Today, aspiring cybersecurity professionals almost have too many options when it comes to learning cybersecurity. Between online courses, college degree programs and unofficial self-training, cyber students can quickly gain the skills they need to join an expanding cybersecurity workforce.
If you’re considering a cybersecurity bootcamp, or wondering whether a cybersecurity bootcamp is worth the price and the time, this article is for you.
What is a cybersecurity bootcamp?
Cybersecurity is the protection of any technology connected to the internet, from cyberattacks and other forms of cybercriminal activity. Phones, computers, tablets and other devices are all subject to cybersecurity risks, which today’s cybersecurity professionals work to mitigate.
To help address today’s most serious cyber threats, today’s cybersecurity professionals often depend on cybersecurity bootcamps — an accelerated cyber education program that teaches fundamental cyber skills.
Cybersecurity bootcamps offer a viable “shortcut” for aspiring cyber professionals, or anyone currently working in cybersecurity looking to deepen their earning power and achieve a more meaningful career.
The best cybersecurity bootcamps typically teach the following skills:
- Understand and identify cyber threats
- Protect corporations and organizations from security threats
- Fix system loopholes to protect against cyber attacks
- Create programs to protect vulnerable data
- Identify signs that a system is under attack
These and other learned strategies make quality cybersecurity bootcamps worth your time, money and effort.
Is a cybersecurity bootcamp worth it?
Here’s the quick answer: cybersecurity bootcamps are absolutely worth your investment. A quality cybersecurity bootcamp puts you on an accelerated learning schedule to help you make a career change, achieve better compensation or simply learn new cyber skills.
However, a cybersecurity bootcamp is only worth it if you find the right one. You’ll want to avoid fly-by-night programs that simply aren’t worth their price. Many cyber programs teach outdated information and aren’t accredited, leading to wasted money for a certificate that’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.
A quality program is typically university or organization-backed, and teaches the latest industry trends.
The other thing to remember is that what you put into the program is what you get out of it. Far too often, people think a bootcamp will be “easier” simply because it uses an accelerated learning model. In reality, bootcamps aren’t made to be easier than a traditional college degree. Instead, cybersecurity bootcamps are specifically made to teach the skills that today’s employers are looking for.
Quality cybersecurity bootcamps are rigorous.If you put time into extra research and thoroughly understand the material, you’re going to be much more prepared for the working world.
What are the benefits of a cybersecurity bootcamp?
Enjoy an assortment of both learning and career benefits when you complete a quality cybersecurity bootcamp. Some things you can expect include:
Salary improvements
Many people complete a cybersecurity bootcamp in the hopes of earning a higher paying position, with their current company or with a new employer.
For example, let’s say you’re working as a Computer Support Specialist. With an average salary of more than $60,000, you’re probably doing pretty well. However, a cybersecurity bootcamp certificate can help you achieve anInformation Security Analyst position, alongside a pay raise to $102,600.
Pay improvements can also come via a promotion or raise, after your employer notices that you provide enhanced value after deepening your skillset. If you plan on staying with the same company, ask your supervisor how a cybersecurity bootcamp can help you. Your employer might even offer financial assistance in receiving your certification.
Accelerated learning
One of the best things about a cybersecurity bootcamp is that you’re learning what you need to know about the industry on an accelerated timetable. For example, our Cybersecurity Bootcamp can be completed in 24 weeks or less, depending on your schedule.
However, a bootcamp prioritizes more than simply an accelerated finish date. It’s perfectly acceptable to spend more time on the program, to ensure you know all concepts rather than rushing through modules and retaining only a little bit of what you learned.
Flexibility
Are you a single parent or a student? Do you work multiple jobs? A lot of factors can hinder your attendance to a traditional college, with schedules being a prime concern for many aspiring cyber professionals.
Schedules can make bootcamps a prime option for adults looking to continue their education, while still keeping their current job.
Bootcamps allow you to learn on your own time, with most programs maintaining relatively long “finish by” dates.
This means that you can finish an online cyber course on your schedule, allowing you to fit a bootcamp program into your hectic calendar. Whether you work 20 hours a week or 60+, complete a cybersecurity bootcamp on your schedule rather than rearranging your life.
New career opportunities
There are an assortment of career opportunities you can take advantage of once you obtain your certification in cybersecurity. Consider one or more of the following popular cybersecurity careers:
- Information Security Analyst — $102,600
- Chief Information Security Officer — $233,507
- Cryptographer — $152,573
- Cyber Forensics Analyst — $80,121
Choosing to enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp is a life-changing decision that is definitely worth your time and money. When you find a quality program, you ensure your financial success as you reach expert-level proficiency in one of the fastest growing fields in the United States. An online cybersecurity bootcamp program will offer you flexibility, up-to-date information and an accelerated learning plan so you can explore new career opportunities and receive a pay raise.
Connect with our Admissions team to get started today.