How to Get a Job in Information Security

A lot of business is handled online nowadays. Companies no longer need physical spaces. Unfortunately, though, criminals are always going to exist, no matter what. This means that businesses now have to worry about cybersecurity, instead of physical security. Because of this, information security is a fantastic industry to get into. There’s lots of work, and it pays well.

If you are an individual who is motivated, determined, and cares about protecting people’s data online, then information security could be a good fit for you.

Here is how to get a job with the industry.

Understanding Hacking

If you want to find a job in online security, then you need to understand how hacking works. One of the best ways to do this is to learn to do it. Many sites that teach people how to hack also teach people how to avoid hack attempts. Once you have learned how to hack (and how to repel hack attempts) then you can begin applying for jobs. One of the best ways to demonstrate to companies that you are an expert is to show them you know about penetration testing. You can find penetration testing tutorials online if you are not already familiar with what it is.  The reason that it’s important to understand hacking is that if you do not, then you will not be able to get into the mind of a hacker and will therefore not be able to defend against them.

Online Course

If you want to get a job in information security, then you might want to consider taking some kind of online course. An online course will provide you with a degree or certificate, proving that you have been trained at an educational level in cybersecurity. You may even want to consider applying to a college course. Employers will view job applicants who have studied cybersecurity at college more favorably than people that have taken online courses. A degree, diploma, or certificate in cybersecurity shows employers you are committed to learning and developing, which is why you need one.

Work Experience

Work experience is always good. However, you don’t necessarily need it if you are applying for junior positions. Even so, if it is possible for you to get it, then try to. Some employers will feel more confident hiring somebody who has previous work experience. Again, while it is usually not necessary, it can make you stand out from the rest of the applicants applying for the same job as you. If you cannot get work experience, then at least provide employers with a portfolio, listing all of your skills and achievements.

Create Portfolio

As mentioned in the previous section, if you can’t get work experience, then provide employers with a portfolio. It’s worth noting though, you should give them a portfolio even if you do have work experience.

A portfolio is your opportunity to showcase your talents. You can tell employers about yourself in detail there, as well as show off any websites you have built, coding you have done, or really anything else that you are proud of. Creating a portfolio is very easy and does not take a lot of time. There are various tutorials online dedicated to the subject.

Consider Apprenticeships

You may want to consider applying for an apprenticeship, instead of a job. An apprenticeship is still a job, except it pays a lot less, and the eligibility requirements are a lot lower. People with no experience of any kind can apply for an apprenticeship. However, it is still good to have some kind of degree or diploma backing you up. More often than not, companies hire people straight out of their apprenticeship schemes, giving them full-time jobs.  Because of this, try to find an apprenticeship with a large company, that you are interested in working with for the rest of your life.

Seeking Help

The last thing that you need to consider is your experience in applying for jobs. You won’t be able to get a job in any industry if you do not know how to write out a resume, a personal statement, and a portfolio. The best way to learn how to do all of these things is to visit a work coach and ask for help. A work coach will help you to learn to do all of those things, in addition to giving you interview advice. Job interviews can be very intense, so if you have never had one before, it’s worth visiting a work coach.

Getting a job in information security might seem challenging, but if you follow the steps set out here then it doesn’t have to be. Cybersecurity is a fantastic industry to get into at the moment, mainly because of how lucrative it is.