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I am interested in doing cybersecurity work but am not majored in it, and only have a concentration. How realistic is it to do this work in my future What can i do to get there? ?
I am interested in doing cybersecurity work but am not majored in it, and only have a concentration. How realistic is it to do this work in my future? What can i do to get there?
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Angelie’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
It's great that you're thinking about these questions while you're still in school and have lots of resources available. A good starting point is to ask your professors about their thoughts on where the field is headed. You can chat with them before or after class, visit during office hours, or send a short email to arrange a coffee chat for a deeper discussion. Another useful tool is LinkedIn, where you can connect with people in your industry to learn about market trends. Begin by reaching out to people who you share a connection with, like alumni from your high school, past internships, or college who are in cybersecurity. They might suggest other people or resources you can explore. It might take some time and effort, but advice from people in the field is very valuable!
If you're looking to gain more experience, don't worry that you have a concentration in cybersecurity and not a major. Many people switch roles once they're in the industry or a related one. Use the networking tips above to ask about internship opportunities. Also, check if your school offers scholarships or stipends. If your school can help fund a work experience, employers might be more willing to hire a student with less experience. For example, even though I'm not in cybersecurity, I got an internship in the industry last spring through a school-funded program. The work was mostly research-based, so I was qualified even without technical skills or knowledge.
Ask professors about future of the industry
Ask professors about internship opportunities
Ask LinkedIn network about future of the industry
Ask LinkedIn network about internship opportunities
Look for scholarship/stipends for otherwise unpaid internships
If you're looking to gain more experience, don't worry that you have a concentration in cybersecurity and not a major. Many people switch roles once they're in the industry or a related one. Use the networking tips above to ask about internship opportunities. Also, check if your school offers scholarships or stipends. If your school can help fund a work experience, employers might be more willing to hire a student with less experience. For example, even though I'm not in cybersecurity, I got an internship in the industry last spring through a school-funded program. The work was mostly research-based, so I was qualified even without technical skills or knowledge.
Angelie, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps: