Welcome to the second article in this series looking at cybersecurity careers. Cropper Federal Security believes that military veterans are ideally positioned to make valuable contributions in the cybersecurity industry. Many key skills are highly transferable, which is good news in a landscape suffering from a shortage of highly trained federal security professionals.
Considering that veteran employment is also a huge issue in America, the opportunities within federal cybersecurity could be the perfect solution to both critical needs. This article will explore the currently available roles within cybersecurity and the many desirable skills that veterans can bring to these roles.
Roles in the Cybersecurity Industry
According to FEDweek ezine, shortages of skilled workers are causing many federal roles to go unfilled, particularly those that require technological skills. These shortages are driven by a lack of digital skills and a scarcity of willing and eager individuals to reskill. Also, not every job seeker is looking for a fast-paced and quickly-changing challenging environment. Like the military, federal cybersecurity careers offer intensive training, teamwork where collaboration is critical, and the ideal environment to promote flexibility and agile thinking.
Contracts
Veterans seeking a cybersecurity career could expect to land one of the following roles:
- IT specialist
- Roles within IT and Operations Management
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Ethical hacker
- Penetration tester
- Cybersecurity coordinator
- Mission support solutions specialist
- Cyber intelligence consultant
- Roles within Cybersecurity Operations and Solutions
- Roles within IT Strategy Consulting
Most of the available jobs are permanent and full-time. Cropper Federal Security often has fulfilling and meaningful cybersecurity positions available, encouraging employees to innovate and think outside the box. You can contact Cropper Federal Security by scheduling a call to discuss current opportunities.
Assignments
Regardless of the specific role, cyber professionals are given the opportunity to hone their existing digital strengths and skills with challenging and meaningful assignments. As someone progresses in their career, they may develop management strategies and be expected to lead a team of professionals. We will explore the benefits of leadership skills further in our next article.
The type of duties cybersecurity specialists may be expected to perform include:
- Evaluating existing security protocols within federal departments.
- Ensuring critical mission systems are compliant with existing departmental guidelines.
- Providing advice or support to teams that need upskilling in IT or cybersecurity.
- Helping to develop departmental or interdepartmental security policies or processes.
- Assessing the effectiveness of digital infrastructure.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of current security tools and products.
Requirements
The requirements for veterans seeking to employ their skills in the field of cybersecurity depend on the organization for which they choose to work. At Cropper Federal Security, we expect our cyber professionals to be excellent team players who love a challenge. We admire individuals who can leverage critical thinking skills -- often under pressure -- to develop innovative solutions to ever-evolving security issues. Military experience is desirable due to the high number of military contracts requiring cyber professionals. Skills in systems engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, initiative, critical thinking, and mission support are all vital in our teams.
Military Experience Is Ideal for Cybersecurity
Life in the military gives veterans many skills and attitudes that transfer almost effortlessly into the world of federal cybersecurity. Combined with the proper training and digital education, this could lead to a fulfilling career as a cyber professional.
Highly Skilled Individuals
Veterans are highly skilled and often bring top-level, specific knowledge to security roles. For example, experience working with the nation’s intelligence forces is transferable into cyber intelligence. The precise knowledge, skills, and experience gained from military positions can be the foundation for an incredibly successful cybersecurity career.
Veterans Understand the Culture
Working in the military gives individuals an innate understanding of the chain of command within the governmental departments with which they will have to interact on a regular basis. Military personnel understand the need for specific security clearances for certain data. “Need to Know” is understood without question.
Veteran cyber professionals have the knowledge and experience to bring effective communication and fast comprehension of mission-specific issues to military cybersecurity contracts. Veterans also bring military values to cyber roles: integrity, excellence in all we do, an impeccable work ethic, and high levels of discipline. Cyber careers are rewarding but often tense, and individuals without these values can quickly feel the pressure. Previous work in a culture of high-stakes mission parameters and clearly defined leadership roles is a critical building block to success in the world of cybersecurity.
Military Personnel Seek Out Challenges
Just like the military, cybersecurity is mission-driven and directed by clear objectives. This high-octane environment requires individuals who seek challenges, wanting to stretch themselves and learn something new. Obstacles become opportunities, and success is always the goal.
DOD cybersecurity efforts support Unified Combatant Commands or COCOMs around the globe. COCOMs are organized under a solitary military commander and combine efforts from all branches of services. This unified effort at the COCOM level shows how critical cybersecurity is to the defense of the United States and it’s global interests — yet another reason why many veterans can find satisfying and fulfilling careers in IT operations and management and many other aspects of Cybersecurity.
Cropper Federal Security, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), trains its professionals so well that they could follow their cybersecurity career anywhere — and treats them so well that they want to stay. In our next article, we will discuss the impact of skilled leadership within the field of cybersecurity. You can find out more by scheduling a call via our website, or a member of our team can arrange a face-to-face meeting or video conference.
