Cybersecurity: Kickstart your Career
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BeginnerCourseLaunch your cybersecurity career with this course! Learn about roles, certifications, and key skills to succeed in the growing information security industry.
Language
- English
Topic
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Skills You Will Learn
- CyberSecurity, CyberSecurity Careers, Information Security (Infosec), CompTIA Certifications, ISC2 Certifications
Offered By
- IBMSkillsNetwork
Estimated Effort
- 8 hours
Platform
- SkillsNetwork
Last Update
- April 3, 2025
About this Course
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, making now the perfect time to pursue a career in the field.
This course offers an overview of the diverse career paths within cybersecurity. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to find and secure the right role for you in the information security (Infosec) industry. The course begins by addressing the growing employment gap in cybersecurity and outlines the various roles and responsibilities at different career levels.
This course offers an overview of the diverse career paths within cybersecurity. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to find and secure the right role for you in the information security (Infosec) industry. The course begins by addressing the growing employment gap in cybersecurity and outlines the various roles and responsibilities at different career levels.
You will gain an understanding of both technical and soft skills, providing a well-rounded approach to professional growth. Additionally, the course will introduce you to some of the most respected certifications in the field, such as CompTIA A+ and ISC2’s CISSP, among others.
Throughout the course, you’ll hear from cybersecurity experts who will share valuable insights and personal experiences on how to break into the field.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to start a rewarding career in cybersecurity, regardless of prior experience or educational background.
Learning Outcomes
- Compare cybersecurity career roles, responsibilities, and progression paths.
- Align IT fundamentals, technical, and soft skills with cybersecurity job levels.
- Identify key certifications (e.g., Security+, A+, CISSP, CEH) and their requirements.
- Find the right cybersecurity role for you and learn how to prepare for it.
Course Syllabus
Welcome
- Video: Course Introduction (5:47)
- General Information
- Learning Objectives and Syllabus
- Grading Scheme
- Helpful Tips for Course Completion
Module 1: Cybersecurity Careers
- Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Why Cybersecurity (3:15)
- Reading: A Growing Field
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: The Cybersecurity Field (5:54)
- Video: How to get into the cybersecurity field (6:01)
- Video: Entry Level Careers (3:22)
- Reading: Entry-Level Roles, Responsibilities, and Salaries
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Getting started as a Cybersecurity Professional (5:33)
- Video: Mid-Level Careers (3:41)
- Reading: Mid-Level Roles, Responsibilities, and Salaries
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: A Typical Day in the Life of a Cybersecurity Analyst (5:49)
- Video: Advanced-Level Careers (4:44)
- Reading: Advanced-Level Roles, Responsibilities, and Salaries
- Lab: Cybersecurity Career Paths
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Cybersecurity Career Path (6:48)
- Reading: Module 1 Summary : Cybersecurity Careers
- Module 1 Practice Quiz : Cybersecurity Careers
- Module 1 Glossary: Cybersecurity Careers
- Module 1 Graded Quiz : Cybersecurity Careers
- Discussion Prompt: Introduce yourself and why you are interested in Cybersecurity
Module 2: Cybersecurity Skills
- Module Introduction
- Video: Importance of IT Fundamentals Technical Skills (4:59)
- Reading: IT Fundamentals Technical Skills Facts
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Fundamental IT Skills (4:20)
- Video: Importance of Cybersecurity Technical Skills (4:22)
- Reading: Cybersecurity Technical Skills Facts
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Cybersecurity Technical Skills (4:02)
- Video: Importance of Soft Skills (3:49)
- Reading: Soft Skills Facts
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Soft Skills (5:55)
- Reading: Skills to Job Role Mapping
- Module 2 Summary: Cybersecurity Skills
- Module 2 Practice Quiz: Cybersecurity Skills
- Module 2 Glossary: Cybersecurity Skills
- Module 2 Graded Quiz: Cybersecurity Skills
Module 3: Cybersecurity Certifications
- Module Introduction
- Video: Benefits of Cybersecurity Certifications (4:33)
- Reading: Cybersecurity Certifications Facts
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Benefits of Industry Certifications (5:59)
- Video: Overview of Cybersecurity Certifications (4:49)
- Reading: CompTIA Certifications
- Reading: ISC2 Certifications
- Reading: Other Certifications
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Impact of Certifications (4:40)
- Video: Choosing the Right Certification (2:50)
- Video: Study for the Exam (3:18)
- Video: Schedule and Take the Exam (3:16)
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Tips for Taking and Passing a Certification Exam (4:31)
- Module 3 Summary: Cybersecurity Certifications
- Module 3 Practice Quiz: Cybersecurity Certifications
- Module 3 Glossary: Cybersecurity Certifications
- Module 3 Graded Quiz: Cybersecurity Certifications
Module 4: Final Project and Assessment
- Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Final Project: Develop your Cybersecurity Career Plan
- [Optional] Project Submission and Evaluation
- Reading: Course Summary
- Glossary (Cumulative)
- Graded Quiz: Final Assessment (15 Questions)
Course Wrap Up
- Video: Landing your first job in Cybersecurity (5:55)
- Video: Expert Viewpoints: Tips for a Cybersecurity Career (5:02)
- Video: Cybersecurity Career FAQ
- Congratulations and Next Steps
- Thanks from the Course Team
- Copyrights and Trademarks
Course Rating
- Course Rating and Feedback
Badge
- Claim your Badge
General Information
- This course is self-paced.
- This platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.
Recommended Skills Prior to Taking this Course
No prior experience is required.
Language
- English
Topic
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Skills You Will Learn
- CyberSecurity, CyberSecurity Careers, Information Security (Infosec), CompTIA Certifications, ISC2 Certifications
Offered By
- IBMSkillsNetwork
Estimated Effort
- 8 hours
Platform
- SkillsNetwork
Last Update
- April 3, 2025
Instructors
Rav Ahuja
Global Program Director, IBM Skills Network
Rav Ahuja is a Global Program Director at IBM. He leads growth strategy, curriculum creation, and partner programs for the IBM Skills Network. Rav co-founded Cognitive Class, an IBM led initiative to democratize skills for in demand technologies. He is based out of the IBM Canada Lab in Toronto and specializes in instructional solutions for AI, Data, Software Engineering and Cloud. Rav presents at events worldwide and has authored numerous papers, articles, books and courses on subjects in managing and analyzing data. Rav holds B. Eng. from McGill University and MBA from University of Western Ontario.
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