Information security jobs remain widely available today. Business owners know the importance of securing their data and must hire individuals who can achieve this goal. Many people wish to pursue a career in this field and want to know how to excel in information security. The following guide will help them develop their careers.
Determine Whether This Is the Right Career
A person might decide to pursue a career in information security right out of high school. Others begin in a different field and choose to move to information security. Before doing so, they need to ensure it is a good fit. What traits does an information assurance system architect and engineer (IASAE) possess?
These individuals must be persistent, curious, and analytical. They must also be perceptive and love to solve problems. Men and women who have an engineering mindset and appreciate the finer details typically enjoy a career in this field. They can learn how things work and find solutions when something is broken and needs to be fixed. Furthermore, they must be able to communicate and work in teams. Finally, they must be willing to spend their leisure hours learning more about the industry because their work days are so busy they have little time to keep up with emerging threats.
Options
Once a person determines this is the right career, they must choose an area where they can specialize. A few places they should consider include forensics, auditing, identity management, and web application security. Choose a niche with a buoyant job market and one that will allow for further career opportunities. Next, decide whether a private or public sector career is desired. Each has benefits and drawbacks to be considered.
Self-Development
Men and women can advance quickly in this field by using free resources. Specialist information security books and conferences will help achieve this goal. Small local events are free and allow a person to network. In addition, numerous sites on the internet provide free resources, and a person should take advantage of these tools to advance their careers.
Practical Experience
Individuals need to apply what they have learned in practical situations. Consider setting up a lab to simulate different scenarios without impacting any systems. Thanks to cloud-based providers, this lab is affordable for most. Consider participating in a hackathon or a capture-the-flag exercise to apply the skills learned during coursework, seminars, and other educational opportunities.
Certifications
Formal training and certifications can also help a person advance quickly. Many employers hire people based on experience, critical thinking skills, and self-learning. However, large corporations and government bodies often want to see certifications and formal training. Consider DOD-approved certifications, as they allow an event individual to work in the vast defense market.
This field has plenty of job opportunities, but getting a first job won’t be easy. Plan to apply to many jobs simultaneously and remain patient. Individuals who struggle may wish to consider an internship to help them get their foot in the door. Create a resume so work experience is the main highlight, and tailor this resume for the job. However, keep the resumes short, as recruiters have many to go through, and a brief resume will catch their attention.
Don’t inflate credentials during an interview. Employers want to ensure they’re getting somebody capable of handling the job, and they may include practical tests in the interview process. During this interview, an expert may be present to catch any falsehoods or exaggerations. When interviewing, ensure there is simple knowledge about the current threat landscape and high-profile attacks, as this shows an understanding of the implications for businesses rather than just technical issues.
Men and women who take the steps outlined above will find they can obtain a job in this field with patience and persistence. It’s out there waiting for them to find the perfect opportunity.
