7 answers
Kamora
Student
Decatur, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What's the most challenging part of having a career in cybersecurity?
I'm a high school senior interested in majoring cybersecurity at Alabama State University. I wanted to know what's the pros and cons of having a career in cybersecurity and how do you balance
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7 answers
Sam Taylor
Cloud Engineer
9
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Sam’s Answer
That's an interesting question, and one that is not easy to answer! I'll let you know my experience.
In college, I spent very long amounts of time on theory as well as practical application. If the Alabama State program (unfamiliar) is good, they should have enough equipment for you to mess around and break stuff that can be easily fixed again. Any cyber program worth its salt should have tons of either on-prem or cloud resources for you to use, break, apologize for breaking, and then break again. That's part of the learning process. But "cyber" isn't a career path anymore. Companies, corporations, governments, consulting firms don't necessarily want a person with the ability to use a specific piece of software, they want people that can learn fast and have good basic knowledge.
I've spent a ton of time obsessing over my degree program choice, my internship choices (not really choices, but the ones I could get), and career choices. Without getting too in the weeds, I'll tell you this. All entities that employ people want well-rounded and smart people that can provide value to their business. Some entities that employ people require degrees to give you a job. Some entities that employ people don't. I believe the value of a well-rounded education still exists in America; it just doesn't guarantee you a job. If you want to go to college and learn, do so if it makes financial sense for you. I'll tell you that in my (albeit short so far career) I've met people that went to Ivy League schools that couldn't tell you how computers actually work and why they matter, and I've met people who were entirely self-trained and were doing some of the best work in the organization by far. I've also met people who went to good colleges and do incredible work, and people who were entirely self-trained and weren't doing good work.
College degrees open doors. Hard work opens doors. Degrees and hard work can sometimes open more doors. What your college experience is like is up to you. If I could sum it up in one sentence: "Use the resources at your disposal, and understand those resources have a limited shelf life."
In college, I spent very long amounts of time on theory as well as practical application. If the Alabama State program (unfamiliar) is good, they should have enough equipment for you to mess around and break stuff that can be easily fixed again. Any cyber program worth its salt should have tons of either on-prem or cloud resources for you to use, break, apologize for breaking, and then break again. That's part of the learning process. But "cyber" isn't a career path anymore. Companies, corporations, governments, consulting firms don't necessarily want a person with the ability to use a specific piece of software, they want people that can learn fast and have good basic knowledge.
I've spent a ton of time obsessing over my degree program choice, my internship choices (not really choices, but the ones I could get), and career choices. Without getting too in the weeds, I'll tell you this. All entities that employ people want well-rounded and smart people that can provide value to their business. Some entities that employ people require degrees to give you a job. Some entities that employ people don't. I believe the value of a well-rounded education still exists in America; it just doesn't guarantee you a job. If you want to go to college and learn, do so if it makes financial sense for you. I'll tell you that in my (albeit short so far career) I've met people that went to Ivy League schools that couldn't tell you how computers actually work and why they matter, and I've met people who were entirely self-trained and were doing some of the best work in the organization by far. I've also met people who went to good colleges and do incredible work, and people who were entirely self-trained and weren't doing good work.
College degrees open doors. Hard work opens doors. Degrees and hard work can sometimes open more doors. What your college experience is like is up to you. If I could sum it up in one sentence: "Use the resources at your disposal, and understand those resources have a limited shelf life."
Tracy Hickey
Principal Security Governance Engineer
5
Answers
Anchorage, Alaska
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Cybersecurity is definitely an interesting and exciting field. You'll never be bored or see the same thing twice. I've been in cybersecurity for about 20 years now.
What I love:
* That it's never boring. There's always learning opportunities, new methods invented, new vulnerabilities discovered, new technology to learn, etc. You can spend the rest of your life learning and still never know everything. I find that so intriguing!
* Even in the realm of AI, where there's so much fear of it taking cybersecurity jobs, there is still a ton of jobs available across so many different flavors of cybersecurity. Use AI to be a value add, but not a replacement. It can help make cybersecurity more advanced, whereas a human might miss something in all the data reviewed. So it's a benefit, not a detriment, but it requires you to lean into it.
* The network. You will meet so many people that are passionate about this field and are happy to talk to you about anything. Use that, lean into it, make those connections. You won't regret it.
What I dislike:
* It tends to be very reactive at times and I do prefer to be proactive instead. It's not a deal-breaker, but can wear on you at times having to continuously put out fires instead of preventing them.
* Burnout can happen because of the above point. So, remember to breathe and take time for yourself.
* There are a ton of options, roles, and job families available, so it's easy to get distracted or spread yourself too thin across too many topics. Try to focus on a specialty and become the go-to expert and person. It makes a huge impact on your career.
