Career as Cyber Security Specialist Essay Example

Cybersecurity specialists are one of the most important professionals within the world of technology. Securing the information, automation, and researching technologies within the world is imperative as technology continues to get more advanced and important.  A cybersecurity specialist is one that play a key role in securing information systems. These professionals od this by monitoring systems, detecting problems and abnormalities, investigating those problems, and responding to security risks. To obtain a job in cybersecurity one must have extensive experience in computer science. One can gain experience through online classes that give certificates in computer science and cybersecurity or through an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or computer science. Although experience is almost always required in certain states certain certificates and licenses are required. For example, in Texas a CJIS Security Awareness Training is required and must be annually renewed. To be successful within a position of cybersecurity one must have good problem solving skills as well as critical thinking skills. These skills are very encouraged but the knowledge and know how to program is essential in any computer science position including cybersecurity.As cyber security positions are rapidly popping up due to the need to secure our information and automation systems the salary of a cybersecurity specialist is very lucrative. The average starting salary for a cyber security specialist is 90,000$. While a starting career in cyber security earns 90,000$ annually the career pathway offers many ways to advance your career with some of the highest position including a cybersecurity architect earns over 140,000$. A fair education is needed in any cybersecurity position including an undergraduate degree, certificate and license to practice, skills needed to perform the job, and experience. However, the education that is needed does not make a difference in salary and at most affects the position you can arrive in when starting your career path in cybersecurity. While the salary might be lucrative in Cybersecurity, so is the hours and workdays. Most professionals work over 9 hours a day and can be on call 24/7/365. While these hours might seem extensive most of these days are on call as the job demands it. Because of the nature of cybersecurity most of these jobs can be found almost anywhere. This means that most of the work can be completed remotely from any location, so while the hours might be extensive the ability to travel while working is a very beneficial opportunity. As well, most of the work is done indoors because it involves technology and programming. While being able to work remotely is a benefit one drawback is constantly being on call no matter the day and location within the world. One key advantage within the cybersecurity specialist world is the ability to advance greatly within the field gaining title changes and raises. Gaining experience within the field is one of the most important things regarding a promotion. While these promotions might gain a hefty salary hike the responsibilities that come with the new position are also extensive. To go into a higher position of cybersecurity such as a cybersecurity architect would require the specialist to gain new information and the know how to complete their job. A higher position would also entail more responsibilities that would make a day in the life of a specialist harder, more extensive, and make the hours longer. 

A typical day in the life of a cybersecurity professional is in truth never the same. The adaptability that is needed within the world is immense. Being able to jump from task to task and develop amazing problem solving and critical thinking skills is a must. While one might work 8-10 hours a day another specialist might be working for over 12 hours a day depending on the problem at hand. As well the tasks within ones job can entail customer development, learning technology, problem solving, and relationship building. In truth no two cybersecurity jobs are the same and the skills that are truly needed to succeed in the industry are problem solving and critical thinking.  Overall, the computer science field and especially the cybersecurity field is a newly evolving field that had a very lucrative salary. While the salary might seem like a great benefit the ability to work remotely from any location is a definite plus when considering a field within cybersecurity. The salary that a cybersecurity specialist can earn coming out of college would definitely help fund my travels while being able to work remotely. As well, my interest in technology and newly developing systems directly compliments a career within computer science and being able to secure those systems would make me feel important and complete. It is not only because of my love for travel, but also because my interest in technology that a career within cybersecurity as a cybersecurity specialist will be right for me.