The security and safety of computer networks is essential to modern life. The dangers facing these networks is ever present and increasing, making the field of cybersecurity of primary importance.
The cybersecurity field offers high paying jobs with excellent worker satisfaction. There are 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs around the world (according to Cybersecurity Ventures), and some 500,000 here in the U.S. There has never been a better time to join the field of cybersecurity.
These five short videos developed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provide background on the importance of cybersecurity in our computer and data-driven world. Practicing cyber professionals across many disciplines talk about their work and their career paths, offering tips on how to prepare for a cybersecurity career. Links to other key resources are also noted. The programs showcase the wide range of cybersecurity jobs that involve the protection of our vulnerable systems from hackers.
Funding for the series was provided through a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology on behalf of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. It is one of a number of NIST-funded career development and educational projects the VSGC has undertaken as part of the Hampton Roads Cyber Alliance project led by Old Dominion University.
The video series can be viewed at this link.
VSGC coordinated a workshop for 27 high school Counselors and Career Coaches from the school divisions in Hampton Roads. Counselors and Career Coaches are a vital link between students and academic and career choices. They work in the high schools and provide career assessments, career planning, and assistance with selecting the best post-secondary training options for students. This workshop allowed the Career Coaches and Counselors to become informed about the cybersecurity field and the predicted explosion in workforce demand and career opportunities. The agenda can be found here.
VSGC led the development of a DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) chart for a Cybersecurity Analyst that has been used by project partners to ensure curriculum is aligned with workforce needs. The DACUM panel consisted of 10 cybersecurity professionals who described their daily role and identified the tasks and duties typically performed by a cybersecurity analyst. The link to the DACUM chart can be found at this link.
VSGC developed and coordinated two Cyber Saturdays for 99 high school students and 41 parents. The goal of these Saturday events was to create awareness of the cybersecurity career field and provide information about the academic pathways and preparation needed to be successful in the field. The events included hands-on activities led by experienced professionals and educators from the region. Parent sessions included information on careers and the workforce need; cybersecurity academic pathways in the region; planning for college and how to pay for it; presentations by HR Cyber partners and employers; and hands-on activities.