Aspiring digital defender? Explore cybersecurity internships, scholarships and apprenticeships

In a day and age where everything is digital, a data breach or cyberattack can cost any organization dearly, affecting it financially, operationally, legally and reputationally – to the point of possibly jeopardizing its very existence. What’s more, successful attacks on providers of critical services such as healthcare and energy supplies can cause large-scale disruptions, putting people’s lives at risk and leading to widespread chaos.

Worryingly, the global demand for security professionals continues to outpace supply. In fact, according to fresh data by non-profit ISC2, the workforce gap is widening further, with the number of security job openings now standing at a whopping 4.8 million. It’s little wonder that many security professionals, both rank-and-file and leaders, are facing burnout. The talent crunch has been a stubborn challenge for many years, so much so that it has prompted also governments to roll out initiatives aimed at encouraging careers in security.

Meanwhile, much ink has been spilled on the revolutionary potential of AI, including its role in countering escalating threats and even helping bridge the security skills gap. Although obviously AI does have a role to play in cybersecurity, human expertise won’t become obsolete any time soon. Indeed, the demand for skilled security professionals who can design, deploy, and manage solutions safeguarding our digital worlds has never been greater.

We’ve previously asked ESET’s very own security researchers for their thoughts on why and how to break into security, the value of formal versus self-education, and even what working as a security researcher is actually like. In this blog, we’ll explore cybersecurity internships, scholarships and apprenticeships as three great pathways, especially for young people, to jump-start their careers in this exciting and rewarding field.

Cybersecurity internships

Internships offer a front-row seat to the “action”, providing practical, real-world exposure alongside seasoned professionals. You get a crash course in the actual challenges of cybersecurity, possibly gaining real-time insights into areas of expertise such as threat detection, incident response and vulnerability assessment.

Depending on the organization and your actual intern position, you can acquire technical skills, hone problem-solving abilities, and learn to collaborate in dynamic environments – all of will serve you well down the road.

As well as individual development, you can build your professional network, connect with industry experts and receive mentorship. These relationships can come in handy when planning the next steps of your development and career path.

Internships not only benefit individuals, but participating organizations, too. By nurturing talent early, internships contribute to filling the cybersecurity workforce gap and can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to traditional and outdated processes.

Although internships are typically unpaid, several major players, including CISA, DoD, DHS and IBM, offer paid opportunities, ensuring that students at all stages of their cyber journey can get a foot in the door without undue financial stress.

Cybersecurity scholarships

Cybersecurity scholarships are financial awards designed to support students pursuing education and careers in this field. The financial awards typically cover tuition fees, books, or any necessary hardware, thus significantly reducing the financial burden of higher education and making it more accessible to those who wouldn’t have been able to afford it otherwise.

You can apply for cybersecurity scholarships from various places including colleges, non-profit organizations and well-known companies, and they cater to undergraduate, graduate and certification program students. For example, ESET currently runs Women in Cybersecurity scholarships for female undergraduates looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity in the UK,US, Canada and Australia. This initiative aims to support gender diversity in STEM, a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Generally speaking, eligibility criteria vary. For example, you may be required to work at the sponsoring organization after studying or you may only apply if your household income is below a certain threshold. It’s worth researching the different scholarships available to see where you might be the best fit.

When applying, you may also need to write a thoughtful proposal on why you are suitable for the scholarship. This should include a background into your passion for the subject, any related experience you have, and how you intend to make the most out of your scholarship/course.

Cybersecurity apprenticeships

Cybersecurity apprenticeships are structured training programs that combine on-the-job learning with classroom and theory work. Funded by the government, an organization, or a mix of both, they provide a valuable opportunity for young people to train and gain skills in cybersecurity while receiving a wage.

Apprenticeships can vary in where they lie in your cybersecurity career. Some can start from age 16, straight after GCSEs or a high school diploma. Others might start from 18 or are open to any age with the right attitude and experience.

As apprenticeships come in different levels, you can work your way up from level 2 to level 7, becoming more skilled (and potentially better paid) with each progression. Some cybersecurity apprenticeships prepare you for industry certifications that validate the training and expertise learned, enhancing employability further down the line.

Is cybersecurity a good career?

Now, if the above still hasn’t convinced you to join the ranks of security professionals, here are a few extra things that could do the trick. Cybersecurity is considered a great career for many reasons, including:

• High demand: As threats and technologies evolve, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across all industries.
• Job security: Almost all industries require cybersecurity, including health, government, education, law, financial services, and manufacturing – cybersecurity roles aren’t going anywhere.
• Competitive salaries: Cybersecurity offers competitive salaries with multiple routes for progression and development.
• Future-proof potential: As technology advances, the need for cybersecurity will only grow. By choosing this field as a career, you will be at the forefront of digital innovation.

Internships, scholarships and apprenticeships are only some of the ways to start or accelerate a career in security. With a constant new stream of threats and tactics to discover, no two days are the same. In addition, cybersecurity opens up a wide range of opportunities for all. With so many ways to get into the industry, we can help create a new generation of security professionals to help keep our digital lives safe.