Can You Get Into Cybersecurity With a Fine Arts Degree?

Is Cybersecurity an Art?

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines cybersecurity as ''the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use.'' This indicates that, from one perspective, at least, cybersecurity can be viewed as an art.

Cybersecurity requires more than a deep knowledge of computer science. It requires someone with an open mind who can anticipate the motives behind cyberattacks and understand the human mistakes that lead to cybersecurity breaches. A background in the arts can help you provide a new, much-needed perspective to the cybersecurity industry.

Can an Art Student Study Cybersecurity?

Art students typically have opportunities to study a wide variety of subjects. Though degree programs vary by school, most fine arts degrees encourage students to take a variety of electives and general education courses.

If you are pursuing a fine arts degree but are interested in learning about cybersecurity, taking a few introductory courses in this field will teach you basic cybersecurity skills and give you a solid foundation to build on.

How Can a Fine Arts Degree Be Beneficial for a Career in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity professionals do more than track down cyber threats; they aim to prevent hackers from breaching security systems in the first place. Protecting computer networks is a full-time job that requires more than a handful of technical skills.

Cybersecurity experts with a fine arts background have a diverse skill set that allows them to address vulnerabilities in innovative or unique ways. Some of the soft skills beneficial in cybersecurity careers include:

• problem-solving
• critical thinking
• communication
• curiosity
• collaboration
• attention to detail

Students can hone and develop all of these skills and more in a fine arts degree program.

Steps for Getting a Cybersecurity Job With a Fine Arts Degree

If you have a fine arts degree but want to pursue a cybersecurity career, you can give yourself an edge by pursuing additional education and developing technical skills. Follow the steps below.

Consider Earning a Second Degree

If you are still in school, consider double majoring in fine arts and cybersecurity. If you have already graduated with your fine arts degree, you can go back to school for another bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity.

This additional education will provide the specific knowledge and skills you'll need in any cybersecurity career. It will also show potential employers that you have received formal training in the industry, which will make you a more desirable job candidate.

Network With Cybersecurity Professionals

Having connections in the cybersecurity field can help you in multiple ways. It will help you learn more about cybersecurity, as you can ask any specific questions you may have and get personalized advice on how to pursue a cybersecurity career.

Your network can also help you learn about job opportunities you might not have heard about otherwise. Professionals in your network may also be willing to act as references to put in a good word for you with their company and help you find other entry-level opportunities.

Complete a Cybersecurity Certification

Companies don't always require them, but having one or more professional certifications in cybersecurity can help you perfect your skills and stand out from the crowd as you look for a job. Good certifications to consider include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+

Learn Cybersecurity Technical Skills

Even if you don't pursue a cybersecurity degree or certification, you'll need to learn the technical skills necessary for cybersecurity. Some of these skills include:

• coding
• ethical hacking
• cryptography
• risk management
• incident response

A degree or certification in the field isn't always necessary. You can learn many skills you'll need by taking individual courses or completing internships.

Build a Portfolio

To give yourself a competitive edge, you'll need a competitive portfolio. You can build this portfolio by taking courses, completing certifications, working internships, or doing freelance work relative to cybersecurity.

The more cybersecurity-related experiences you can add to your portfolio, the better. This is especially true if you don't have a cybersecurity degree or certification, but you can also add these advanced credentials to your portfolio to really help you stand out.

What Are the Career Options for an Art Student in Cybersecurity?

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals with a background in fine arts can pursue a variety of entry-level jobs. More advanced careers are available to those who pursue advanced cybersecurity education such as degrees and certifications.

Some of the job titles you can pursue include:

• information security analyst
• penetration tester
• software engineer