The 2019 Job Seeker & The Cybersecurity Skills Shortage

In today’s ever-changing job market, job seekers and employers alike are under a great deal of pressure. Those looking for their next career move are focusing on what’s required to land a great role with competitive compensation and room for growth in an exciting field. And employers are seeking a rising star that will be a good culture fit and have values that match those of their company.

A Letter to Jobseekers

Whether you just graduated college, left your previous role, or are seeking a different career path, you’re probably thinking, “Now what?” No matter where your path leads you, stay positive. Try to find a company that invests in you, truly wants you to succeed, fosters both personal and professional growth, and makes a big difference in your career progression.

If you’re a problem solver and love to learn, cybersecurity is the path for you. A career in cybersecurity can be very fulfilling. As cybercrime continues to rise, so will the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals, offering both dynamic growth opportunities and job security. Furthermore, cybersecurity professionals are generally among the most highly-compensated technology workers—and as the need for security professionals further outpaces the supply, salaries will continue to climb as companies compete for top talent Lastly, a career in cybersecurity offers the sense of purpose that comes with making the world a better place by helping protect innocent people from cybercriminals.

Whether you are just out the gate or further along in your career, check out McAfee CHRO Chatelle Lynch’s five powerful career tips: stay hungry, celebrate other’s success, work hard, own your brand, and take pride in everything you do.

Good luck!

A Sustainable Model for Cybersecurity Talent

The term “skills shortage” is all too familiar to those in the cybersecurity industry. A Cybersecurity Ventures report estimates there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021. And as cloud platforms demand an increasingly complex set of cloud SecOps skills, the skills gap will continue to grow at an increasing clip.

Success requires fresh thinking and fresh perspectives. It’s time for the cybersecurity industry to redefine the minimum credentials for entry-level cybersecurity jobs and accept non-traditional sources of education. Instead of expecting to hire an experienced cybersecurity professional, more companies should consider accepting job applicants that will require upfront investment and training. According to our Winning the Game report, 92% of cybersecurity managers say gamers possess skills that make them suited to a career in cybersecurity—and 75% would consider hiring a gamer even if that person had no cybersecurity training or experience.

In order to grow security talent and close the skills gap, companies should also consider developing apprenticeship programs, investing and supporting cybersecurity and threat intelligence programs at universities, and other avenues. According to Lynch, “We won’t close our skills gap overnight, but by working together to collectively promote and advocate for a career in cybersecurity, the closer we will get.” We look forward to solving the cyber skills shortage together and driving innovation with diversity and inclusion.

Looking for a career in cybersecurity? Join our team.

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