Starting a career in IT isn't always straightforward, especially for people looking to transition careers. But, with the perpetual technical talent gap and the ever-increasing need for IT professionals, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in this field. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of starting a career in IT and provide some helpful tips for success.
Ethical hackers use many of the same techniques and tools that malicious hackers use. However, ethical hackers legally use them to identify vulnerabilities in organizations’ computer systems and networks, so those weaknesses can be mitigated. In addition, ethical hackers must learn to think and act like a cybercriminal, using hacking methods to prevent attacks and improve the overall information security of a company’s digital infrastructure.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification has set the standard for security certifications since its launch in 1994. However, adding those letters to resumes is no easy task for cybersecurity professionals. The certification exam for the CISSP is typically described by those who have taken it as difficult. Additionally, the certification requires at least five years of full-time paid work experience in a relevant security field.
If you want to get started in a cybersecurity career, there is no shortage of professional certifications to help you do that. There are so many that it can actually be quite overwhelming for some new to the field. One of the best certifications that should definitely be somewhere in your beginning five is the CompTIA Security+ certification.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional, or CISSP, is the gold standard for security certifications. It is a globally acknowledged benchmark for information security professionals. As a result, it isn’t a surprise that getting a CISSP certification requires significant time and effort. The certification has work experience requirements, the exam requires training, studying, and exam prep, and a professional endorsement must be submitted. The CISSP certification is far more than simply passing a certification exam to earn the credential.
Today’s information technology and cybersecurity industries are exploding with job openings – especially in the metro Washington, DC area. There are more available positions in these fields than there are qualified professionals to fill them. There is no better time to begin a cybersecurity career than right now. Whether you are just out of college or you are transitioning from another IT role, getting started in cybersecurity is a solid choice.
The Project Manager career path prepares students for a management-level role in an organization’s IT department. Professionals on this path will learn how to lead, coordinate, integrate, and be accountable for the success of an organizational project while maintaining alignment with the organization’s priorities. The project manager career path will help individuals develop a core technical project leadership skillset. These technical skills apply to leading an IT team and adopt the essential communication and leadership skills required for the role.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2021 turnover rate in the information technology (IT) industry was 22.1 percent, which is higher than many of the other business sectors included in the reporting. Why is there such attrition in technology roles? Is it something that organizations simply have to live with?
Absolutely not. But to prevent employee turnover, organizations have to understand why it’s so important and what they can do to reduce the number of IT employees who leave.
Information security breaches happen. You’ve probably heard about more than a handful in the last several years. Data breaches are a challenge that all organizations face in today’s technologically advanced world.
With those advances comes the darker side of technology – malicious hackers, cybercriminals, and cyberattacks. Protecting sensitive data is more important than ever, and companies are acknowledging the potential risks and finding ways to mitigate them. One solution is ethical hacking.
Cybersecurity team members have unique skills that are in short supply. There are more job openings than there are cybersecurity professionals to fill them, making it more and more important for employers to establish strong teams and tailor their support for those teams so they retain the best talent for their organizations. Talented professionals want to work for organizations that will help them develop skills and knowledge to further their careers. As a result, creating an environment of sustained support and motivation is important for employers to do.
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow and the pool of available talent struggles to keep up, hiring managers and recruiters are tasked with finding the best candidates to fill open positions. It's important that they identify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified employees to protect their organizations' data and digital assets. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework is designed to help hiring managers create successful cybersecurity teams and do just that.
The career outlook for jobs in the IT and cybersecurity industries is extremely promising in Washington, D.C., and the country as a whole. Technology positions have low unemployment, and some of the highest-paying roles are found in this field. In CBRE’s recent study, Scoring Tech Talent 2022, Washington DC was ranked fourth best technology talent market in the U.S. The ranking is based on the market’s depth, vitality, and attractiveness to companies seeking talent and IT professionals seeking employment.