Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with countless opportunities for recent graduates, Corps members, and entry-level professionals. According to a report, the global cybersecurity workforce is expected to hit over $290 billon in 2028!
In 2024, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is on the rise, making it an ideal time to pursue a career in the ever-growing industry. One of the best ways to kickstart your journey is by securing an internship. With the rise of remote work opportunities, you can easily go for a remote internship, allowing you to contribute to a safe digital world from the comfort of your own Mouka mattress.
In this article, we’ll explore practical steps to help you land a cybersecurity remote internship, even if you have no prior experience.
Why Pursue a Career in Cybersecurity?
Before discussing how to get a remote internship, let’s briefly discuss why a career in cybersecurity is worth considering:
- High Demand: With the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, organizations are constantly on the lookout for cybersecurity experts. This surge in demand means there are numerous job openings across industries such as Finance, Healthcare, Tech and so on.
- Lucrative Salaries: Entry-level positions in Cybersecurity offer competitive salaries and perks that surpass those in many other fields. As you gain experience and obtain more certifications, your earning potential can increase significantly.
Check out this article where I shared more about this here.
- Job Security: The high demand of Cybersecurity roles not only provides job stability, but also provides opportunities for career progress. This high demand translates to low unemployment rates in the field, offering long-term career stability and relevance.
- Diverse Opportunities: The field offers various roles, from Ethical Hacking to Security Analysis, to Penetration Testing and more. Each role addresses different aspects of Cybersecurity, ensuring that individuals can specialize in areas that match their interests and strengths.
- Impactful Work: Cybersecurity professionals play a key role in safeguarding sensitive data in organizations. As they cater to the financial, reputational and legal aspects of businesses, they contribute to a safer and more secure online space for everyone.
How to Secure a Cybersecurity Remote Internship
- Enroll for Certification Courses
Certifications are key in demonstrating your knowledge and interest to potential employers. Check out these recommended courses for entry-level cybersecurity professionals:
- CompTIA Security+: This is a foundational certification course that covers the essentials of Cybersecurity.
- Google Cybersecurity Course: This is a great starting point for Cybersecurity enthusiasts, as it provides a comprehensive guide in Cybersecurity.
- Certifications by Unify’s Cybersecurity Risk Management: This course provides a solid foundation for anyone new to the Cybersecurity space and also serves as a refresher for professionals already in the field.
These courses for entry-level professionals can significantly enhance your resume and improve your chances of landing an internship.
- Establish a Strong Foundation with Basic Knowledge
Understanding the basics of Cybersecurity is essential before exploring more complex topics. You should look out for books like “Cybersecurity for Beginners” and “Cybersecurity for Dummies” (no, I’m not calling you a dummy, that’s just the book title). These books provide a solid foundation for rookies. Mastering these fundamentals is like a springboard that launches you into the core aspects of Cybersecurity. “When Esther build strong foundation in Cybersecurity, Establish”. *Shakes head and cringes at self.
- Gain Practical Experience Through Projects
Hands-on experience is invaluable in Cybersecurity. Start by working on personal projects such as participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions and contributing to open-source Cybersecurity projects.
CTFs are online challenges where participants solve cybersecurity puzzles to demonstrate their hacking skills. On the other hand, Open-source Cybersecurity projects are collaborative initiatives where developers openly contribute to the creation of cybersecurity tools and software. These activities will help you develop practical skills in Cybersecurity.
- Network with Industry Professionals
Networking is crucial in any job search. Join Cybersecurity forums and communities, LinkedIn groups, and local meetups to connect with industry professionals. Attend webinars and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and expand your professional network. Follow Cybersecurity influencers and companies on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter (I still can’t be the only one who never recalls the new name, “X”).
5. Leverage Job Boards and Internship Platforms
Leverage job boards and platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, where Cybersecurity internships are often listed. Use search terms like “cybersecurity internships near me”, cybersecurity internships in Lagos (or wherever you’re located) or “cybersecurity remote jobs” to find relevant opportunities.
6. Design Your CV and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter should showcase your relevant skills, certifications, and projects. Highlight any hands-on experience, even personal projects and volunteer work. Tailoring your CV to each specific role will show employers that you are genuinely interested in pursuing a Cybersecurity career. (By the way, Certifications by Unify can help with this, when you pay for a course. Sweet deal? I know!)
7. Prepare for Your Interview
Once you secure an interview, prepare thoroughly. Research common cybersecurity interview questions and practice your responses. Talk about your projects, volunteer work and certifications. Confidently discuss why you chose to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
I shared a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for an interview here. I bet it’d be helpful.
Securing a remote internship in Cybersecurity requires that you learn continuously, network actively and job-hunt proactively. By following this guide and consistently building your interest in the field, you can successfully position yourself for remote internships in 2024.
Don’t you forget, the journey to a fulfilling career in Cybersecurity (or any career at all) starts with a single step—your willingness to learn and evolve. So, dear you, keep learning and evolving!
Internships are actually a solid way of breaking into any space, especially earlier in one’s career. I’m almost tempted to pivot, because I know that this Cybersecurity space is growing and is yet to expand much more (especially the pay aspect $$).
Informative all the same. Thanks for sharing.
Indeed, internships are pivotal to breaking into many spaces.
“especially the pay aspect” has me laughing (and agreeing 😉).
Thanks for reading and commenting. 🤗