Professionals working in a cybersecurity lab

10 Reasons You Should Consider a Career in Cybersecurity

Revised: January 6, 2025

With the growing prevalence of cybersecurity, you might be wondering what the field entails - and whether it might be the right fit for the next step in your career.

The need for more cybersecurity professionals becomes clear just by scanning the news: data breaches and hacking are increasingly prevalent, and most businesses are recognizing the need to protect themselves from such attacks. An increased demand for cybersecurity services means that there's never been a better time to pursue a career in this growing field.

 

Benefits of Working in Cybersecurity

1. You'll Be a Part of an Exciting, Challenging Field

The internet touches almost all aspects of daily life. In our digital age, cybersecurity plays an essential role in ensuring online safety, as well as the safety of the essential systems that support our daily lives, including electricity, transportation, and financial institutions. As a cyber security professional, you'll be working daily to keep critical infrastructure secure, and will constantly be facing new, engaging challenges. 

2. You Will Find More Job Opportunities

Because cybersecurity is such a fast-growing field, there's a high employer demand for qualified professionals. Between 2007 and 2013, postings for cybersecurity jobs grew 74%, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow 18% from 2014 to 2024 - much faster than the average for all occupations. In other words, there are a lot of cybersecurity jobs to be filled, and demand doesn't appear to be slowing any time soon.

3. You Can Earn Higher Pay

The average salary in a job that requires information technology (IT) skills is 50% higher than the average private-sector American job. In 2016, the median pay for a cybersecurity job was $92,600 per year, as compared to a median annual wage of $37,040 for all workers.

4. You'll Be Able to Choose an Industry That Interests You

One of the most appealing aspects of a career in cybersecurity is that the field can be applied to many different industries, from government to nonprofit to private sector. The highest demand for cybersecurity workers are in industries that manage high volumes of consumer data, such as finance, health care, and retail trade.

5. You Can Use Your Entire Skillset

Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, attracting people from all different types of work backgrounds. This means that within the broad field of cyber security, there's an opportunity to differentiate yourself by drawing on your skillset from prior jobs, such as information technology, administration, or accounting, while also building new cybersecurity skills.

6. You Can Work Remotely

The cybersecurity field offers incredible flexibility, making it one of the most attractive career paths today. Many cybersecurity roles—from Security Analysts to Penetration Testers—can be performed remotely, allowing you to work from anywhere while safeguarding computer systems and sensitive information. With the high demand for cybersecurity experts, companies prioritize flexible work options to attract talent globally. Whether you’re securing network security or monitoring potential attacks, a remote cybersecurity career lets you balance work and life on your terms.

7. There's Opportunity for Advancement

A cybersecurity career offers a clear and rewarding career path, with endless career opportunities for growth. Starting with a bachelor’s degree or certifications, you can progress to roles like Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The cybersecurity industry is in high demand, and businesses are increasingly investing in risk management and network security to protect sensitive data from cyber threats. For professionals willing to learn and grow, this field ensures unmatched job security and advancement.

8. The Field Welcomes Diverse Backgrounds

The cybersecurity field is unique because it values professionals from all walks of life. Whether your background is in IT, finance, law, or psychology, your skills can contribute to solving complex cyber threats. Roles like Penetration Tester or Risk Analyst require analytical thinking, while positions in risk management and network security benefit from strong communication and problem-solving skills. A bachelor’s degree is a great start, but passion and adaptability are just as essential in this high-demand field. The cybersecurity industry welcomes fresh perspectives to defend against unauthorized access and potential attacks.

9. You'll Always Be Learning

A cybersecurity career means you’ll never face a dull day. The field is dynamic, with new cyber threats and technologies constantly emerging. From understanding computer systems to enhancing network security, cybersecurity professionals are always learning how to mitigate potential attacks and unauthorized access. Certifications, real-world practice, and specialized roles—like Penetration Tester—keep your skills sharp. With job security and high demand in the cybersecurity industry, continuous learning ensures your relevance and success in this ever-changing field.

10. You'll Have a Direct Impact on Society

In a cybersecurity career, your work directly protects individuals, businesses, and governments. By preventing unauthorized access, safeguarding sensitive data, and securing computer systems, you help create a safer digital world. From risk management to thwarting cyber threats and potential attacks, the work you do has real societal impact. Whether defending hospitals, banks, or critical infrastructure, cybersecurity experts play a key role in protecting sensitive information from harm. With career opportunities continuing to grow, your work in the cybersecurity field matters now more than ever.

Secure Your Future in Cybersecurity—Where Opportunity Meets Impact

Start your journey in the high-demand cybersecurity industry with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Champlain College Online. Build the skills to protect sensitive information, prevent cyber threats, and secure computer systems — all while advancing on a clear and rewarding career path.

Prepare to become one of tomorrow’s leading cybersecurity experts and step into a future filled with job security, growth, and purpose. Contact Champlain College Online today and start building a future filled with growth and impact.
 

About the Author

Sonya Krakoff

Senior Content Marketing Specialist

Sonya Krakoff is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist at Champlain College Online, where she is the voice behind the CCO blog and helps tell the school's story across multiple digital platforms. Sonya has extensive experience in writing, content marketing, and editing for mission-driven businesses and non-profit organizations, and holds a bachelor's degree in English (with a focus on creative writing) from St. Lawrence University.

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