7 Min Read • February 23, 2022
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In this article, we share with you why veterans are very likely to excel in the cybersecurity industry and how you can get your tech career started.
There is a growing need for cybersecurity experts
One of the key benefits of having skills in cyber security is that you’ll be in high demand from employers. Cybersecurity is a growing field. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics expects cybersecurity jobs will grow 33% through 2030. And job prospects will remain strong for the foreseeable future. Employers are eager to find talented professionals who have hands-on skills.
It’s a mission-driven profession
The purpose of cybersecurity is to protect civilians and businesses from cyber-attacks, whether that is a data breach, ransomware, or any other form of attack. Therefore, if you enjoy a high-pressure environment and combating adversaries, the chances are you will find a career in cyber security a fulfilling way to make a difference. At its core, cyber security is a profession of service, and you might find in it another way to serve our country.
The type of skills built up over time in the military offer a perfect crossover with those needed to build a cybersecurity career. Members of the military are trained to appreciate the big picture and are empowered to exercise initiative to achieve unit mission objectives. On top of that veterans have many of the soft skills that employers are looking for, like integrity, work ethic, discipline, and attention to detail. Combined with the right certifications and training, your experience will make you a strong asset to any cyber security team.
It’s a flexible career with a clear progression
Cybersecurity offers an engaging career path with a wide range of options for growth and specialization. One of the main benefits of these roles is that they offer a varied work environment where no two days are the same. As the cyber threats firms face are evolving all the time, there’ll always be something new to learn and new challenges to tackle.
However, just like with military promotions, the cybersecurity industry typically has a defined career track. These similar promotion benchmarks make transitioning smoother and easier for veterans to understand, because they are used to this type of promotion system.
It’s an obtainable career.
Employers are realizing that college degrees may not neatly map to the skills they seek in candidates. Instead, industry-recognized certifications are essential to getting your foot in the cybersecurity door. With the correct resources, these certifications are easily accessible to veterans in a short period. You should also be aware of military tuition assistance programs that make investing in your education more affordable, including the G.I. Bill and the Vet Tec program.
No matter which stage of your transition you are in, SkillStorm is here to help. Our programs are designed to accelerate your career by giving you the skills you need to complement your valued military experience. If you want to talk to an advisor, do not hesitate to reach out at military@skillstorm.com
