Job Seeker Alert: The Most Overlooked Secure Job in America
Students in online degree programs looking for a secure field during a time of economic difficulty may want to heed the advice of Grantham University Computer Science Instructor Brent Tracy.
Tracy recently shared his thoughts on what figures to be one of the most secure job fields in America for the next 30 years: cybersecurity.
Oddly, no one seems to be talking about it.
"To me, the main reason is it's not on people's radar," Tracy said. "Cybersecurity is not exactly glamorous. It's not like those car chases you see in the movies. But the thing is, people need to be aware of it."
Cybersecurity (median annual salary around $55,000) may not have the flair of the software development side of Computer Science - you won't be developing applications for the iPhone - but it appears to be one of the more secure fields in the country for the next few decades. And Tracy sees it as a huge opportunity for students in online degree programs.
The reason? Cybercrime is a becoming a problem, and it's unknown how prepared the United States would be in the event of a conflict with another country.
Cybersecurity professionals manage complex systems and are tasked with preventing cyberattacks (politically motivated computer hacking, often with the target being military operations, banking systems or power grids).
As a result, the demand for cybersecurity professionals in this country is extremely high.
Plenty of jobs available
When it comes to cybersecurity jobs, forget what you know about the country's unemployment rate. It's reversed with cybersecurity. Tons of jobs open; not enough applicants.
The government is looking to hire 10,000 experts in cybersecurity in the near future, according to a recent article by Mashable.
It's a perfect opportunity for students in online degree programs looking for a secure, in-demand field.
How do I get into a career in cybersecurity?
Start by pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field. The more specific, such as Information Systems Security, the better. Specific courses to target at Grantham University, for instance, are: CS 216: Computer Networks; and IS 211: Intro to Information Systems Security.
Huge opportunity for military members
Military members looking to advance up the chain of command within the service could benefit from pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
Military command centers often work with complex computer systems and put a premium on protecting their security against cyberattacks.
"Within the military, I would think there is as big of a demand as there is outside the military," Tracy said.
After military members retire from the service, they could find a related security job in the civilian workforce.
"With the threat cybersecurity poses, they would still be serving their country," Tracy said.
For online students with technical backgrounds who are worried about today's competitive job economy, Information Systems Security may be the perfect calling.
For further assistance with your career goals - constructing your resume, finding the right career path, interviewing techniques and more - register for Grantham Pathways by clicking the image below.
About the author: Eric Sorrentino joined Grantham University as Social Media Manager in October 2011. Prior to that, he blogged about Big 12 Conference athletics for KUsports.com and was a sports copy editor for the Lawrence Journal-World. Eric received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.