Can You Get Into Cybersecurity With a Communications Degree?
You can enter the cybersecurity field with a communications degree. Securing a second degree and cybersecurity certification can help you achieve this goal.
At first glance, cybersecurity and communication might seem to have little in common. Cybersecurity is an area of computer science and information technology that focuses on protecting aspects of information systems like data, networks, and devices. Communication involves exchanging messages between two parties.
What brings these two fields together is the nature of cybersecurity, which involves stopping hackers, malware, and other cyber threats from communicating with information systems. Even more, cybersecurity experts must have quality communication skills to perform well in their roles.
If you have a degree in communications but want to work in cybersecurity, can you enter the field? Yes, you can get into cybersecurity with a communications degree by earning a second degree, networking with cybersecurity professionals, or taking other steps to earn certifications.
Below, we'll examine how you can transition to a cybersecurity career with a communication background.
Working in Cybersecurity with a Communications Bachelor's Degree
Individuals who work in cybersecurity defend computer systems, mobile devices, gaming consoles, medical equipment, and other devices from cyberattacks. They also provide information security for websites, operating systems, medical records, and other data.
Cybersecurity is a technical job, but communication plays a big role in its success. Let's look at how you can use your communication skills to secure a cybersecurity role.
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Can I Transition to a Cybersecurity Career With a Communications Degree?
Yes, you can transition to a cybersecurity career with a communication degree.
While cybersecurity specialists have different job descriptions depending on their role, you can generally expect the following duties in a cybersecurity career:
- conduct vulnerability assessments to find access point weaknesses in networks, digital systems, and applications
- participate in incident responses, which involve managing the impact of a security breach or cyber attack
- perform security audits and review practices and policies to ensure industry standard compliance
- create and enforce security policies by establishing guidelines for data, storage, and computer network security
- monitor information systems, data, and networks in search of possible security incidents
The ability to perform tasks like these will help you qualify for IT security roles with a communications degree.
How Does Cybersecurity Relate to Communications?
Cybersecurity relies on effective communication. Organizations need cybersecurity experts to properly communicate the latest cyber threats and risks of not following safety protocols.
Here are additional ways cybersecurity professionals use communication daily:
- collaborate with team members and share details about security breaches and solutions
- discuss the steps necessary to protect information systems
- contact organizations and government agencies to stay current with the latest cybercrime hazards
Effective cybersecurity is impossible to achieve without quality communication. This makes individuals with a strong communication background great candidates for cybersecurity roles.
How Can a Communications Degree Be Beneficial For a Career in Cybersecurity?
The skills you learn in a communications degree program can give you important tools to excel in a cybersecurity role. Here are some courses that could benefit your career:
- Public speaking: This course gives you the confidence to share important security updates with large groups of people.
- Research methods: A course covering research methods can help you develop research skills to ease problem-solving processes.
- Interpersonal communication: This communication course shows you how to speak with coworkers professionally.
- Organizational communication: This communication class teaches best practices for communicating clear, concise cybersecurity messages across an organization.
Most bachelor's degree programs require students to take general education math and science courses that might also be required for cybersecurity programs. If you pursue a cybersecurity degree, you might be able to transfer some of these courses to your program.
Is It Hard To Get a Cybersecurity Job With a Communications Degree?
Getting a cybersecurity job with a communications degree is not as hard as you think. After building the right cybersecurity skills and gaining experience, you can qualify for entry-level, mid-level, and even senior-level positions.
You could be a security consultant or a cybersecurity engineer. Some other jobs you could secure with your degree include:
- cybersecurity analyst
- systems administrator
- network administrator
- security architect
- programmer
- certified ethical hacker
- information security manager
The field of cybersecurity is vast, and there are plenty of growing career paths to choose from.
For example, you could become an information security analyst, which is projected to see an employment increase of 32% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics (BLS). With years of experience and the right background, you might even work your way up to a chief information security officer (CISO) role.
You now know the importance of communication to cybersecurity. Let's explore ways you can secure a role with your communication degree.
Steps for Getting a Cybersecurity Job With a Communications Degree
Securing an entry-level cybersecurity job with a communication degree starts with earning a second degree or getting certified. Here are several ways you can start a career in the field.
Consider Earning a Second Degree
One of the best ways to find a cybersecurity role with a communication background is by earning a cybersecurity degree.
A bachelor's degree teaches the security measures experts must take to protect infrastructures. Courses might cover:
- cryptography
- data management
- penetration testing
- systems analysis
- algorithms
- computer engineering
- security protocols
A master's degree program in cybersecurity explores similar concepts in more detail, with advanced coursework in risk management, secure network design, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). Some programs help students find internships that offer hands-on experience in the field.
Network With Cybersecurity Professionals
Connecting with professionals in cybersecurity is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door. Here are some benefits of networking in the field:
- learn the skills needed to succeed in cybersecurity roles
- discover the best degree programs for your desired role
- find out which employers are hiring for entry-level positions
- determine the best certifications for specific jobs
You can attend events and seminars, join online forums to find experts to network with, and connect with professionals on social media sites like LinkedIn.
Complete a Cybersecurity Certification
Cybersecurity certifications validate the knowledge and skills experts have attained in the field. Certifications are available for different roles. Here are some to consider:
- ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- ISACA Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CASP+
Learn Cybersecurity Technical Skills
Success in cybersecurity requires a special technical skill set. Before entering this field, you should build hard skills in areas like the following:
- network forensics
- ethical hacking
- software engineering
- programming
- endpoint security
- disk management
- cloud security
Along with technical skills, you'll need soft skills. A few include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Build a Portfolio
Creating a cybersecurity portfolio can be a great way to showcase your experience and skills and stand out from the competition.
You might include your resume, academic background, and a professional statement. The portfolio should also display your experience and skills gained in areas like programming, ethical hacking, security audits, documenting security incidents, and others.
Your portfolio contents might come from internships, volunteer roles, or personal projects. The more information you include, the better your chances of snagging a cybersecurity job with your communication degree.
