Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer, recently contributed to the Forbes Nonprofit Council Expert Panel article “Making the Right Connections: 16 Tips for Young and New Nonprofit Professionals.” In his contribution, Pascoe Aguilar advises new professionals to “see opportunity everywhere” through proactive networking.
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Technology is made up of fields like information technology, engineering, robotics, biotechnology, and more. A career in the tech industry can be rewarding if you have a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and tracking rapidly evolving trends, with a wide array of roles to choose from, like software development, hardware design, or systems management, among many others. Let鈥檚 explore this field more deeply to discover whether this career is right for you.
As the digital world advances, it鈥檚 increasingly important to stay up to date with technology trends and the demands of the field. You should possess advanced skills in the following areas:
Programming includes creating software and applications by writing code in various languages. It鈥檚 used in many technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, blockchain applications, and data engineering solutions.
Common tools in programming and coding include , , , , , and聽.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to modeling human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks like reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that allows machines to learn from data, which improves their performance over time.
Some popular AI technologies include deep learning, generative adversarial networks, neural machine translation, speech recognition and synthesis, and quantum machine learning. Common tools used in AI and ML are , , , and .
Augmented reality (AR) enhances the real world with digital elements, whereas virtual reality (VR) creates immersive virtual environments. These technologies are popular in areas like entertainment, education, and design.
Common tools used in AR and VR are , , , , and .
Blockchain technology is a way of installing, maintaining, and sharing dispersed information. It relies on a network of computers to store data in linked blocks, which creates a tamper-resistant chain.
The most common tools used in blockchain technology are , , and .
UX design involves creating attractive, user-friendly interfaces for digital products and websites. This kind of design emphasizes crafting seamless and positive interactions for users.
Some common design tools include , , , and .
Robotics and automation involve machines and computer programs to automate tasks in manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and space exploration. These innovations help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance safety.
Some essential robotics tools include , , and .
Cybersecurity involves using specialized tools and technologies to protect digital information, networks, and systems from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.
Common cybersecurity tools include , , , and .
Computer scientists design algorithms, analyze data, automate tasks, and develop AI systems. With a degree in computer science, you can land a role as a data scientist, software developer, systems analyst, or database administrator. These scientists work across the finance, entertainment, health care, and defense industries, where technology is crucial in streaming services, mobile banking, and remote-controlled mining.
Your interests can lead you to a cybersecurity career if your passions align with the field鈥檚 diverse opportunities. If you enjoy problem-solving, technology, or protecting important information, earning a degree in cybersecurity could lead to roles in ethical hacking, threat analysis, and system defense. If you鈥檙e interested in industries like health care, finance, or government, you can apply your skills in meaningful ways, like safeguarding health care data.
Your interests can align with a career in IT if you enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, or improving systems and processes. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in IT is the entry point to software development, network management, cybersecurity, and data analysis roles. If you鈥檙e interested in creativity, IT roles like web or app development can let you design innovative solutions. If you like troubleshooting and helping others, a role in IT support or database administration could be for聽you.
If you enjoy combining technical expertise with leadership and strategic planning, you could be perfect for a role in technology management. This field includes problem-solving, decision-making, and guiding teams, all themes you can cover in a technology management degree program. If you鈥檙e interested in technology trends and business processes, technology management is a perfect fit for integrating cutting-edge solutions into organizational goals.
If you鈥檙e ready to pursue a career in this field, consider earning a technology degree from 每日大瓜 and start on your path. Excelsior also partners with , which allows you to obtain further qualifications and education you need to start your career in technology. MedCerts has programs that can help you gain experience and grow your knowledge to enter this wide-ranging field while earning you credit toward your Excelsior degree. With 每日大瓜, you can pursue a career in technology that offers endless opportunities for growth, innovation, and making a meaningful impact.
Pursuing a career in technology often leads to considering paths like cybersecurity versus software engineering. Although both fields offer promising opportunities, they cater to different skill sets and professional interests. Understanding the distinctions and similarities between these domains is key for aspiring professionals to make informed decisions about their futures.
When considering cybersecurity versus software engineering, it should be understood that both careers demand specialized degrees, though the core curriculum and skill requirements can differ significantly. Further comparing these fields reveals distinct job roles and responsibilities, highlighting the unique contributions each profession makes to the tech landscape.