One thing to do is balance your time. Make time for work, play, and learning. Don't burn out. Self-care will go a LONG way in keeping you sane in the world of cybersecurity.
But most importantly, have blast and enjoy what you do!
What I love:
* That it's never boring. There's always learning opportunities, new methods invented, new vulnerabilities discovered, new technology to learn, etc. You can spend the rest of your life learning and still never know everything. I find that so intriguing!
* Even in the realm of AI, where there's so much fear of it taking cybersecurity jobs, there is still a ton of jobs available across so many different flavors of cybersecurity. Use AI to be a value add, but not a replacement. It can help make cybersecurity more advanced, whereas a human might miss something in all the data reviewed. So it's a benefit, not a detriment, but it requires you to lean into it.
* The network. You will meet so many people that are passionate about this field and are happy to talk to you about anything. Use that, lean into it, make those connections. You won't regret it.
What I dislike:
* It tends to be very reactive at times and I do prefer to be proactive instead. It's not a deal-breaker, but can wear on you at times having to continuously put out fires instead of preventing them.
* Burnout can happen because of the above point. So, remember to breathe and take time for yourself.
* There are a ton of options, roles, and job families available, so it's easy to get distracted or spread yourself too thin across too many topics. Try to focus on a specialty and become the go-to expert and person. It makes a huge impact on your career.
One thing to do is balance your time. Make time for work, play, and learning. Don't burn out. Self-care will go a LONG way in keeping you sane in the world of cybersecurity.
But most importantly, have blast and enjoy what you do!
Ryan Bauer
Data and Cybersecurity Consultant
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Cybersecurity is an exciting field, and if it interests you, I encourage you to pursue it. I've been working for over 20 years and recently transitioned into cybersecurity. Here are some positive aspects to consider:
Pros:
- You'll have job security. Cybersecurity is essential and always will be. There are more jobs than people to fill them. Even with AI, areas like Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) need human oversight. This involves creating policies and monitoring acceptable risks for companies.
- There are many paths you can take, such as Cryptology, Vulnerability Management, Network Monitoring, and Security Strategy. There's something for everyone.
- It's never dull. New challenges arise all the time as risks and threats change, keeping you engaged.
Cons:
- There's a lot of work to be done, and sometimes teams are overwhelmed, which can lead to burnout.
- As you advance, you'll have more responsibility, which can be stressful. Some people thrive on this, but it's not for everyone.
- The many options in cybersecurity can be a big challenge to manage, despite the job security they provide.
To maintain balance, I try to know my limits and work efficiently. I prioritize downtime and communicate openly about it. I've learned that not all issues are urgent, which helps me focus on what's important.
Overall, choosing a career in cybersecurity is a great decision. It will be both challenging and rewarding. Best of luck on your journey!
Pros:
- You'll have job security. Cybersecurity is essential and always will be. There are more jobs than people to fill them. Even with AI, areas like Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) need human oversight. This involves creating policies and monitoring acceptable risks for companies.
- There are many paths you can take, such as Cryptology, Vulnerability Management, Network Monitoring, and Security Strategy. There's something for everyone.
- It's never dull. New challenges arise all the time as risks and threats change, keeping you engaged.
Cons:
- There's a lot of work to be done, and sometimes teams are overwhelmed, which can lead to burnout.
- As you advance, you'll have more responsibility, which can be stressful. Some people thrive on this, but it's not for everyone.
- The many options in cybersecurity can be a big challenge to manage, despite the job security they provide.
To maintain balance, I try to know my limits and work efficiently. I prioritize downtime and communicate openly about it. I've learned that not all issues are urgent, which helps me focus on what's important.
Overall, choosing a career in cybersecurity is a great decision. It will be both challenging and rewarding. Best of luck on your journey!
Jake Kupchella
Cybersecurity Consultant
5
Answers
Royal Oak, Michigan
Updated
Jake’s Answer
The most challenging aspect of a cybersecurity career is that the cyber threat landscape is continuously evolving. This means you need to be highly adaptive and committed to learning about new topics and emerging threats on a daily basis to stay current with what's happening in the field.
Threat actors are constantly developing new attack methods, exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities, and finding creative ways to bypass security measures. What worked to protect systems last month might be ineffective today. Technologies also advance rapidly; new tools, platforms, and security frameworks are regularly introduced, and you need to understand how to implement and leverage them effectively.
Additionally, regulatory requirements and compliance standards frequently change, requiring you to stay informed about legal and policy updates that impact how organizations handle data and security.
