Cybersecurity Careers Are Booming – But Do You Have the Right Skills?

By Liz Wilkinson SFHEA , Senior Careers Consultant, University of London Careers Service

Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, with demand for skilled professionals reaching unprecedented levels. As businesses of all sizes face increasingly sophisticated threats, the need for cybersecurity expertise is no longer confined to major corporations; small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are equally investing in robust security measures.

This presents a huge opportunity for you, as you think about starting, developing, or changing your career into this field as a University of London student or recent graduate.

🗂️ Diversification of Roles

Beyond traditional technical positions such as Security Analyst or Network Defender, there is now demand for specialists in areas like Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), Security Awareness Training, and Incident Response Coordination.

Employers are also placing more emphasis on Global Employability Skills:

They are just as crucial as technical proficiency in building a robust cybersecurity environment.

✅Pro Tip: Complete our Global Employability Skills Micro-Module to reflect on, develop, and learn how to showcase these skills effectively to employers in this field ( University of London students)

🚀 Getting Started: Qualifications and Certifications That Matter

For newcomers to the field, foundational knowledge and understanding of the key risks and mitigations is the first step. As well as relevant academic programmes in computer science or cybersecurity, certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are widely recognised and can significantly enhance job prospects.

Practical experience in areas like cloud security, identity and access management, and security operations centres (SOCs) is particularly sought after. 

✅Pro Tip: Analyse job descriptions to determine certifications and qualifications in demand, and apply for roles in cybersecurity on our Vacancies Board (Access to UoL students and recent graduates).

💡 Career Changers: Transferable Skills in Demand

Career changers are well-positioned if they can leverage their Global Employability Skills developed in other roles. Leadership, Emotional Intelligence and Persuasion & Negotiation skills can be very advantageous, particularly in roles that require effective collaboration between technical teams and broader business units. The biggest cybersecurity risk in any operating environment is the human element.  

Roopali Mehra (Director & Member of the Governing Council, Global Cybersecurity Association (GCA) ), who is a speaker of our upcoming Working in Technology: Cybersecurity panel event (8 May 2025, 1pm UK time), is a career changer with over 25 years of experience across cybersecurity, youth employability, marketing, and business strategy. Sign up for the panel event to hear more about her experiences.

🛣️ New Entry Routes: More Inclusive Opportunities

Entry-level opportunities are growing, including apprenticeships, internships, and 'cyber bootcamps' tailored for adult learners. Many employers now recognise the value of diverse backgrounds, providing more inclusive pathways into cybersecurity. 

✅Pro Tip: Listen to the Global Careers Calls Podcast episode in which Tina Fernandez , a University of London alumna who is currently the Managing Partner at Orbital Law , spoke about the new threats to cybersecurity and data privacy—and how an understanding of the commercial side of the business has given her a unique insight (such as scamming emails, the introduction of artificial intelligence, remote working).

Overall, the cybersecurity sector offers a dynamic and rewarding career for those willing to continually learn and adapt. With the right combination of technical skills, professional certifications, and a portfolio of Global Employability Skills, individuals can find exciting opportunities at every stage of their career. 

✅ Want to Learn More?

Attend our upcoming online Working in Technology: Cybersecurity panel event (8 May 2025, 1pm UK time) in which I will be speaking to Joe Jones (Director of Research & Insights at IAPP ), Kevin Streater (Chief Operating Officer at Chartered Institute of Information Security ), Obaidullah . (Co-Founder & Director of Nano-Cyber & TechEva), and Roopali Mehra (Director & Member of the Governing Council at Global Cybersecurity Association (GCA) ) about the diverse roles, and skills and strengths required to thrive in this dynamic field.