The mention of artificial intelligence or AI triggers various emotions among workers, depending on their background and experience. Some envision a world of positive possibilities, but others see a disruptive technology that may even threaten their jobs.
The reality is that AI is transforming the way we learn, work and live, and it is here to stay. It stands as one of three revolutions in the digital world. First was the internet, then the cloud and now AI.
Cybersecurity is one of AI’s core applications. While cybercriminals are taking advantage of AI capabilities to launch sophisticated attacks, businesses, financial and education institutions and other organizations are fighting back with their own security forces. AI’s machine learning, language managing, automation abilities and other functions offer the tools needed to keep data safe. This allows businesses to identify and alleviate all the cyber events they experience.
All that means the need for cybersecurity workers is on a rapidly rising trajectory.
Kevin Kraft, a student at City University of Seattle, realized this early on. While he was in the United States Army, he became an information technology manager. He retired from the military after 24 years and began looking for a new job. While searching for a position, he earned several technology certificates. He also had a top secret clearance from the military, which large corporations find very attractive because they don’t have to spend the money on background checks and everything else required for that type of clearance.
Eventually he landed the position he has now as a network engineer with a company called SMX.
“With 20 years of IT experience, it wasn’t too hard to find a good job, but it did take me over two years to get it right,” he says.
In a couple of months, he’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from CityU and that will open up even more opportunities for him in the future.
“Future technology workers, including cybersecurity professionals will have to know how to use AI applications (tools),” explains Morgan Zantua, program director, School of Technology and Computing, City University of Seattle.
She says cybersecurity is a socio-technical interdisciplinary “team” career. Cybersecurity professionals must do the critical, ethical and sociotechnical operations required to integrate security into organizations and society and do it as a team.
Although the pay for cybersecurity workers depends on many factors – experience, degrees, certifications, competitions and internships – people can expect a starting wage from $50,000 – $100,000.
Numerous pathways exist that will give you the education you need to enter the cybersecurity field. For example, Kraft is currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program for computer science. In that course of study he learned basic programming, how to build a website, software design, all about data and some elementary operating systems.
“I know this knowledge and any further education I pursue will open up better opportunities for me in the future,” says Kraft.
He also offers some suggestions to others seeking cybersecurity positions. These are things he learned the hard way.
Stay vigilant in your search. Don’t send the same resume to every open position, instead tailor your résumé and application to the specific job.
If you get an interview do a mock practice with someone so that you’re prepared, Kraft says.
Zantua offers some advice, too. She says the 21st century workforce is transforming so you need to stay relevant, efficient and marketable and integrate technology into your education and your career. Being open to learning and updating your skills will be key to success as we all navigate this AI landscape.
Comments
Post a Comment