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Thinking of a career switch?  

Many people change careers multiple times over their working life. It could be because they want to find a more challenging career. Or it could be because their industry doesn’t offer much room for growth. Maybe it’s simply because the industry isn’t very lucrative. Sometimes, it might be because they’ve decided to turn their life-long passion into a viable career.  

Whatever the reason for a career change, the most important thing to remember is that it’s never too late to make a change. After all, what’s the point of being stuck in a job that gives you zero satisfaction?  

if you’re thinking about changing jobs, then now’s the time to stop thinking about it and just do it.  

Factors influencing the modern workforce 

The modern workforce is a fluid, ever-evolving creature. Today, it’s no longer expected that people will stay in the same job—or even the same industry—for their entire careers.  

In fact, research on job tenure from McCrindle suggests that it’s closer to three jobs every ten years for the average Australian, with around five different career changes over the entire course of their working life.  

There are a few reasons for this: 

Flexibility 

With working from home becoming a popular option for many people, it means they’re no longer restricted to finding a job that’s within an acceptable commuting distance. It’s easier than before to balance your work and your personal life, which means people don’t feel forced into a job they don’t like just because it offers flexible hours. Also, people feel more empowered to take control of their career, and don’t feel like they have to stay in a job they hate just because it pays the bills. A healthy work/life balance is important.  

Reskilling and upskilling 

With online study becoming the new normal for many students, retraining for a brand new job has become easier than ever. You can study in your free time, which means you don’t need to quit your current day job while you’re making plans to move into a different role. Whether you’re looking to upskill and get ahead in your current industry, or reskill and switch careers, online study is a huge enabler when it comes to job mobility.  

Changing attitudes and the changing nature of work 

Half a century ago, people would have entered the workforce with the idea that they would follow a linear career path, sometimes sticking with the same company for their entire career. People wanted to stay employed with a company that could guarantee stability. In the age of innovation, disruption and start ups, it’s sometimes hard to say whether or not a company will be around in five, ten, or twenty years. And with the changing nature of the workforce comes changing attitudes towards job migration. The idea that ‘job hoppers’ are for some reason less employable than those who have stuck with the same job for ten years is no longer accepted as fact.  

What is a good job if I’m considering a career change? 

Now that you’ve decided that you definitely want to change careers, there’s a few things to consider before you make the leap:  

• Is the industry I want to move into sustainable (i.e. will it grow or shrink over the next few years)? 
• Are there many job openings in this field? 
• Do I have the right kind of skills for the job? If not, how can I learn them? 

One of the most in-demand industries in Australia right now is cyber security. With the increasing rate of cyber crime and cyber attacks, there is more demand than ever for qualified, skilled Cyber Security Professionals.  

A career in cyber security ticks a lot of boxes for career changers, even if they don’t have much (or any) previous IT experience.  

For one, there is no shortage of jobs. In fact, unemployment levels in the cyber security industry are incredibly low, due to the fact there is a current skills shortage that is not able to meet demand.  

Cyber security is also a global industry that shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. As long as technology continues to evolve, and our reliance on it continues to grow, there will always be a need for Cyber Security Professionals.  

Is cyber security a good career path? 

Whether you currently work in IT and are looking to branch into cyber security, this can be a hugely rewarding career path for many.  

If you love problem solving, have an interest in technology and how it works, and want a career that is both stable and allows for growth, then cyber security could be the right choice for you.  

Want to find out how to get your foot in the door? Read our blog, ‘Tips on how to enter the cyber security market’.  

What are some careers in cyber security? 

Even if you have no prior experience in IT or cyber security, it is possible to enter the industry and find an entry-level job that can kickstart your career. To give your resume a boost, pursuing an industry recognised certification, like a CompTIA certificate, can help you stand out if you're looking for work. 

Here are some of the jobs you could consider pursuing in cyber security:  

Network Security Administrator 

One of the best ways a company can protect against cyber threats in the first place is to minimise risk as much as possible. This is a where a Network Security Administrator comes in. Their job is the mitigation of potential risk. This includes managing and updating security policies, procedures and infrastructure, while also monitoring networks for unauthorised access or suspicious activities. 

Network Manager 

Designing, testing and installing networks are all part of a Network Manager’s responsibilities. This includes installing and maintaining an organisation’s computer networks, configuring software and offering troubleshooting when and where required. 

Information Security Analyst 

It’s imperative that all companies, large and small, are able to protect their data and their customers’ data. An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting this data. Their job involves scanning for and identifying threats and responding to attacks quickly and effectively.  
To find out more about salaries for Networking and Cyber Security Professionals, read our blog, ‘What salary can you expect for networking and cyber security?’ 

Where should I start my career in cyber security? 

One of the best ways you can launch your cyber security career is by undertaking a cyber security course.  

Open Colleges’ partnership Certified Cybersecurity Professional course has been designed to help you develop job-ready, in-demand skills. After completing this course, you’ll be ready to begin a career in the ever-expanding cyber security industry.  

While this is an online cybersecurity course, there are set intake dates. Follow the link to learn more about this course and when the next intake date is.  

With such a big part of our lives spent at work, it’s important to find a job you love. And it’s never too late to consider a career change, no matter where you are in your life.  

What are you waiting for? Enrol today and discover where a career in cyber security could take you.