With IT and ICT related businesses expanding constantly, career paths like business analytics, cloud computing and Cyber Security are becoming more and more popular amongst domestic and international students in Australia. It has been roughly estimated that by 2020, the need for Cyber Security professionals would cross 6 million. However, there is a shortage and the gap between the demand and supply of qualified Cyber Security specialists is quite a significant one. This is why Cyber Security is gaining more prominence as a career choice amongst young professionals.
Due to the increasing exposure to technology and the awareness of it, concern over cyber threats that might challenge organizations, whether they be private or public, is always imminent. Many universities take inputs from stakeholders, industry leaders and other experts before carefully designing flexible courses and degree programs with the aim of producing Cyber Security professionals with lifelong skills that can help industries, organizations and the graduates’ personal career goals.
There are a number of reasons why as an international student you should choose to study Cyber Security in Australia. First and foremost, since this area has a gap in skilled workforce, there is a higher job security when compared to other career paths. By the end of this year, the global scarcity of Cyber Security professionals is estimated to reach nearly 2 million; a number which by 2021 is expected to reach around 3.5 million. If you would like to graduate and have a job which is secure, this is one of the best options out there for you.
Furthermore, there are different pay ranges for people working in the IT/ICT industries, but this particular career path has some of the highest salaries paid in the field. Since these professionals have unique skills that they can leverage, they have a huge demand—which means that their salaries are very high. The average salary for Cyber Security professionals in Australia will range from anywhere between $75,000 to $120,000 annually—and the pay is constantly escalating, which is always a plus point.
Since the field of Cyber Security is burgeoning at a fast pace, gaining a degree in this path will open up numerous doors for you; both in the public and the private sector, in any region of your choice. Getting even a Master’s degree in Cyber Security can help ensure you have more options in terms of future job prospects. While you are studying in this stream, you will get countless opportunities to network with like-minded peers and even professionals (especially if you choose to do internships) which will not only increase your insight into Cyber Security, but also allow you to be on the lookout for jobs once you have completed your graduation. Networking with people already working in the industry will give you some added advantages over the rest of your peers: not only will you learn more about the practical usage of Cyber Security in the real world, but you will also meet and encounter people with vastly differing ideas who will enable you to have a more well-rounded approach towards the subject. It will also mean dozens of global networking opportunities which will only help further your career in future.
As this occupation falls within the Short Term Skill Occupation List (STSOL) and the Medium & Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL); getting employed as per post study work right in this field should be quite an easy feat to achieve. Also, if you try, you may even be able to score internships before you finish your degree—which will again help convert your theoretical knowledge to practical usage.
Finally, if you are already working in another profession and are choosing to add to your existing skill set (or move into the IT/ICT sector), many Australian universities and vocational training institutions offer diplomas and certifications that are flexible and will allow you to neatly balance between your work hours and study time; while also setting you on a future path of learning (or honing) great leadership skills.
Being a Cyber Security professional can be a highly rewarding experience, both monetarily and in terms of seeing yourself transform into a leader in whichever organization you may choose to work for. Studying Cyber Security in Australia can be quite a fulfilling experience, so regardless of the point of your career you are in; you could choose to get a degree in the field and make your way towards becoming a leader in the field of technology.
