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First, some facts. Of the Cyber Security graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 128 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Cyber Security graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 11% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Cyber Security graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cyber Security. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSATCOM Specialist Intelligent Waves LLC Sep 2016 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From reviewing the career paths of graduates with Cyber Security degrees, it’s clear that many individuals venture into positions that either directly align with their field of study or diverge into unrelated roles. While the degree theoretically equips students with critical knowledge about protecting networks, data, and applications, the practical application of this knowledge in the workforce varies significantly across different job types. Some of the most common roles these graduates have taken include IT Support roles, Cyber Security Analyst positions, and various types of technical specialists. However, a considerable number have found themselves in positions quite removed from the core competencies of Cyber Security, such as marketing, logistics, and customer service jobs.
In terms of relevance, jobs like Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, and Information Security Specialist reflect a clear connection to the principles and practices learned during a Cyber Security curriculum. These roles involve daily tasks that inherently require the application of security protocols and risk management strategies. However, positions such as IT Help Desk Support and IT Support roles, while they may utilize some technical skills, often lack the depth of knowledge needed to adequately address security challenges. Similarly, graduates working as Delivery Drivers, Sales Representatives, or even Software Engineers typically find themselves in roles where core Cyber Security knowledge is not applied directly, making these positions largely irrelevant to their academic training. Ultimately, while many graduates find rewarding careers that leverage their academic training, a large number also take paths that do not engage with the fundamental aspects of Cyber Security, thereby diluting the direct impact of their degree in their professional lives.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Cyber Security graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Cyber Security reveals some interesting patterns and insights into their professional paths. From the data provided, it seems that many of these individuals started their careers in entry-level positions relatively close to their fields of study, primarily within IT support roles. For example, a substantial number of graduates found their first jobs as IT Help Desk Technicians, Support Specialists, or IT Support Engagers. This early focus on user support and technology troubleshooting serves as a foundational experience, providing them with crucial skills and the chance to understand the cybersecurity landscape in practice.
As these individuals advance in their careers—typically five to ten years after graduation—many have transitioned into more specialized roles directly related to cybersecurity. Jobs like Cyber Security Analyst, Security Operations Center Analyst, and Cyber Security Engineer appear frequently in the profiles of professionals who have been in the field longer. This upward mobility showcases how starting in support or IT roles can lead to robust careers in cybersecurity, often with significant responsibilities and leadership opportunities in their organizations. However, while some graduates progress into relevant cybersecurity positions, others seem to drift into unrelated fields, like sales or customer service, suggesting a less-than-straight path for a number of them. It’s clear that experiences vary widely, and while many find satisfying and relevant careers, others may struggle to align their jobs with their education.
Overall, this analysis reflects a mixed picture: a significant number of cyber security graduates do end up with valuable roles within their field, but there are also plenty of detours into less relevant jobs. The early focus on help desk and IT support roles can be very helpful in building a career later on, yet it’s not a guarantee that every graduate will find a position that directly leverages their cybersecurity education. While it's exciting to see the success stories, high school students should be aware of this variance and think about career paths carefully as they move forward in their education and professional choices.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your strengths and interests. If you enjoy problem-solving, technology, and have a knack for critical thinking, you might find it more manageable. It covers a lot of ground, from networking to cryptography, and you'll likely face some tough subjects in mathematics and programming. While it can be daunting at times, many students find it rewarding if they're passionate about the field. So, while it's not the easiest degree out there, it's certainly doable with some dedication and effort!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Cyber Security.
Looking at this list of Cyber Security graduates and their job histories, you can definitely see a mix of career paths and financial outcomes. Some graduates, like those from the University of Texas at San Antonio, have taken on roles that are typically well-paying right off the bat, suggesting they're likely earning decent salaries as they climb the ranks—especially with positions in companies like H-E-B and the Air Force Civilian Service. On the other hand, graduates who started in entry-level IT roles or internships might be earning less, especially if they’ve transitioned through multiple low-paying positions before landing something better. Overall, it looks like there’s a decent potential for good earnings across the board, but it really depends on individual career choices and the companies they end up with.
It's important to remember that many of these roles can lead to higher-paying positions in the long run, especially in fields like cyber security where demand is soaring. The key takeaway is that while some may be starting with lower salaries as they build experience, the trajectory can shift significantly as they gain skills and move into more senior roles. So, there's a good chance these graduates could be making some solid money in the future, particularly those who leverage their early roles to grow within the industry.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Cyber Security. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Cyber Security (ordered by the average relevance score of their Cyber Security graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas at San Antonio
|
66 | 21 |