Is cybersecurity a good career? And what鈥檚 more, is it right for you, or would software engineering be a better fit? Below, you鈥檒l learn about both tracks so that you can answer those questions for yourself.
refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, and disruption. It encompasses a range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard digital assets against cyberthreats (like hacking, malware, and phishing). Core areas within cybersecurity include network security, information security, and operational security. Professionals in this field work to identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and respond to incidents鈥攅nsuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems.
is the systematic application of engineering principles to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software. This field focuses on creating efficient, reliable, and scalable software solutions to meet user needs and business requirements. It involves various stages, including requirements analysis, system design, coding, testing, and deployment. Software engineers use programming languages, development tools, and methodologies to build software applications, from web and mobile apps to enterprise systems and embedded software. The goal is to produce high-quality software that鈥檚 robust, maintainable, and adaptable to changing needs.
It鈥檚 crucial to understand the educational requirements for cybersecurity and software engineering. Each field has specific degree pathways that prepare aspiring professionals for their respective roles.
Cybersecurity careers typically require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. Coursework often includes subjects like network security, cryptography, risk management, and digital forensics. Advanced positions may require a master鈥檚 degree or certifications such as (CISSP) or (CEH). Practical experience through internships and hands-on labs is highly valued as well.
To become a software engineer, a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline is generally necessary. The curriculum typically covers programming languages, data structures, algorithms, software development methodologies, and computer systems. Many software engineers also pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications to enhance their skills and career prospects. Real-world experience through coding projects, internships, and collaborative software development is essential for success in this field.
The daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals and software engineers differ, reflecting the unique demands and objectives of each field. Whereas cybersecurity experts focus on protecting systems from threats, software engineers dedicate their efforts to creating and maintaining software solutions.
So, what do cybersecurity professionals do, exactly? These individuals are responsible for safeguarding an organization鈥檚 digital assets. Their include monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, analyzing security breaches, and implementing protective measures such as firewalls and encryption. They conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify and rectify security weaknesses. Incident response is a critical aspect of the job, requiring quick action to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. In addition, cybersecurity experts often educate employees on best practices for maintaining security and compliance with regulations.
Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. Their day typically involves writing and reviewing code, debugging software, and collaborating with team members to implement new features or improve existing ones. They engage in the software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements and planning to deployment and maintenance. Software engineers use various programming languages and tools, work with databases, and ensure that their applications are scalable and efficient. They also stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve their skills and deliver innovative solutions.
Succeeding in cybersecurity and software engineering requires a distinct set of skills tailored to the specific demands of each field. Although both career tracks require technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities, the focus and application of these skills differ.
Cybersecurity professionals need a robust set of technical and analytical skills. include:
Software engineers must master various technical and soft skills to excel. include:
Currently, the job outlook for both cybersecurity professionals and software engineers is promising, driven by an increasing reliance on digital technologies and a growing need for secure, efficient systems.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), (a category that cybersecurity falls under) is expected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033鈥攂oasting a high demand rate that鈥檚 much faster than the national average for all occupations. This rapid growth is catalyzed by the rising incidence of cyberattacks as well as the increasing importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information.
As of 2023, for information security analysts was $120,360, with higher earnings potential for those in top industries or holding advanced certifications.
The BLS projects the , quality assurance analysts, and testers to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, substantially faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by the continued expansion of software development across multiple sectors, including mobile applications, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
The for software developers was $132,270 in 2023鈥攚ith higher salaries in industries like software publishing and finance鈥攔eflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this field
Deciding between a career in cybersecurity or software engineering depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider what aspects of technology excite you the most: Are you more interested in protecting systems and combating cyberthreats, or do you prefer creating and developing software solutions? Reflect on your strengths in areas such as problem-solving, programming, and analytical thinking. Additionally, think about the type of work environment and daily tasks you envision for yourself. Researching both fields, gaining relevant experience, and seeking advice from professionals can also help you reach an informed conclusion about which path better aligns with your aspirations.
Choosing between a career in cybersecurity and software engineering is a decision that hinges on your interests, skills, and professional goals. Each field offers rewarding opportunities and requires distinct educational pathways and skill sets; cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding digital assets, whereas software engineering emphasizes creating robust software solutions.
