Having a non-technical background doesn’t necessarily exclude you from roles in cyber security. You can learn many skills through on-the-job training. As we’ve seen, many employers are happy to hire individuals with any university degree, or even without one, if you can show that you’ve got transferable soft skills such as effective communication skills and a good work ethic.
There are also many jobs in the cyber security sector which aren’t technical positions. If you’re a good writer, you can start out in the industry as a technical writer. Alternatively, many cyber policy positions don’t include technical duties. Roles in cyber policy focus on how and where an organisation can implement cyber protection strategies, based on advice and findings from cyber security practitioners. You can access these types of roles without a relevant degree.
Entry-Level Certification
Alternatively, getting an entry-level cyber security certificate or qualification can be a rapid career booster if you want to access the technical positions right away. You can achieve a certificate by taking an online or in-person course, which can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The certificate shows you’ve completed the course and stands as good evidence that you’ve gathered some relevant skills.
Certification holds even higher value. To achieve certification, you need to sit an exam, which can take anywhere from a few months to a few years of preparation. These are still accessible to people of all backgrounds, technical or non-technical, as there are many highly reputable entry-level qualifications. Some of the most highly respected certifications for industry newcomers include:
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker.
The CompTIA Network+ isn’t strictly a cyber-related certification, but for professionals with a non-technical background, it provides a solid technical foundation. This qualification can go a long way to proving to employers that you have what it takes to succeed without a degree or professional work experience.
The CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level cyber security certification that holds worldwide recognition. It’s well-respected by employers: in fact, many employers favour certification to a degree. If you’re interested in one of the roles in penetration testing, ethical hacking or forensics, then the essential credential for you is the Certified Ethical Hacker qualification offered by EC-Council.
These are just a few of hundreds of certifications available. While by no means mandatory, having these certifications can fast-track you into entry-level cyber security roles with no IT experience.
