During week two of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), we are letting teachers, parents, students and young adults know about the career and workforce development opportunities in cybersecurity.
Technology has become a significant part of our daily lives and protecting our online networks is essential to our future. Career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are growing rapidly and a new generation of employees will be on forefront of this workforce. As cybercrimes continue to rise, filling cybersecurity positions are more important than ever.
The cybersecurity field offers gratifying career opportunities for young professionals seeking jobs in science and technology – providing roles that are both challenging and financially rewarding. According to a study by Raytheon and Forcepoint in partnership with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), young adults most want to learn and use skills like problem solving (58 percent), communication (55 percent), management (51 percent), data analysis (45 percent) and software programming (33 percent) in their jobs. However, many young people may not be aware that these skills align with many cybersecurity opportunities.
Below are tips to help teachers, parents and industry professionals motivate students to pursue a career in cybersecurity:
- Volunteer at school, an after-school program, Boys & Girls Club or community workshops to teach kids about online safety and cybersecurity careers. Check out NCSA’s online safety resources for ideas on what topics to cover and materials you can use.
- Expose students to opportunities in the field of cybersecurity by hosting an open house at your company to talk about what your cybersecurity department does.
- Work with your schools or community-based organizations to create an internship program for hands-on learning.
- Inspire students to learn about cybersecurity by mentoring a team in a cyber challenge or hosting events and after-school programs. Check out CyberPatriot, the national youth cyber education program created to inspire students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM disciplines.
- As a parent, learn about the “educational steps” to a career in cybersecurity and about community organizations that host cyber camps to educate kids about internet safety and security. Visit GenCyber for information on cyber camps held across the country. And check out NCSA’s Parent Primer for Guiding Kids to Careers in Cybersecurity.
Please continue following AGA’s weekly blog articles about cybersecurity topics, as well as daily content on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages during NCSAM, including the official hashtag: #Cyberaware.