This constant evolution means that learning never stops in cybersecurity. You'll need to regularly read security blogs, follow threat intelligence reports, attend webinars and conferences, participate in training programs, and often pursue additional certifications to maintain your expertise.
Threat actors are constantly developing new attack methods, exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities, and finding creative ways to bypass security measures. What worked to protect systems last month might be ineffective today. Technologies also advance rapidly; new tools, platforms, and security frameworks are regularly introduced, and you need to understand how to implement and leverage them effectively.
Additionally, regulatory requirements and compliance standards frequently change, requiring you to stay informed about legal and policy updates that impact how organizations handle data and security.
This constant evolution means that learning never stops in cybersecurity. You'll need to regularly read security blogs, follow threat intelligence reports, attend webinars and conferences, participate in training programs, and often pursue additional certifications to maintain your expertise.
Muhammad Basra
Consultant
6
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
The most challenging part for me has been keeping up with how fast everything changes. Threats evolve constantly, and what worked last year might not cut it today. You have to be someone who actually enjoys learning, not just tolerates it.
Pros:
Job security is real — cybersecurity talent is in high demand everywhere
The pay is strong, even starting out
The work keeps you on your toes, it rarely gets boring
Lots of room to specialize in what interests you most
Cons:
The learning curve early on is steep and can feel overwhelming
Stress comes with the territory, especially when something breaks in a live environment
Certifications are basically expected and they take time and money
On balance — honestly this took me a while to figure out, but you have to set boundaries early. This field can blur into your personal time if you let it. Logging off is a skill too.
One thing I'd tell my younger self — don't sleep on the fundamentals. Networking, operating systems, basic programming. They feel boring at first but everything in security sits on top of them.
And being at Alabama State, take advantage of any cybersecurity competitions, clubs, or labs they offer. Hands-on experience will set you apart way more than GPA alone.
Pros:
Job security is real — cybersecurity talent is in high demand everywhere
The pay is strong, even starting out
The work keeps you on your toes, it rarely gets boring
Lots of room to specialize in what interests you most
Cons:
The learning curve early on is steep and can feel overwhelming
Stress comes with the territory, especially when something breaks in a live environment
Certifications are basically expected and they take time and money
On balance — honestly this took me a while to figure out, but you have to set boundaries early. This field can blur into your personal time if you let it. Logging off is a skill too.
One thing I'd tell my younger self — don't sleep on the fundamentals. Networking, operating systems, basic programming. They feel boring at first but everything in security sits on top of them.
And being at Alabama State, take advantage of any cybersecurity competitions, clubs, or labs they offer. Hands-on experience will set you apart way more than GPA alone.
Alisha Shrivastava
Cybersecurity Senior Consultant
6
Answers
Livingston, New Jersey
Updated
Alisha’s Answer
Hi Kamora,
A career in cybersecurity can be quite demanding, but it's also exciting and rewarding. Here are some challenges you might face:
1. The world of cybersecurity is always changing, so you need to keep learning to keep up. What you know today might be outdated next year.
2. Mistakes in this field can have big consequences, so attention to detail is crucial.
3. The work can be intense, with long hours that might lead to burnout.
4. Cybersecurity involves many skills, like networking, cloud computing, coding, and compliance.
5. There are lots of job opportunities, but expectations are high, and roles often combine several responsibilities.
6. You need to protect systems without slowing down the business, which means convincing others to adopt security measures.
It's a high-pressure environment, but staying effective and adaptable is key.
Take care,
Alisha
A career in cybersecurity can be quite demanding, but it's also exciting and rewarding. Here are some challenges you might face:
1. The world of cybersecurity is always changing, so you need to keep learning to keep up. What you know today might be outdated next year.
2. Mistakes in this field can have big consequences, so attention to detail is crucial.
3. The work can be intense, with long hours that might lead to burnout.
4. Cybersecurity involves many skills, like networking, cloud computing, coding, and compliance.
5. There are lots of job opportunities, but expectations are high, and roles often combine several responsibilities.
6. You need to protect systems without slowing down the business, which means convincing others to adopt security measures.
It's a high-pressure environment, but staying effective and adaptable is key.
Take care,
Alisha
Chip Appel
Infrastructure and Cybersecurity lead
4
Answers
DeLand, Florida
Updated
Chip’s Answer
Working in cybersecurity can be tough because the field is always changing. New threats pop up quickly, and technologies like AI keep shifting how we defend against attacks. This means you'll need to keep learning throughout your career. There's also a lot of pressure in this job. Teams are often short-staffed, burnout happens a lot, and jobs like security operations require handling constant alerts and making quick decisions. You need both technical and people skills, like understanding systems and risks, while also communicating well and solving problems under pressure. Hope this helps, and good luck with your career!