With costs increasing in seemingly every facet of our lives, conversations related to the economy, finances, spending, and inflation are hard to avoid. Throughout the pandemic, childcare costs rose by 41%, resulting in the expense commanding up to 20% of family salaries today. Adding insult to injury, rent costs rose a record 11.3% in the U.S. last year, while home prices are expected to spike 22% this year.
It’s safe to say that if you are worried about how well your current income will be able to fund your future needs and goals, you’re not alone.
As a result, it should come as no surprise that 44% of workers have joined the Great Resignation job switch revolution. Driven by friendlier work-from-home policies, flexible hours, and of course, a better salary, employees aren’t just moving jobs within their current industries; more than 50% of Americans have changed careers completely.
Many job seekers are securing new jobs that offer them a better quality of life, and you can too.
Making a full career change, even in the most stable economic environment, can be an intimidating thought, especially if you’re unsure if you have the skills and experience needed to succeed in a different field. The rising costs we’re experiencing in today’s environment warrant even more serious consideration before making a job change. Fortunately, there continue to be options in the tech industry with cybersecurity-focused roles. Cost-effective solutions like the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp can prepare you for a meaningful career in this field in less than a year.
Regardless of your experience level or current job, our professional program is designed to set up learners for a successful career in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity: The Career Choice with Growth Potential
Even during the hiring frenzy of the Great Resignation, it’s important to remember that a career change isn’t just about getting your foot in the door of a new industry. It’s about job security and growth opportunities.
One field that offers both and has significant demand for new talent is cybersecurity. At present, cybercrime costs companies $1.79 million per minute and sees an average of 26,000 incidents each day. There is a need for trained professionals to defend against cyber threats now more than ever.
According to ISC, the world’s largest nonprofit membership association of certified cybersecurity professionals, the current workforce needs to grow by 62% in the U.S. alone to meet cybersecurity demands. On a global scale, there were enough open cybersecurity positions worldwide to fill 50 NFL stadiums last year.
As with many multi-layered career fields, once you’re in cybersecurity, opportunities for competitive salaries align with the amount of experience you have. In 2020, most major industries saw an average salary increase of 2.3%, while experienced cybersecurity analysts saw their pay increase by a whopping average of 16.3%!
As the rate of inflation causes costs to creep higher and higher, average salaries won’t be able to keep up. In contrast, cybersecurity jobs continue to be in high demand and compensated competitively year after year.
Navigating Professional Training Options
Moving into a cybersecurity career may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no related professional experience. Luckily, there are a variety of options available to equip yourself with the skills you need to succeed. But are all of them viable investments?
Traditionally, the path to a fruitful career in tech started with a four-year degree. Although this remains an option, the enrollment process and traditional schedule alone can be barriers for many individuals looking to work in the field while juggling family commitments and less flexible work hours. In the meantime, demand remains at an all-time high for tech-focused workers.
Self-led training is a common alternative to a four-year degree that many explore. If your primary focus is keeping costs low, a self-paced exploration of tech might be a good option. However, this approach isn’t without its drawbacks. Without the structure and support of a professional training program, learners can struggle to stay focused or gain the depth of knowledge required to secure a job in an entirely new industry. Building a professional network without the benefit of shared experiences with peers and instructors can become an uphill battle. In addition, it can take a significant amount of time and energy to find the correct free resources you need to train with and determine if they’re current and from reliable sources.
The work doesn’t end with education for those who go the self-led training route. If you want to land a job with the support of a career coach, that could cost you up to $150 per session. In addition, a career change also typically calls for a major resume overhaul. Enlisting a professional resume writer to market your new skills can cost up to an additional $400.
If self-training isn’t your cup of tea, accelerated career-prep programs, like ours, might be worth considering. Offering all of the features self-training lacks, our professional program provides you with the real-world experience companies look for, a flexible schedule, and a competitive price tag.
Professional Programs: A Cost-Effective Option
For decades it seemed that a traditional degree was the only way into an IT-focused position. Employer expectations are changing as of late, though: Google, Apple, and other top companies are no longer requiring college or degrees on job postings. In fact, CompTIA’s annual IT industry trends analysis notes that “22% of organizations have eliminated their four-year college degree requirement altogether.” Instead, they are seeking candidates with equivalent experience, which learners can earn through the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp.
