play right into the enemy’s hands and fall victim to their ploys.
Conclusion
With increasing awareness and concern regarding cyber threats, organizations and governments alike recognize the importance of cybersecurity professionals. But while the need is urgent and stakes incredibly high, there aren’t nearly enough highly qualified and educated experts who can meet the rising demand.
Most employers seek a combination of experience and knowledge, and a master’s in cybersecurity can provide you both. And while the degree may not be necessary for all jobs, it can expand your career opportunities with higher pay and better job security.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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