Are you thinking of transitioning into a cyber security or information technology (IT) career? Here’s your one stop guide to land your dream job!

Step 1: (ALL) Conduct a job search to research and determine eligible positions for Cyber, Cybersecurity, Information Technology (IT), Information Assurance, Computer Science, and similar career fields. Carefully review the requirements and ensure that your skills, education, and professional experience meet the requirements. Recommended sites:

· CyberCareers (http://www.cybercareers.gov)

· Indeed (http://www.indeed.com/)

· USAJobs (https://www.usajobs.gov/)

· Career One Stop (http://www.careeronestop.org/site/american-job-center.aspx)

· Intelligence Careers (https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/)

Step 2: Develop Training/Education Plan:

· (STUDENTS) Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor at your university to discuss a degree plan that is aligned with your desired career.

· (TRANSITIONING ADULTS) Search for professional certification programs, academic programs at both major universities and community colleges, look for training opportunities within your organization and free online/in class training options.

· (ALL) Seek a two year or four year degree in Cyber Defense or Information Assurance from one of the Centers of Academic Excellence:

https://www.iad.gov/nietp/reports/current_cae_designated_institutions.cfm

· (VETERANS) Seek FREE training certifications here: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/veteran-and-family-resources/career-training/

· (ALL) Look for professional certification grants, college scholarships, and training opportunities. Career One Stop is a great resource: (http://www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/find-training.aspx)

options.

· (ALL) Visit the IASE Website for detailed information on training and certifications required for Cyber Analysts. Obtain as many cyber certifications as possible to place yourself in a great position to land the jobs equivalent to your experience and desired salary. Here are the industry standards for both Department of Defense (DOD) and Private Industry for certifications:

http://iase.disa.mil/iawip/Pages/index.aspx

Baseline Certifications: http://iase.disa.mil/iawip/Pages/iabaseline.aspx

Step 3: (STUDENTS) Find money for college

· Submit your FAFSA Application: https://fafsa.ed.gov/

· Use the Scholly App to easily search for scholarships: http://home.myscholly.com/

· Research scholarships for Students Interested in Intelligence Careers (Variety of Professions Cyber/IT, HR, Criminal Justice, Linguists, STEM, Business Management/Acquisition, etc.): https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/icstudents.html

Step 4: (STUDENTS) Apply for Internship/Fellowship

· Students and Recent Graduates: https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads

· Presidential Management Fellows Program (For Advanced Degree Graduates e.g., master’s, Ph.D., J.D.): https://www.pmf.gov/

Step 5: (ALL) Network!

· Create a LinkedIn profile. Join industry groups and connect with professionals from your desired industry on LinkedIn.

· Contact your career advisor for help seeking internships/jobs.

· Connect with professors, members from your college alumni association, friends, family, mentors, colleagues, fellow members of professional organizations, fraternities, sororities, religious organizations, and volunteer organizations for references or leads for jobs.

· Attend Job Fairs and talk with recruiters to gain insight on desired skills and tips for landing the job! Do a search online for job fairs or contact your career advisor.

1. Hiring Our Heroes: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/events/hiringfairs
2. National Career Fairs: http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/
3. Intelligence Careers: https://intelligencecareers.com/events/

· Join professional organizations to network and gain industry inside knowledge. Examples of organizations include:

1. National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA): http://www.nfbpa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3916
2. Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA): http://www.bdpa.org/
3. Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA): http://www.afcea.org/site/
4. National Security Executives and Professionals: http://www.nsepa.com/
5. Federally Employed Women: https://www.few.org/
6. Blacks in Government: http://www.bignet.org/