💼 Future Career

Three cybersecurity positions I am pursuing after graduation

Security operations center

Cybersecurity Analyst

Various Organizations (Government, Healthcare, Finance)

Role 1

Salary

$124,910 median annual wage (BLS, May 2024)

Job Outlook

33% projected growth 2023–2033 (much faster than average)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor an organization's networks and systems for security breaches or intrusions
  • Install and maintain security software such as firewalls and encryption programs
  • Conduct vulnerability testing and risk assessments to identify weak points in systems
  • Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and best practices
  • Investigate security alerts and incidents, documenting findings and response actions
  • Prepare reports on security status and present findings to management

Cybersecurity analysts are in extremely high demand across every industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% job growth from 2023 to 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations. Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree, but an AS degree combined with industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ can open doors to junior analyst roles.

Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

CrowdStrike / Mandiant / Independent Consulting

Role 2

Salary

$106,480 median (BLS) — up to $150,000+ with experience

Job Outlook

Strong demand; specialized role within the broader cybersecurity field

Key Responsibilities:

  • Simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, and applications to find vulnerabilities
  • Develop and execute penetration testing plans and methodologies
  • Write detailed reports documenting discovered vulnerabilities and remediation steps
  • Use tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark for testing
  • Collaborate with development and IT teams to fix security weaknesses
  • Stay current with the latest attack techniques, exploits, and security trends

Penetration testers are the "ethical hackers" of the cybersecurity world. They think like attackers to help organizations strengthen their defenses. Many pen testers hold certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). This role offers excellent earning potential, with senior testers and consultants earning well over $150,000 per year.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

IBM Security / Palo Alto Networks / Managed Security Service Providers

Role 3

Salary

$90,000–$102,000 average annual salary

Job Outlook

High demand due to 24/7 security monitoring needs

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor security information and event management (SIEM) systems around the clock
  • Analyze and triage security alerts to determine severity and respond accordingly
  • Investigate potential security incidents and escalate critical threats
  • Maintain and tune intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
  • Document incidents and create reports for compliance and management review
  • Work in shifts to provide continuous security monitoring for the organization

SOC analysts serve as the first line of defense in an organization's security infrastructure. They work in a Security Operations Center, monitoring systems 24/7 for threats. This is an excellent entry-level cybersecurity role that provides hands-on experience with enterprise security tools. Many SOC analysts advance into senior analyst, incident response, or security engineering roles within a few years.