What’s it really like to land one of the cybersecurity government jobs? Is it worth it? Find out the answers to those questions in this article. This resource is for individuals who want to work for the U.S. government.
Pros & Cons
Cybersecurity government jobs have many pros. For instance, your country truly needs you as there is a massive shortage of cyber experts. Moreover, you might enjoy the thought of working for the NSA or CIA. Government security professionals have the superhero status as they take down terrorists, drug runners, and rogue governments.
The government also offers long-term employment with good benefits. Your career in the government can last for decades. The government tries to take care of its employees by providing good benefits. Moreover, the public sector offers intensive job training. Hence, you always have the option to switch to the private sector after you’ve served.
However, cybersecurity government jobs also have cons. For instance, candidates often have to undergo complex hiring rules as the government loves red tape. You may have to wait months before obtaining the needed clearance. But before obtaining that clearance, you will undergo an intensive background check. The background check sometimes gets intrusive, too.
It is likely that you’ll have a smaller salary compared to professionals in the private sector. This is perhaps one of the reasons why they are having a hard time attracting talent. Additionally, doing repetitive tasks is common in the government. It is also common for cool and complex jobs to be given to contractors.
Required Education
Like in most jobs, experience is crucial to land a good government cybersecurity position. However, the public sector typically requires applicants to have a college degree.
Regardless if it is required or not, a cybersecurity college program will teach you the fundamentals of IT security. It will also prepare you to take the certification exams you will need to make your resume more attractive. Thus, we can conclude that a college diploma will take you a long way on your job hunt and eventually, in your professional career.
Of course, you may choose to pursue related programs like computer science. Don’t worry if you know very little about computers. Remember that it is never too late to start an education in computer science.
Certifications
Most potential workplaces require that you have multiple certifications. These will prove that you have what it takes to work in the cybersecurity industry. Some of the important certifications are ISACA, Microsoft, CISCO, and CompTIA A+.
Some cybersecurity government jobs require a security clearance. Review the job requirements ahead of time to see if you are capable to work for the role you’re applying for. You can still work for the government even if you don’t have a security clearance. However, it is likely that your options will be limited.
How to Gain Experience
Most jobs require work experience, and the public sector is no different. Look for any cybersecurity internship opportunities. Moreover, consider offering your services to small and medium-sized businesses in your area. Such businesses are typically the target for cyberattacks due to their limited security resources.
