A career change into cyber-security is not only possible but also common, with 39% of new employees in the sector coming from a non-IT role. Transferable skills such as communication and analytical skills are highly valuable in this field, and organizations should focus on these areas when filling cyber-security roles.
Breaking Down the Barriers
According to ISC2, an organization of cyber-security professionals, 39% of new employees in the sector came from a non-IT role. This shows that a career change into cyber-security is not only possible but also common.
Transferable Skills Matter
Rebecca Taylor, a threat intelligence knowledge manager at Secureworks, switched careers from English and creative writing to cyber-security. She highlights the importance of transferable skills in her new role, which involves grabbing relevant information, ensuring its accuracy, and bringing it into their systems.
Communication and Analytical Skills are Key
Amanda Finch, chief executive of CIISec, recommends that organizations trying to fill cyber-security roles look at the transferable skills career changers can bring. She advises breaking down jobs into duties to identify associated skills, such as analytical or communication skills.
Non-Technical People Can Thrive in Cyber-Security
Calum Baird, a digital forensics and incident response consultant at Systal Technology Solutions, worked in Police Scotland for ten years before transitioning into cyber-security. His experience highlights the value of non-technical people in the field, particularly their ability to find topics and dig deeper.
The Pay Can Be Good
Relevant Skills from Other Careers
While technical skills are essential in cyber-security, many other skills from non-IT backgrounds can be highly valuable. For instance:
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Communication and analytical skills: These are crucial in roles like threat intelligence and incident response.
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Problem-solving and critical thinking: These skills are necessary for analyzing complex security issues and developing effective solutions.
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Data analysis and interpretation: With the increasing amount of data generated by organizations, the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data is essential in cyber-security.
Real-Life Examples
Several individuals have successfully transitioned into cyber-security from other careers. For example:
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Rebecca Taylor, a threat intelligence knowledge manager at Secureworks, started her career as a personal assistant before transitioning into this role.
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Dr. Leila Powell, lead security data scientist at Panaseer, moved from astrophysics to cyber-security in 2015 and now uses her scientific method skills to analyze complex security issues.
Transferable Skills
CIISec recommends that organizations looking to fill cyber-security roles focus on the transferable skills career changers can bring. By breaking down jobs into duties and identifying associated skills, organizations can find suitable candidates from non-IT backgrounds.
Salary Potential
Newcomers to cyber-security can expect good pay. A survey by Cybershark Recruitment found that those with between one and three years’ experience earned between £40,500 and £58,000 in digital forensics; and between £39,500 and £55,000 in threat intelligence.
Conclusion
While technical skills are essential in cyber-security, many other skills from non-IT backgrounds can be highly valuable. By understanding the transferable skills required for various roles and focusing on these areas, organizations can find suitable candidates and fill their cyber-security needs.
Cybershark Recruitment surveyed over 2,000 UK cyber-security professionals about their salaries. Those with between one and three years’ experience earned between £40,500 and £58,000 in digital forensics; and between £39,500 and £55,000 in threat intelligence.
Breaking Down Jobs into Duties
Amanda Finch advises organizations to break down jobs into duties, making it easier to identify the associated skills. For example, analyzing logs and trends requires good analytical skills, while incident management needs someone who can work under pressure with good communication skills.
The Soft Skills are Sometimes Understated in Cyber-Security
Calum Baird emphasizes the importance of soft skills in cyber-security, such as speaking with clients, putting them at ease, clearly explaining the process, and reassuring them that they’ve got someone on their side fighting their corner.
Many people consider switching careers into cyber-security due to its growing demand and importance in today’s digital world. However, some may be deterred by the perception that this field is only for technical experts.
