Consider a Career in Cyber Technology (Security)

If you are searching for a new career, or perhaps have been in the information technology industry for years, but are looking for a change, you might wish to consider a career in cyber technology or cyber security.  This field is quickly becoming the fastest growing position on the market today.

 

While this position is in high demand, qualified candidates in the field can expect to receive a six-figure salary, job security, and potential for promotions.  With more than 200,000 unfilled jobs, this industry has no unemployment issues.  And, it is expected that over the next five years, there will be more than 1.5 million open positions.

 

Here is what you can expect when working in this industry:

• Variety of job opportunities - there are new job opportunities every day in the field of cyber technology.  With everything from information security analyst to lead software security engineer, there is sure to be a position that you will enjoy.  Some of the most common positions today are chief security officer, director of security, information security analyst, and lead software security engineer.
• Increased salary - those moving into the cyber technology field are seeing increased salaries.  Salaries typically are ranging from $88,000 per year to $250,000, depending on the position, level of responsibility, and security clearance.
• Education - education in the cyber technology field is ongoing and ever changing.  While most positions will require a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or engineering, many candidates are finding that if some education is completed, they can get in on entry level positions and work their way up while continuing their education.
• Pick of opportunities - because there is such high demand for these positions, you will most likely have your pick.  Those in the cyber technology industry are some of the most sought after candidates in the job world today.  Expect to have multiple offers to choose from, depending on the area you are in.

As you can see, considering a career in the cyber security or technology industry is a smart choice.  Whether you are a veteran moving to a civilian career, a former information technology master looking to change careers, or a high school student considering your options, making this choice is smart!

 

A career in cyber technology can be rewarding and provide you with unique challenges to keep you constantly evolving in the field, something that many people search their whole lives for. 

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How to Improve Employee Satisfaction

Every business owner knows that the key to successful business is happy, loyal employees.  When your employees are satisfied, they are more productive and cause less workplace turmoil, but how can you improve employee satisfaction?

Sure satisfaction can come from a raise, but it is usually short lived.  Employee contentment comes from the smaller, inexpensive things you do for your employees.  Here are some ways in which you can improve your employee satisfaction ratings:

• Control – as humans we feel we need to have control over every aspect of our lives.  This is true within the workplace as well.  When you learn to give more control to your employees, you will find they are more content and more satisfied with their job.  Encourage your employees to take some control – customize their workstation to fit their lifestyle, allow them to set their schedules, and even allow them to create employee-driven competitions within the department.
• Telecommute Options – many employees dread going to their jobs because of the stress created from the commute.  You may offer staggered starting and ending times to avoid rush hour, or even offer some telecommuting options.  This will help relieve some stress and make happier employees.
• Deadlines – deadlines are another source of stress in the workplace.  Most employees will be more productive and work harder when deadlines are not so strict.  While everyone understands there needs to be deadlines, allow your employees to participate in setting the deadlines.
• Social Connections – when employees are allowed to socialize, it creates a happier atmosphere, which in turn is more productive.  Interacting with others typically will boost their mood.  Make sure that you provide amble opportunity for social connections within the workplace, such as a gathering room where employees can have their break and interact by playing a game, or go ahead and make a big deal out of that birthday.  You might even consider starting volunteer programs that your employees can become a part of to help the community.
• Health – everyone is looking to become healthy today.  Give your employees the tools they need to achieve a healthy lifestyle at work as well, such as a kitchen where they can prepare a healthy meal, vending machines that offer healthy snacks, breaks throughout the day, discounted gym memberships, and more.

It is possible for you to encourage an atmosphere of growth and well-being in your company.  One that your employees will appreciate and will contribute to their overall satisfaction with their job and your company.  

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Your Cyber Security Hiring Program

Hiring for cyber security positions is tough!  The fact is, as more and more businesses look to hire qualified individuals, the harder it will get to find good talent.  Why?  Cyber security is a competitive market and it will take a sound hiring strategy and program in order to attract talent to your company. 

Information technology positions, and cyber security positions in particular, are becoming more sought after than any other technology position today.  However, because the pool of qualified talent is limited, there is virtually no unemployment in this industry.  This means that candidates are typically not searching for opportunities and may miss what you have to offer.

This will require you to have a strategy for hiring talent not looking, and possibly recruiting entry level professionals to groom.  Here are a few tips to help you design and implement a successful cyber security hiring program:

• Many companies are closed about sharing their projects, or company secrets, however, it can be to your benefits to share some of this information when interviewing your cyber security candidates.  Many of these candidates like a challenge and providing these details just may get them interested enough to accept your offer.  If you are able to get them to the interview, you need to provide them with enough details to entice them and keep them interested.
• If you are looking to groom your cyber security team, you might wish to look internally at your existing employees.  Not only will they already understand the culture of your company, but they typically will be more invested.  Consider providing the necessary education for these staff members and slowly work them into the positions you desire.
• Veterans are an excellent source of candidates for cyber security positions.  They typically will have no problems with security clearance, and many of them have knowledge of this industry from their military work.  They typically have a skill set that most civilians to not have.  Talk with your recruiting firm about targeting veterans for your open security positions.
• Networking is another great way to find exceptional talent.  While you may not know of any cyber security guru's, other's in your network might.  A referral may be the only way that you can get a qualified candidate in your door, so do not discount asking others you know.
• No matter how you find your candidates, you must be prepared to move quickly once they are willing to listen to your proposal.  Because these candidates are highly sought after, taking a week to think about it, means you will most likely lose that candidate.

As cyber security positions become more popular, the available pool of candidates will get smaller and smaller.  It is estimated that the number of students currently studying in this field, will not be enough to satisfy the overwhelming demand over the next ten years.  Follow the tips above to secure your candidate!

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Engineering and Developer Positions – For Women

The engineering and developer career environment has been controlled predominantly by males for years, until today.  It is true, when you look around a workspace filled with these types of employees, you still see a sea of men, however, women are still very much involved in these positions and are becoming the sought after candidates.

For years, encouragement has been made to girls from a young age to become involved in the sciences.  Pushed to become engineers or master the computer science field.  It paid off – today, more and more women are graduating with these types of degrees and are finding that the workforce holds plenty of opportunities.

Both sectors are searching for women with degrees in both the engineering field and the computer sciences field.  The computer sciences field is in high demand currently, and because this was a field typically employed by men, women are in high demand.  Why?  Recent studies showed that more than 85% of the consumer population is women, so wouldn’t you want your products marketed towards women?  Who better to understand what women respond to than a women!

Same is true in the game programming field of computer science.  Almost 50% of the gaming population is women, however, in the past, it was a job held by men.  If you are a women with game programming capabilities, you will have your choice of where to work.

Businesses have discovered over the years that having women employed at their company creates diversity in the company culture.  These businesses have found success and have set the tone for future business generations.  What once was a hire to quiet the media, has turned into their smartest hire.  Instead of hire on the basis of equality, it is not about hiring the best talent, and today, that often means hiring a women.

Yes, getting hired in the engineering or computer sciences fields has become easier for women, but as a women you must still be aware of some challenges.  Because these fields have been saturated by males, the male culture is typically harder for a women to get used to.  Many women in these fields have found that they must be more aggressive in order to fit in.  In addition, it has been difficult to earn the respect of team members, which has caused high turnover.

The bottom line – if you are a women with a degree in engineering or computer science, the job market is yours.  Take your time and find the right fit for you.  You will find a company that will have the right culture, right wage, and right challenges, where you will thrive in your field.  Your dream job is out there and available at your fingertips.

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