Are you looking to become a cybersecurity engineer? But first, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of being a cyber security engineer. Why? To be sure that your choice is the right one.
Below are my shares about the good and not-so-good sides of this career. Let’s dive into it to discover right now!
Overview
Cybersecurity engineers are digital protectors. They defend computers, data, and networks from cyber threats. These engineers are vital in this connected world, where online threats are everywhere,
These engineers have many skills. They understand computers, networks, and coding. They use this knowledge to create strong defenses (firewalls and alarms).
Cybersecurity is always changing. So, these engineers must keep learning to stay ahead of new threats. They make sure organizations follow rules about security.
If you pursue this career, you will easily find a suitable job with a high salary and many advancement opportunities. Yet, the pressure of this job is high, and you often do repetitive tasks. Let’s learn more about these aspects in this section!
Regarding this career’s pros, it brings many benefits in job opportunities, income, advancement, self-employment, and continuous learning.
1. Many Job Opportunities With High Salaries
The first reason many people pursue this career is it can lead to lots of well-paying jobs. Recent research says these jobs are growing fast, with a 32% increase expected from 2018-2028.
Right now, over 14,770 cybersecurity engineers are working in the US. And guess what? There are 73,419 job openings for them, too.
In terms of money, these engineers can make about $135,150 per year in the US (in 2023). On average, the base salary is $128,405, but some can make even more with bonuses, commissions, and other perks, adding about $6,766 extra each year.
So, if you like the idea of a job that pays well and has lots of opportunities, cybersecurity engineering is an ideal choice!
2. High Career Advancement
If you work as a cybersecurity engineer, you have high career advancement. Why? In this field, you can specialize in many areas, like network security, cloud security, or testing systems for weaknesses.
When you become an expert, you can get into higher-level jobs, such as a lCISO, a security director, etc., with more responsibilities and better pay.
3. Self-Employed Opportunity
In this role, you also have the option to work for yourself. You can set your own prices, choose your clients, and be your own boss. Here are some ideas:
- Consulting: Many businesses don’t have their cybersecurity experts. You can offer your services to help them with cybersecurity on a project basis.
- Testing: Some companies hire independent cybersecurity testers. They pay you to try and find weaknesses in their systems.
- Teaching: You can run workshops or training sessions to teach others about cybersecurity.
- Creating products: If you have good ideas, you can create and sell your cybersecurity tools or software.
4. Constant Learning Opportunity
This career offers another big advantage: you’re always learning. To stay ready as cyber threats keep changing, you must keep learning about them.
One benefit you will get as you learn more is becoming more valuable in your job and getting promotions, more money, and even higher-level positions where you lead others.
Now, I will discuss some of the downsides of this career! Let’s see if these cons reduce your passion for this field!
5. High Stress
One big downside of this job is the stress that comes with it because I am responsible for keeping important information safe (credit card details or personal data). I need to be on guard all the time, and that is really stressful.
When a security problem happens, I have to jump into action fast and may work long hours under a lot of pressure.
6. There Are Many Boring Tasks
Sometimes, I find this job boring, especially when I update systems and check logs regularly. It’s like doing the same homework every day.
Every day, I get lots of alerts about possible threats. Most of the time, they’re false alarms, so I spend a lot of time checking for real problems among all the noise. To be honest, this mission is not very interesting.
7. Constantly Changing Landscape
The world of cybersecurity never stands still, and what you know today might not be helpful tomorrow.
So, you must keep up with new tech and tricks from the cyber threats; you must stay ahead of them, and that means being ready for new challenges.
Is Becoming a Cyber Security Engineer a Good Choice?
Becoming a cybersecurity engineer can be a good choice, but it depends on your interests and goals. I recommend pursuing it if:
- You love protecting computers and data.
- You want good pay.
- You look for a job to grow in your career and specialize in different areas.
- You enjoy learning new things.
However, this career is not for everyone. You should consider choosing something else if:
- You cannot work under high pressure.
- You like to handle interesting tasks that require creativity.
- You are afraid to change and learn.
Now, what you should do is think about what you enjoy and what you’re good at to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Wrap Up
Considering the pros and cons of being a cybersecurity engineer, I see the benefits in job security, good pay, and the chance to keep learning, which I find appealing. It’s also fulfilling to protect data and adapt to new challenges.
There are downsides, too. The job is stressful, and some tasks are repetitive. It also requires constantly learning and staying updated.
Thank you for reading!