6 answers
Nathan
Student
McDonough, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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I’m a 12th grader planning to go to college first and possibly join the military afterward to gain experience and security clearance for a cybersecurity career. What’s the best major or minor to pair with cybersecurity to stay competitive long-term, especially with how fast AI and cloud technology are growing?
I’m trying to future-proof my career in cybersecurity and stay ahead as the tech world keeps changing. I want to know what minors or related fields would actually add long-term value — whether that’s AI, cloud computing, data science, or something else. I just don’t want to waste time on something that won’t matter a few years from now.
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6 answers
Stephen Ballard
1
Answer
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
I went to college and took courses in math and physics and computer science to understand electronics an programming. Then I joined the US Navy in electronics communications. Then after the Navy, went back to school, then worked for small computer company, then went to work for telecommunications company. However, my path to a good paying job with good benefits was rather long. So the best bet is to get as much schooling as possible in the field you are interested in, cybersecurity, and then try go get a job with one of the larger companies with good pay and benefits. Sometimes that means moving away from home, brothers, and sisters and parents, to a larger city. So it does have its down side.
Thank you!
Nathan
Adam Barron
Director Network Security
7
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Adam’s Answer
You can't go wrong with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology. Those degrees will never go out of date. Within a degree program, most universities have Majors and Secondary Focus areas. Within those you can choose pathways such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Networking & Cybersecurity, or Wireless Communications and Signal Processing to name just a few. There are many, many different pathways.
I also like your idea of joining the military after college for the reasons you state. That would be a great career decision, and one that you can't go back and do later in life. The military has age restrictions and once you leave your 20's you'll probably not want to go back later and join.
You're off to a great start. I suggest looking at university websites and going through the degree programs and then asking yourself which ones speak to you the most. None of the choices you mentioned are bad options whatsoever. Pick the major that appeals to you the most because this is for your benefit and not simply to have a future proof degree.
I also like your idea of joining the military after college for the reasons you state. That would be a great career decision, and one that you can't go back and do later in life. The military has age restrictions and once you leave your 20's you'll probably not want to go back later and join.
You're off to a great start. I suggest looking at university websites and going through the degree programs and then asking yourself which ones speak to you the most. None of the choices you mentioned are bad options whatsoever. Pick the major that appeals to you the most because this is for your benefit and not simply to have a future proof degree.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Nathan
Laila Machkour
Styliste
2
Answers
Casablanca, Grand Casablanca, Morocco
Updated
Laila’s Answer
I believe the most appropriate specialization to combine with cybersecurity is computer science and technology, especially with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
Thank you so much, Laila!
Nathan
Timothy Davis, MBA, CISA
18
Answers
Panama City, Florida
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
College programs in Computer Science often focus on programming, but many cyber security jobs are about network infrastructure. To get ready for these roles, consider taking courses in networking and think about getting certifications like Network+ or Security+. Check out technical schools or community colleges, as they might offer good certificate programs that prepare you well for this field. An Associate degree is also a smart choice because you can use those credits later if you want to get a bachelor's degree, especially if you aim for a management role.
If you're open to joining the armed forces, it's a great way to start a career in cyber security. You'll gain experience, earn while you learn, and they often provide certifications and credit courses. Plus, they might pay for your college education after your service. This path offers a strong chance of landing a job due to the high demand for skilled professionals and the security clearances you'll earn.
If you're open to joining the armed forces, it's a great way to start a career in cyber security. You'll gain experience, earn while you learn, and they often provide certifications and credit courses. Plus, they might pay for your college education after your service. This path offers a strong chance of landing a job due to the high demand for skilled professionals and the security clearances you'll earn.
Victor René Opio
Project Management Consultant
11
Answers
Poteet, Texas
Updated
Victor René’s Answer
Hi Nathan,
Your goals are impressive, and it's great to see your focus at such a young age. I wasn't as clear about my path back then. When I joined the Navy, I worked as a Fire Control Technician on the Sea Whiz Anti-missile system. One key piece of advice: keep a clean record. Avoid trouble and legal issues, as these can hinder your ability to get a Security Clearance.
To prepare for a cybersecurity career, start with online resources like YouTube or consider training for the CISSP certification. You don't necessarily need a college degree. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, CISA, CISM, GCIH, SSCP, and GSEC are valuable. You can explore these at https://www.coursera.org/articles/popular-cybersecurity-certifications.
Begin by understanding the main domains of cybersecurity. ISC2 is a reliable source, and Shon Harris is another good reference. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Information Security (Governance)
- Communication and Network Security
- Security Engineering
- Asset Security
- Security and Risk Management
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
- Cryptography
Cybersecurity has evolved, and now we use technologies like Configuration as Code (CaC), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and various "as a Service" models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). EDGE computing and Internet of Things (IoT) are also important areas to explore.
Expect a lifelong learning journey in cybersecurity, but you can become proficient in about 2-3 years. Best of luck, Nathan!
Your goals are impressive, and it's great to see your focus at such a young age. I wasn't as clear about my path back then. When I joined the Navy, I worked as a Fire Control Technician on the Sea Whiz Anti-missile system. One key piece of advice: keep a clean record. Avoid trouble and legal issues, as these can hinder your ability to get a Security Clearance.
To prepare for a cybersecurity career, start with online resources like YouTube or consider training for the CISSP certification. You don't necessarily need a college degree. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, CISA, CISM, GCIH, SSCP, and GSEC are valuable. You can explore these at https://www.coursera.org/articles/popular-cybersecurity-certifications.
Begin by understanding the main domains of cybersecurity. ISC2 is a reliable source, and Shon Harris is another good reference. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Information Security (Governance)
- Communication and Network Security
- Security Engineering
- Asset Security
- Security and Risk Management
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
- Cryptography
Cybersecurity has evolved, and now we use technologies like Configuration as Code (CaC), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and various "as a Service" models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). EDGE computing and Internet of Things (IoT) are also important areas to explore.
Expect a lifelong learning journey in cybersecurity, but you can become proficient in about 2-3 years. Best of luck, Nathan!
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
99
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
First you'd need a solid foundation - a CS degree will give you that. Certifications help but not required, but for your major, you need to narrow down your choice and pick a specialty that you feel best fits your non-cyber skills, talent, and aptitudes.
Cybersecurity is a very broad field - sometimes touching disciplines that might not seem to be related. So my suggestion is to spend some time and read through the "Explore Cybersecurity Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students - the page provides a great overview of all available areas in cybersecurity.
And as far as I know security clearances are tied to jobs and require a government agency or contractor to sponsor you. You can't just get it by yourself.
Cybersecurity is a very broad field - sometimes touching disciplines that might not seem to be related. So my suggestion is to spend some time and read through the "Explore Cybersecurity Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students - the page provides a great overview of all available areas in cybersecurity.
And as far as I know security clearances are tied to jobs and require a government agency or contractor to sponsor you. You can't just get it by yourself.