How To Land a Cybersecurity Job With an Economics Degree

If you're interested in getting into cybersecurity, you may have questions about the different educational paths you can take to land your first position. Specifically, if you already have an economics degree, you may question whether you need to go back to school for a specialized degree. You might wonder, ''Can you start a cybersecurity career with a degree in economics?''

It's possible to get into cybersecurity with an economics background, but doing so may require additional education so you can build the necessary technical skills. That said, a degree in economics can prepare you for specialized or leadership roles in cybersecurity by helping you develop unique skills.

Keep reading to learn more about how economics can apply to cybersecurity careers and how to switch careers.

How Does Cybersecurity Relate to Economics?

On the surface, cybersecurity and economics may appear to be two unrelated topics, but they are closely connected. Some colleges even offer a combined Bachelor of Science in economics and cybersecurity.

Those with a background in economics gain analytical skills, enabling them to understand and investigate the financial side of cybersecurity. They are better equipped to combine a practical knowledge of computer science and information security with a conceptual understanding of economics and management.

Cybersecurity Risks Affect Financial Markets

Vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems can lead to increased financial risks. Cyber threats like cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches can not only cost money to mitigate but may also lead to financial loss within the affected company or organization.

Cybersecurity professionals with a background in economics can provide expert guidance on risk management while also providing cost/benefit analysis of security systems currently in place and suggesting cost-effective ways to provide optimal network security.

Cybersecurity Shapes Digital Economies and E-Commerce

Companies that sell goods and services online are extremely reliant on cybersecurity. Without having secure, protected computer systems, they would not be able to do business online; in turn, this would limit their reach and diminish their business.

Customers who order from these companies expect them to have secure systems to protect their sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and contact information. Cybersecurity professionals with a background in economics understand the financial implications of a data breach in one of these companies; they work to prevent such breaches and provide the most secure systems possible.

Benefits of an Economics Degree for a Cybersecurity Career

An economics degree provides various business and economics courses, helping students develop a strong administrative foundation. This can help set them up for promotions into management and leadership positions throughout their career.

A strong understanding of economics and statistics is beneficial in many cybersecurity careers. Economics experts can help establish budgets relating to cybersecurity, provide analysis regarding the economic benefits and risks of various systems, and understand economic exposure that may be caused by data breaches and other cybercrimes.

Finally, an economics degree can be a great preparation for careers in data science, data analytics, and other analysis roles. These positions often involve a deep understanding of financial implications in cybersecurity. An economics degree will help you develop the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to excel in these roles.

Steps for Getting a Cybersecurity Job With an Economics Degree

If you have a degree in economics, transitioning into a cybersecurity career can be a good career move. That said, you may have to take some additional steps to give yourself the best chance of landing your preferred roles and excelling in your new career path. Let's take a look at each of these steps.

Consider Earning a Second Degree

Even if you already have an economics degree, earning a cybersecurity degree can give you both the skills and credentials to pursue any entry-level role as a cybersecurity professional. If you have a bachelor's degree in economics, consider entering a degree program in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, digital forensics, or a related field.

Alternatively, you could pursue a master's degree in one of these fields. This type of cybersecurity program will provide all the skills you need to succeed in the cybersecurity field while providing advanced education and research opportunities that can lead to more lucrative roles once you begin looking for a job.

Both bachelor's and master's degrees can be completed online or in person, with full-time and part-time options available.

Network With Cybersecurity Professionals

Networking with others in the cybersecurity field can give you an advantage. You can learn more about cybersecurity from these professionals; those with years of experience in the field can answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on specific careers.

Knowing people who work in cybersecurity can also provide you with better job opportunities and improve your chances of landing a job. You can ask those in your network to act as professional references and to contact you if they come across job openings.

Even if you're not yet working in cybersecurity, look for ways to meet those who are. Consider people in roles such as:

• security engineer
• cybersecurity analyst
• security consultant
• information security analyst
• penetration tester
• security architect
• security manager

Complete a Cybersecurity Certification

It is possible to get a job in cybersecurity without pursuing a related degree. If you have an economics degree and don't want to return to school, consider pursuing industry certifications instead.

Even if you decide to pursue a second degree, getting one or more certifications can be beneficial and may be necessary for certain careers. Though not all cybersecurity jobs require certifications, these credentials can make you a desirable candidate by demonstrating you have the skills and knowledge to do the job well.

Some of the certifications to consider include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security +
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Learn Cybersecurity Technical Skills

Whether or not you pursue a cybersecurity degree and certifications, you will need to develop the skills necessary for a role in cybersecurity. Some of these skills may include:

• ethical hacking
• cryptography
• operating systems (i.e., Microsoft and Linux)
• use of tools such as Python and SQL
• critical thinking

You can develop all these skills and more by participating in cybersecurity bootcamps, which are intensive short-term training programs. You could also complete internships or take individual courses to learn the necessary skills.

Build a Portfolio

It's important to demonstrate skills and experience to potential employers. If you complete a cybersecurity degree or certification, these should be at the top of your portfolio. You can also include any bootcamps, internships, courses, or other cybersecurity experience.

If you are self-taught, you can compile the necessary experience by doing some freelance cybersecurity work or by working entry-level cybersecurity jobs, such as IT help desk technician. These opportunities will not only help you build skills and increase your knowledge but also give you a better chance of moving into a more lucrative cybersecurity role.