There’s lots of hearsay about cybersecurity careers. Well, here are some myths and rumors that tend to dissuade people from entering the world of information technology as a career and we’re about the debunk them!

1. Money Is Everything

Yes, technology-oriented careers can be very lucrative and, of course, that’s a good thing but it’s not everything. It turns out that all the traditional perks of a high-powered cybersecurity career are but the icing on the cake for those who really enjoy working in technology. Yes, career stability and low unemployment rates are incredible aspects of working in tech but it’s also fantastic when one finds a job they actually love.

2. Big Tech Companies Offer the Best Jobs

Institutions such as Google and Facebook offer enviable careers in cybersecurity but, obviously, they are not the only companies out there that offer well-paying, respectable tech jobs. It’s just as important and noble to work for a smaller, more intimate company.

3. Small Tech Companies Don’t Have Much to Offer

There are plenty of available jobs at small tech-based companies that offer competitive salaries and benefits galore. Working for a small company actually has its perks: you’re more than just a cog in a well-run machine. Just because a company is small does not mean that it is not precise and effective at taking action; even big companies (such as Facebook and Capital One) have major data breaches that can go undetected for months.

4. You have to be a Brilliant Mathematician

Yes, one must have basic mathematical skills in order to build a successful career within the field of technology and cybersecurity but you do not necessarily have to be Sir Isaac Newton. Don’t become discouraged if you’re not a math wizard!

5. You have to be a Science Whiz

Nope, you don’t have to be an Einstein, either! There are all sorts of career opportunities in the world of cybersecurity and information technology. We all learn at different paces and have unique intellectual strengths.

6. You’re Chained to a Desk

Yes, a lot of work is done in front of a computer at a desk but there are also many opportunities for travel and to help others experiencing threats to cybersecurity.

7. Cybersecurity Jobs are Mundane

Cybersecurity jobs do not have to be monotonous and boring. There is actually a lot of room for growth and career development.

8. Cybersecurity Jobs are Leaving the U.S.

In 2017 there were approximately 350,000 cybersecurity openings in the United States alone, according to CyberSeek. According to John McAfee, this area of technical expertise is the least populated of any field and there are actually thousands of jobs for those who want them (postings have gone up 74 percent in the past five years). There are plenty of cybersecurity career opportunities for those who want them in the U.S. so, for those who are interested in a career in cybersecurity, don’t become discouraged for fear of losing jobs to corporations abroad.

9. You Need a Four-Year College Degree

You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree from an Ivy League school to get a stable job in the field of technology. There are many trade schools where, with a certification and skills-focused training, you can land the job of your dreams!

10. You Can’t Teach Your Kids

Yes, if you are a parent working in cybersecurity, you can teach your children basic information about technology and cyber safety. It turns out that teenagers are just as likely to listen to their parents (actually, more so) when it comes to career advice; you don’t necessarily have to be a teacher or school counselor to persuade a teenager into entering the lucrative and evergrowing field of technology. For more information on cybersecurity, career opportunities and debunked myths, consult Cybint.