Our program provides cost-effective professional training with cybersecurity instructors who work in the industry, networking opportunities, and personalized career assistance that continues for six months after you’ve completed the program.
Comprehensive Support and Benefits
As more than just a training program with industry experts, learners take advantage of benefits and holistic support every step of the way with this program. Here are just a few of the benefits the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers:
- All Skill Levels Welcome
Designed to accommodate learners from all skill levels, our program offers a beginner-friendly environment, as well as opportunities to grow your existing industry expertise.
- Personalized Career Services
Remember the average cost of a career coach and professional resume writer we mentioned earlier? That’s included in our professional program, along with networking opportunities, job placement assistance, LinkedIn profile optimization, and more. You can even receive personalized career assistance for up to 6 months after program completion.
- Hands-On Experience
We understand that seeing success in a new role requires learning and understanding the knowledge necessary to complete the job and applying that knowledge. That’s why our program includes virtual training labs where you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, then gain feedback in real-time to help you improve your craft as you practice.
Choosing the right path can be difficult when costs are rising all around you. Investing in the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an investment in high-quality training, career support, and yourself that is sure to pay dividends for years to come.
Determine the ROI for Investing in Yourself
By definition, Return on Investment (ROI) tries to “directly measure the amount of return on a particular investment, relative to the investment’s cost.” In short, that means that you sometimes have to spend money to make money, and the ROI shows just how smart an investment is.
Many of us are naturally nervous about investing, particularly when the returns aren’t immediate or clear. That’s why investing in yourself is an excellent first step – you have a hand in controlling the outcome! With our program, you could easily see returns on your investment in less than one year.
Here’s an example: Say you’re making $50k in your current role and choose to invest $16k in yourself with the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp and, within a year, land a job as a Cyber Defense Analyst. The average salary for that position is $86k. In just your first year, your ROI would be $20k, with greater returns for years after as you progress in the industry.*
Outside of Cyber Defense Analyst positions, there are a number of avenues you can take within cybersecurity that offer a great starting salary. Below are a few other entry-level roles you may be qualified for after completing the program.
- IT Auditor
- Help safeguard your organization’s information by identifying weaknesses and creating strategies to prevent breaches. Planning, performing, and presenting audits are also part of an IT Auditor’s responsibilities.
Average salary: $71k a year
- Information Security Analyst
- Typical responsibilities for Information Security Analysts include installing software to protect the organization and documenting all security issues or breaches that security software might identify to help avoid future cyber threats.
Average salary: $82k a year
- Entry Level Security Engineer
- This role troubleshoots network access problems and assists in the implementation of network security policies and procedures. Reporting to a supervisor, you may also help ensure that the network is protected from unauthorized access.
Average salary: $91k a year
These are just a sampling of entry-level positions in cybersecurity. Regardless of the route you take, the average salaries in cybersecurity could offset your investment within the first year.
The Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp is a smart, cost-effective investment that will pay dividends for years to come.
*This scenario is hypothetical. Salaries vary based on a number of factors, including position, location, experience level, skills, as well as work and personal history.
Finance Your Education in 2 Simple Steps
Finance your start with the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp in just two easy steps:
- Step one: Test-drive the 30-hour Introductory Course for a taste of what you will experience as a learner.
- Step two: When you’re ready to commit to the full program, you can choose from three payment options:
| Pay in Full | 0% Interest | Personal Financing |
|---|---|---|
| After completing the Introductory Course, pay tuition in full prior to starting your first class. | Monthly installments with no interest. Available to all learners. | Learners may qualify for personal or private education loans from lenders. |
Looking for more information on payment options?
An admissions advisor can talk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your future.
A Meaningful Cybersecurity Career is within Reach
Whether it’s working remotely, more flexibility, a better salary, or a fresh start, your goals are achievable with the right preparation! Consider taking that first step to a rewarding career by investing in yourself.
Rest assured that you won’t be alone on the journey to a fulfilling career – your investment includes comprehensive support. At the Penn State Cybersecurity Bootcamp, our career services team is with you every step of the way with personalized support for up to 6 months after you complete the program.
Don’t let rising education costs hold you back. This professional program provides invaluable hands-on training that sets you up for meaningful returns on your investment within a year.
Have any questions? Contact our admissions team at 814-865-4700 to learn more. You can also fill out the form below to get started!
