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First, some facts. Of the Cybersecurity 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 167 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Cybersecurity graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) 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 16% 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 Cybersecurity graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 59% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from Purdue University Global with a Bachelor's of Science Cybersecurity in Cybersecurity. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONBIM Coordinator Gelfand Partners Architects Feb 2019 - Jan 2021 System Administrator  Think Connected Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 Junior System Analyst Hanna Brophy Jan 2022 - Present ABOUT[NAME REMOVED] Ott is currently an impassioned Undergraduate student in the Bachelor's of Science in Cyber Security program at Purdue University Global. He is a student member of the San Francisco chapter of the ISSA. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Cybersecurity, a few trends clearly emerge. Many of these graduates find roles that are quite related to their academic background, such as Security Analysts, Cybersecurity Engineers, and IT Security Specialists. In these positions, they are often called to apply their knowledge of security protocols, risk management, and threat analysis directly in their daily tasks. Expertise gained during their degree seems especially advantageous in roles where protecting networks and data is the primary focus, like Cybersecurity Consultant or Security Operations Analyst. Graduates from notable universities often land roles that highlight their specialized skills, confirming that they harness their education effectively in the workforce.
However, there are numerous cases where graduates take on roles that don’t fully utilize their cybersecurity expertise. Many positions like IT Support, Technical Support Analysts, or even Managerial roles in companies leverage only a fraction of the skill set they acquired during their studies. These jobs tend to focus more on general IT problem-solving rather than the specialized knowledge of cybersecurity principles. Some individuals also move into unrelated fields, such as general management or academia, where their cybersecurity background is of minimal relevance. Overall, while a significant number of graduates are successfully applying their skills in roles that align closely with their Cybersecurity education, a notable portion of them find themselves in jobs where their academic training isn't utilized to its fullest potential.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Cybersecurity graduates:
After analyzing the career trajectories of several cybersecurity graduates, it becomes evident that individuals pursuing a degree in this field often find themselves on a path that aligns with their education, showcasing promising career advancement within the cybersecurity realm. Many graduates secure jobs related to cybersecurity shortly after graduating, which is a positive sign for those considering this field. For instance, several individuals took up roles such as Security Analysts, Cybersecurity Engineers, and IT Specialists within their first jobs. These entry-level positions provide a strong foundation for the skills and experiences they need to grow in the cybersecurity industry.
As we look at the careers of these graduates five to ten years post-graduation, the trajectory remains largely encouraging. Many individuals advance into senior positions, such as Senior Security Analysts, IT Security Managers, and even Directors within cybersecurity firms or government agencies. This pattern suggests that those who start in relevant entry-level roles typically find growth opportunities within the industry. Some graduates have moved into high-responsibility positions like Cyber Security Program Managers or even entrepreneurial roles, launching their own cybersecurity companies. However, it's also important to note that career paths can vary significantly, and while many do experience success, others end up in roles that seem to disconnect from their cybersecurity background.
On the flip side, there are also numerous instances where some graduates seem to deviate from the cybersecurity path, taking on roles that are either general IT or even unrelated positions entirely. This can denote challenges in connecting with niche cybersecurity roles or a shift in personal career goals. In conclusion, while many cybersecurity graduates experience career success in relevant fields, others may find themselves navigating unrelated paths. As cybersecurity grows in its importance and prevalence, students considering this route should strive for relevant internships and projects during their studies to enhance their employability and ensure they align closely with their desired field.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity can be pretty challenging, but it's not impossible! You'll dive into a mix of technical subjects like networking, cryptography, and system security, which means you'll need to develop some solid problem-solving skills and a good grasp of technology. If you're someone who enjoys puzzles and has a knack for understanding how things work, you might find it more engaging than difficult. That said, there are definitely some tough classes and you'll need to stay on top of your assignments, so it's definitely not the easiest degree out there, but if you're passionate about it, you'll likely find it rewarding as you learn!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Cybersecurity.
Looking at these various cybersecurity grads, it's clear that their earnings potential can vary quite a bit based on their roles and experience. For example, some graduates have quickly snagged positions that are typically associated with higher pay, like Directors or Senior Analysts at well-established companies, which suggests they’re likely making decent money. On the other hand, recent grads or those starting in intern roles may start with lower salaries but have a pathway to up their earnings as they gain experience and skills in the field.
So, in short, while many of these grads seem to be on a trajectory that could lead to good earnings in cybersecurity, particularly those who've landed strong positions in reputable firms, others are just getting started. Eventually, the field offers great growth potential, so they shouldn’t get discouraged if they’re not raking in the big bucks right away. It's all about building that experience and moving up the ladder over time!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Cybersecurity. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Cybersecurity (ordered by the average relevance score of their Cybersecurity graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Maryland University College
|
82 | 12 |
 Old Dominion University
|
68 | 10 |