Cybersecurity opportunities? (Atlanta: Home Depot, job market, college)

[VirtualErik]

Hey all,

I'm about to start back in college, though I'm 43 years old. I am pursuing a bachelors in Cybersecurity and was curious to how the job market in that field is in Atlanta. I'm currenlty in Augusta which is said to become the place to be for anyone in Cybersecurity, and wondered if Atlanta is or will be comparible as this field is taking off as the new IT thing.

Atlanta being much larger than Augusta of course, but Augusta having Cybersecurity hubs already in place. I prefer to be in a larger city but also be where it's going to have the most potential as far as landing a career after I finish college.

So anyone in the field who may have experience in both Atlanta and Augusta who can give some feedback and advice, I much appreciate it!

[flamadiddle]

Cybersecurity will be a strong field everywhere for the foreseeable future. And 100% Remote work is becoming more acceptable allowing you to live anywhere you want. I haven't been to an office in almost 10 years.

[VirtualErik]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

Cybersecurity will be a strong field everywhere for the foreseeable future. And 100% Remote work is becoming more acceptable allowing you to live anywhere you want. I haven't been to an office in almost 10 years.

So I take it you are in the field of Cybersecurity? may I ask how you got started? I'm just jumping in head first into getting a bachelors, then maybe a few certs.

[flamadiddle]

Yes, one of the many hats I wear. Jack of all trades, but mostly Security, Networking and virtualization. I went to DeVry and then got a job as a field engineer many moons ago and worked my way up. By your screen name, I'd guess you are already into computers? If you have some background, you may want to consider skipping the Bachelor's degree and instead look for an entry-level security job that will help you get certified while allowing you to gain experience.

Experience and certification trump college degree IMO.

[VirtualErik]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

Yes, one of the many hats I wear. Jack of all trades, but mostly Security, Networking and virtualization. I went to DeVry and then got a job as a field engineer many moons ago and worked my way up. By your screen name, I'd guess you are already into computers? If you have some background, you may want to consider skipping the Bachelor's degree and instead look for an entry-level security job that will help you get certified while allowing you to gain experience.

Experience and certification trump college degree IMO.

it's true i'm into tech and computers, hell I haven't bought a computer in over 20 years, I build my own, but most of my skill is hardware and troubleshooting, seems cybersecurity is more networking and programming, so I want a strong foundation which is why I want the bachelors, though I may get some certs along the way and get a head start into the industry before finishing.

[Born 2 Roll]

Originally Posted by VirtualErik

Hey all,

I'm about to start back in college, though I'm 43 years old. I am pursuing a bachelors in Cybersecurity and was curious to how the job market in that field is in Atlanta. I'm currenlty in Augusta which is said to become the place to be for anyone in Cybersecurity, and wondered if Atlanta is or will be comparible as this field is taking off as the new IT thing.

Atlanta being much larger than Augusta of course, but Augusta having Cybersecurity hubs already in place. I prefer to be in a larger city but also be where it's going to have the most potential as far as landing a career after I finish college.

So anyone in the field who may have experience in both Atlanta and Augusta who can give some feedback and advice, I much appreciate it!

I’m not in the Cybersecurity field, but I do know that the Atlanta metro is considered to be a major hub for Cybersecurity jobs because of factors like the presence of a very high-profile technology-oriented higher education institution like Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology) and metro Atlanta’s status as a major hub of tech and FinTech industry activity in the Southeastern U.S.

Atlanta is home to over 100 companies in the cybersecurity space, according to available Crunchbase data. Many of those sit at the intersection of security for FinTech or e-commerce solutions.

Behind Atlanta’s Growth as a Cybersecurity Hub (Hypepotamus)

TOP 100 CYBERSECURITY COMPANIES IN ATLANTA (The Manifest)

Cybersecurity industry grows in metro Atlanta (Atlanta Business Chronicle)

Best Cyber Security Companies in Atlanta (GoodFirms)

[urbancuriosity]

There are a few ways you could take your career.

(1) Working for an organization that needs security people (e.g. Home Depot and others).
(2) Working as a consultant for a firm like E&Y or Deloitte or a firm that focuses on security consulting
(3) Working for a company that sells security products, that could be extended to companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft which have a presence in the Atlanta metro.

As you are progressing through your studies, keep an eye out on some companies you can see yourself working for. Look for security-related events in your area. Create a profile on LinkedIn and follow companies of interest. That will help you to gain more visibility into the field.

I'm happy for you!

[dark_knight08]

Just the thread I was looking for.

I have my bachelor's in IT, and have a few years experience as a Desktop Support tech for the State Government. I'm working on my Security+ cert now. I've been told to stay within the public sector, because they need cybersecurity professionals.

I don't have any security experience though, just book knowledge. How would I get my foot in the door?