What Can I Do With a Career in Technology and Cybersecurity?
There are a variety of career options available to those in the Technology and Cybersecurity industry. Focus areas in Technology and Cybersecurity include:
Information Technology and Software
Information technology and software services focus on designing, building, implementing, and maintaining the systems and applications that organizations rely on every day. Professionals in this area may work on software development, web and mobile applications, enterprise systems, cloud-based tools, and general IT support. Common career titles include software developer, applications analyst, web developer, systems analyst, IT support specialist, DevOps engineer, and cloud solutions engineer. These positions can find a wide variety of locations to work at such as banks, insurance companies, hospitals, schools, and state/federal government agencies. 15-1252.00 – Software Developers
Digital Infrastructure and Communications
Digital infrastructure and communications center on the hardware, networks, and connectivity that make modern computing and the internet possible. Professionals in this group design, deploy, and manage systems such as local and wide area networks, wireless infrastructure, data centers, and telecommunications platforms. Common career titles include network administrator, network engineer, systems administrator, telecom specialist, infrastructure engineer, and cloud infrastructure administrator. The need for faster and more efficient communication is on the rise, meaning telecommunications and internet service providers, cloud service providers and data centers, IT consulting firms, Government agencies, media companies, and transportation/logistics operations all hire for these roles. 15-1241.00 – Computer Network Architects
AI and Data Services
AI and data services focus on building intelligent systems that can learn and automate tasks, while gathering existing and new data to grow and learn. This group includes areas such as data analytics, business intelligence, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data engineering, and automation platforms. Students interested in this space may collect and interpret data, build predictive models, or help organizations experiment with innovative technologies. Common career titles include data analyst, data scientist, business intelligence analyst, machine learning engineer, AI engineer, data engineer, and analytics consultant. Given the fact that AI has begun to be introduced in nearly every industry, there are a wide range of opportunities in varying work settings. 15-1243.00 – Database Architects
Technology-Enabled Sectors
Technology-Enabled sectors highlight how technology and cybersecurity roles are specifically embedded within industries such as healthcare, finance, government, education, manufacturing, retail, and nonprofits. Professionals in this group typically have expertise in one or more of the previous focus areas, but also have extensive experience in their chosen industry that is utilizing technology. Common career titles include health IT specialist, industry support technicians, government IT specialist, and edtech implementation specialist.
For more info on the variety of career pathways available in the Technology and Cybersecurity industry, check out the “Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Game Design, Information Sciences, and Management Information Systems” majors categories within What Can I Do With This Major.
Gaining Experience in Technology and Cybersecurity
Students can gain valuable experience in technology and cybersecurity through a variety of hands-on opportunities both on and off campus. Some examples could be working or interning at campus IT departments, help desks, or computer labs, or by taking on roles with local businesses and nonprofits that need support with software, technical troubleshooting, or basic security tasks. On campus, students can further build skills by assisting faculty with computing or cybersecurity projects or joining tech-focused student organizations. Students can also explore the field off campus through internships with
technology companies, government agencies, and local businesses that use technological systems. These opportunities help students understand the many career paths within information technology, cybersecurity, data, and technology services, while developing practical and critical skills that can be utilized in a wide variety of industries.
Resources for Careers in Technology and Cybersecurity
- Acadia Inc.
- Akamai Technologies, Inc.
- Ames & Gough Insurance/Risk Mgm’t, Inc.
- Cranston Public Schools
- General Dynamics
- Granite Telecommunications
- MEDITECH
- National Right-Of-Way Land Services
- NETSCOUT
- Redwood Analysis
- RL Controls, LLC
- Sager Electronics
- South Shore Health
Not sure if the field is right for you? Having trouble breaking into the field? Want advice from professionals? Then it is time to network and do what we call “informational interviews” where you talk to professionals to ask for tips and advice on your career path and/or search process. View our “Expand Your Network” page for tips, advice, sample scripts and more to help you in this process. LinkedIn is a huge resource for following companies of interest, finding jobs and of course connecting with professionals including BSU alumni. Go to the BSU Alumni page on LinkedIn and you can search for professionals by company, industry, location and more to help you find aviation professionals doing what you hope to do and find out how they go there! Still have questions? Set up an appointment with a career advisor to talk about your next steps!
