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What makes a career in cyber security so exciting? The digital world is a part of daily life, from communication to entertainment and school to the doctor’s office. With many people engaging with technology regularly, safe and reliable digital spaces have never been so important. As a cyber security professional, you can make a real impact on the safety of others.

An Associate Degree in Cyber Security from Lackawanna College might fit you if you’re passionate about technology and helping others thrive in a fast-paced environment. Pursuing your passion doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with the convenience of our online, two-year degree program. Lackawanna will give you the cyber security fundamentals you need to succeed!

What Is the Cyber Security Job Outlook?

The more potential threats there are to thwart as we rely heavily on technology. Fields of all kinds rely on IT departments and cyber security professionals to keep their information safe.

What does this mean for someone with a degree in cyber security? The job outlook is bright. With job demand in this industry expected to grow by 31% by 2029, there’s no shortage of opportunities for everyone in the field. And it is only expected to keep thriving, given how important technology has become to many industries.

How Do I Get Started With Cyber Security?

With an excellent job outlook, now is the time to break into cybersecurity. What does a cyber security learning path look like? No matter your background, there are concrete steps anyone can take to start exploring this dynamic industry.

1. Decide What You Want to Pursue

Start by identifying what excites you about a career in cyber security. There are many potential opportunities to explore, from digital information collection to active cybercrime investigation to digital defense jobs. Any of these roles can be yours! Decide where you want to focus your energy as a cybersecurity professional, and you’ll be building your way to a promising career.

2. Familiarize Yourself With the Basics

If you’re new to the world of cyber security, you may notice some unfamiliar terminology. Don’t be intimidated! Build a working knowledge of some basic concepts to start your path towards a cyber security career. While Lackawanna’s coursework will introduce you to the fundamentals of operating systems, networks, cryptography and more, it never hurts to acquaint yourself ahead of time. Knowing this language will set you up for success.

3. Get Started With Hands-on Experience

The classroom is an excellent venue for learning about cybersecurity fundamentals. Hands-on experience is the next step in getting started in the field. You can do this in many ways, and one option is pursuing cyber security internships. Lackawanna’s cyber security associate degree program offers an exciting internship course. Students can build hands-on, real-world experience in a corporation, government, or nonprofit organization. Opportunities like these will give you a strong head start on the job market!

4. Pursue Certifications

Another way to set yourself apart in cyber security is by pursuing certifications. Entry-level cyber security certifications are a bonus to your resume, showing that you know specific areas of knowledge. Lackawanna offers students pathways to those certifications through preparatory programs, like the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam Preparation Program and the CompTIA Security+ Exam Preparation Program. Students can also prepare for these essential exams while earning credits toward their degree.

5. Keep Learning

With every year that passes, the digital world gets more complex. Cybersecurity threats grow and change constantly, and professionals in this field must be willing to grow and learn consistently. If you’re always on the look for a challenge, solve complex problems and learn every day, cyber security is right for you! You’ll always be finding new ways to help keep people safe.

Are you interested in getting started in cyber security? A fulfilling career as a cyber security professional can be yours. Explore the opportunities available today through Lackawanna’s associate degree in cybersecurity.