Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps Worth It?
A cybersecurity bootcamp is an intensive training program that focuses on the fundamentals of cybersecurity and teaches the skills needed for entry-level positions in the field.
The length of most programs ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, with some as long as 24 weeks; however, many also offer short courses or weekend workshops for professionals who want to brush up on their skills.
Most programs cover topics like network security, ethical hacking and penetration testing, cryptography, forensics, incident response, vulnerability management, and security operations. Depending on your preference you will likely specialize in one area giving you a better area of focus and complete the bootcamp with a specialization in your toolset.
Bootcamps typically include lectures from experts in the field plus hands-on practice with real-world tools and scenarios. When you complete a cybersecurity bootcamp you will receive either a certificate of completion or a more formal certification such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These qualifications demonstrate your knowledge of core cybersecurity principles and your ability to use industry-standard tools and techniques.
Cybersecurity jobs and what they pay
The potential job opportunities after completing a cybersecurity bootcamp vary greatly depending on experience and qualifications. In the US alone there are over 200 different job titles related to cybersecurity and these roles carry salaries ranging from $40k – $150k per year depending on experience level.
Common jobs include:
- Security Analyst (average salary $80k)
- Threat Intelligence Analyst ($100k)
- Penetration Tester ($90k)
- Information Security Engineer ($120k)
- Chief Information Security Officer ($150k).
No matter which path you choose after completing a cybersecurity bootcamp there will be plenty of opportunity for growth within your chosen organization as well as within the broader industry itself.
Fundamentally, talent gaps exist across the United States (as well as globally). Demand for talent outweighs supply. To understand this a bit better we need to look into the data. According to CyberSeek, there are only enough cybersecurity workers to fill 68% of jobs on the market in the USA. Heading into 2023 there are almost 800,000 cybersecurity job openings in America.
The most job openings exist in the following states:
- California
- Texas
- Virginia
- Florida
- New York
CyberSeek’s data also tells us that the most sought-after talent to fill jobs fall within the following titles:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Software Developer
- Penetration & Vulnerability Tester
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Systems Engineer
- Senior Software Developer
- IT Director
Cybersecurity bootcamps open up opportunity
Cybersecurity is an ever-expanding industry with plenty of opportunity for those looking to make their mark in the field. By attending a specialized bootcamp you can gain invaluable knowledge about cybercrime prevention plus all the necessary certifications required for employment in the cyber sector.
With so much potential available it’s no wonder why more people are turning towards specialized cyber education programs like these. Depite recent downturns in the tech industry (let alone the economy), cybersecurity appears to be an unstoppable juggernaut given the technical nature of so many products and technology that underpin them.
A cybersecurity bootcamp seems to be worth it for those that want to pursue a career in cybersecurity which has a plethora of opportunity and a market that is screaming out for new talent.
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