Five reasons to start a career in Cyber Security

Five reasons to start a career in Cyber Security by Amber Rolfe Looking to fight crimes? Go online… With cybercrime on the rise, businesses are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of their data. This means the growing demand for cyber security professionals is at an all-time high â€" making it a great career choice for anyone looking for a role with excellent prospects.We spoke to the experts at  Northumbria University London Campus, to find out why there’s never been a better time to start a career in cyber security:  You’ll have a number of roles to choose fromThere’s no set route into cyber security.Whether you’re a recent graduate, you’re looking for a career change, or you’re just looking to make the next step up in the field, there are a number of options to help you make your way into the industry â€" from apprenticeships and Master’s degrees, to roles in related fields and work placements.And, because the industry is so broad â€" so are your career opportunities. You don’t even have to be a tech expert to get started.With roles in everything from threat intelligence, business analysis, and recruitment, right through to law, project management, and regulatory compliance, there’ll be something to suit you and your skills.Even if tech is your thing, that doesn’t mean you’ll be limited on choice. Technical jobs are also varied, with a wide range of specialisms to choose from â€" whether you want to focus on malware reverse engineering or network monitoring and intrusion.At the very least, you’d have something cool to talk about at parties.You’ll never get bored Cybercrime is on the rise. And it never stays the same. Which means you can’t either.With hackers always thinking up new ways to steal data, it’s a cyber security professional’s job to be one step ahead â€" adapting in line with new technologies and advancing their skills every day. Not only does this make for an exciting career, it also means your abilities will always be up-to-date.Working wi th the likes of drones, robots, online systems, and other types of AI, your job will be to solve puzzles, simulate real-life attacks, analyse their causes and effects â€" and figure out how to stop them.But it’s not just variety and excitement that makes a career in cyber security rewarding.You’ll also be helping people â€" whether it’s protecting organisations’ (and consumer’s) data from major corporate hacks, keeping individuals safe from online theft and scamming, or even making sure everyday services like water and electricity aren’t hijacked by cyber criminals.Essentially, you’re up there with Superman. Except you’ll actually get paid for it.You’ll be in demand Because of the ever-growing rise in cybercrime, your profession will always be in demand.In fact, the skills shortage in cyber security is only getting bigger â€" with 2021 expected to bring a global shortfall of 3.5 million cyber security jobs.The attacks on the NHS affecting computers in almost 100 co untries, along with the leaked data of 57 million Uber users, are just a couple of examples of the supply and demand problem when it comes to keeping business’s data safe and secure.This makes knowledge of this field extremely valuable to employers. And that’s where you come in.With many roles available all over the world, whether it’s working abroad or remotely, your career opportunities are practically limitless â€" whilst growth and development within the field is always well within your reach.All you need to do is get qualified.  You’ll have great earning potential Looking to get paid? Let’s talk money.The demand for cyber security professionals means salaries within the field are extremely lucrative, with the rise not expected to stop anytime soon.Need proof? As of January 2020, the average salary for a cyber security professional in London is just under £80,000 a year, with some roles paying in excess of £100,000. That’s £50,000 more than the London average as a whole.Contract roles in particular are likely to pay premium rates for cyber security professionals who are able to design projects that deliver change for their business.And as your skills and knowledge grow, so will your earning potential â€" whether it’s that you’re progressing within your role, carrying out further study â€" or both.What’s not to like?There’s more than one way to learnLearning about cyber security isn’t one size fits all approach.In addition to CPD courses, apprenticeships, and undergraduate degrees in cyber security and related subjects (e.g. computing), there are a number of Master’s qualifications to help boost your skills past degree level.And because there are a variety of courses to choose from â€" you don’t even need to have a background in cyber security to start studying. And with part-time and full-time study options available, you also don’t need to give up other commitments.Here are a few options, based on your circumstances:For the career starter: MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Practice â€" with work placement/project imbedded into course.For the unqualified cyber professional: MSc Cyber Security (Full-Time) or MSc Cyber Security (Part-Time) â€" depending on your schedule.For the career changer: MSc Cyber Security Technology â€" which is designed specifically for those newer to the field.What are the different degree levels?  Why study with Northumbria University London Campus?At Northumbria University London Campus, their academic experts and support staff are committed to giving you an educational experience that will set you up for life.Not only do they offer a range of cutting-edge postgraduate courses that are at the forefront of current knowledge and informed by global perspectives, they also offer a range of options when it comes to your finances.Some great reasons to study with Northumbria University London Campus include:Northumbria University’s Business School holds the double AACSB accreditation â€" the first in Europe to gain the double accreditation97% of their UK EU full-time and part-time Postgraduate students are in work or further study six months after graduation (DLHE Survey 2015/16)Their well-placed London campus is conveniently located in a well-known student hub near several other university campuses â€" giving the site a true campus feelThey deliver engaging classes and one-to-one guidance to build your confidenceThey offer a range of flexible finance options  Find out more  Ready to find your perfect Master’s course?  Talk to Northumbria University today. Northumbria University London  is the London base for Northumbria University which is located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Their London Campus offers a variety of full-time or part-time programmes, including postgraduate courses in Business, Computing, Cyber, Project Management, Technology and more.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the