by Chrissy Jones
Cybersecurity experts are in high demand due to the rampant and persistent rise in cyberattacks. With 65 percent of companies recommended to increase their cybersecurity staff, this presents multiple job opportunities for certified and skilled professionals to keep organisations safe from hackers. It is believed that only IT graduates are qualified to take on cybersecurity roles, but the truth is, anyone with a passion for technology and problem-solving can become a cybersecurity professional, and that includes business graduates.
Many organisations, especially those in the tech sector, are starting to modify their hiring practices to focus on practical experience and skills rather than formal education. Gaining skills through hands-on experience, earning relevant certifications, and creating a strong portfolio allows you to work in cybersecurity even without a traditional Information Technology degree. If you’re a business student or graduate who’s aiming for a job that presents opportunities for growth, consider any of these cybersecurity roles to build your career.
Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Analyst
To meet the requirements and qualifications of a cybersecurity job without an IT degree, you’ll need to consider several learning paths to equip you with the skills that you need for the role, and these may include technical skills, cryptography, and risk assessment. You can attend cybersecurity workshops or bootcamps taught by industry professionals wherein you’ll learn to prepare for real threats through simulations and security awareness training. You can also sign up for mentorship programmes to develop your skills and expand your network. To boost your qualifications, you’ll need professional cybersecurity certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), among others. After getting certified, consider applying for a specialised internship since this could help you build your competence in the field and increase your chances of getting hired for the job of your choice.
One example of a cybersecurity role that you may want to consider is Governance, Risk and Compliance Analyst. Although this position requires a degree in IT or Cybersecurity, those with a Finance or Economics degree are also typically considered by many companies since these graduates have a solid educational foundation that’s relevant to the job. Apart from having solid technology and security skills, you’ll also need to have verbal and written communication skills, and have the ability to analyse complex security issues. GRC Analyst salaries vary by country and company, so those with entry-level positions in Germany may earn around€77,000 to €88,000 per year, while those in the US have the potential to earn around $98,000 a year.
Cybersecurity Project Manager
Many business graduates are known to be organised and possess strong project management skills, and if you have these qualities then you may want to consider a career as a Cybersecurity Project Manager. This has the potential to be the perfect job for you if you want to work in cybersecurity without having to take on a tech-focused role. As a CPM, your main responsibilities include planning a company’s security projects, and you’ll have to oversee these projects so that they stay on budget and on schedule. You’ll also need to lead and coordinate activities among cybersecurity teams, and communicate project status, updates, and challenges with leadership and stakeholders.
To qualify, you’ll need to have a degree in Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Project Management, and you have to have a solid understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. Having a CISSP certification, as well as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification will also help to increase your chances of getting hired for this role. A CPM in Europe can earn anywhere from €60,000 to €140,000, depending on experience, company size, and location.
Cybersecurity Recruiter
If you prefer to work in technical recruitment, being a Cybersecurity Recruiter may be the right choice for you. This job involves creating recruitment strategies for cybersecurity roles, screening candidates for expertise in relevant areas, managing the full recruitment process, and staying updated on cybersecurity certifications, emerging threats, tools, and technologies. You’ll need to have a degree in Human Resources or something similar for this role, and at least three years of experience in technical recruitment. You will also need to have a thorough understanding of cybersecurity best practices and principles, as well as strong communication and management skills. Cybersecurity Recruiters typically earn around €40,000 to €70,000 a year, depending on experience.
You don’t have to have coding skills or extensive technical know-how to have a career in cybersecurity. Consider any of the cybersecurity roles mentioned above, and enjoy having a fulfilling career with an attractive salary, perks, and excellent job security.