If you鈥檝e wondered whether cybersecurity is a good career, the above insights have hopefully helped you feel more confident about pursuing this specialty. Should cybersecurity further pique your interest, explore the comprehensive bachelor鈥檚 degree program offered by 每日大瓜. Learn more about how our cybersecurity program can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
Nuclear technology refers to using nuclear reactions to generate energy. Nuclear safety is essential in nuclear technology because it protects people, the environment, and property from the potential hazards that can arise from the use of nuclear energy and materials.
Nuclear safety in power plants involves establishing processes and systems to protect people, the environment, and property from nuclear crises. It includes developing safe reactor operations with strong designs, various safety barriers, shutdown systems, and strict operational procedures. Emergency preparedness, regular inspections, and following regulatory standards help ensure safe and sustainable plant operations.
According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), U.S. power plants are among the in the world. Federal guidelines and industry safety procedures help make nuclear power a safe choice for our economy and communities. Let鈥檚 explore the different areas of nuclear safety.
The and the ensure through evaluations and best practices. Plant workers undergo thorough training and education, and workers build facilities with multiple protective barriers and safety systems. The also enforces strict regulations, conducts inspections, and implements safety rules.
Nuclear facilities maintain strict . The NRC enforces high security standards, and facilities feature steel-reinforced concrete containment structures designed to withstand natural disasters and even jet airliner impacts. Nearly 9,000 armed security officers, many with law enforcement or military backgrounds, safeguard these plants.
Advanced and constant threat monitoring protect nuclear power plants from cyberthreats. These plants operate hardware that prevents internet access and allows data to flow only outward. Strict controls are in place for portable media, and workers undergo rigorous security screenings and training. Regular inspections by the NRC ensure that cybersecurity protections remain effective against evolving cyberthreats.
with federally approved emergency plans developed in coordination with state and local governments and first responders to protect communities and employees. These plans include professional training and evaluations by the NRC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which ensure readiness and continuous improvement. The , , and the have strengthened these kinds of plans and helped professionals develop new strategies to maintain safety.
Nuclear waste is generated from power plant production. It requires based on its risk level. Radioactive waste includes high-level waste, low-activity waste, and transuranic waste, each requiring specific treatments like or . High-level waste, such as used nuclear fuel, is highly radioactive and remains so for thousands of years. Low-level waste decays faster and is often disposed of in near-surface facilities. The (DOE) oversees nuclear waste management but faces many challenges.
Does the nuclear industry appeal to you? Start on your path to a career in nuclear safety with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology!
Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer, published the book 鈥淪ystemic Leadership: Leading Effectively by Leveraging Our Collective Intelligence.鈥� The work encourages leaders in higher education ecosystems to think and lead systemically, to further their critical charge to scaffold and facilitate the preparation of a diverse, authentic, engaged, and ready next generation of leaders, as well as to reassess the value and subsequently pursue the power of leveraging our collective intelligence for the enhancement of decision-making and performance as institutions and the field of higher education.
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Joe Levy, associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement, was a contributing author for a journal article in the December 2024 issue of the Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement and Impact. The article, “Assessment in Higher Education and Student Affairs Graduate Education,” was a research project examining the presence, nature, and extent of coverage of assessment as a topic in higher education graduate preparation programs
Read the article .
View the full journal issue
Joe Levy, associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement,聽 was a contributing author to a journal article in the December 2024 issue of the Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement and Impact. The article, “Contributions of Leading Student Affairs Assessment Associations and Organizations,” was a contribution to the history and current state of professional organizations supporting student affairs assessment.
Read the article .
Read the full journal issue is .
When COVID-19 suddenly spread across the world, many people鈥攊ncluding health officials鈥攄idn鈥檛 know what to do. Specialists in the field of epidemiology stepped in to study the . These scientists tracked COVID-19 by identifying its source through community and health facility surveys and tracked the disease using data from case reports, hospital records, and death certificates. Studies provided insights into the infection period, risk factors, vaccine safety, and long-term health effects. Based on this data, scientists developed and updated guidance to lessen the disease鈥檚 spread and impact on different populations and settings.
The heroic work of epidemiologists may seem like the stuff of science fiction, but their efforts result in very real benefits to society, including saving lives that would otherwise be lost to disease. If you like public health and detective work, read on to see whether a career in epidemiology could be right for you.
Epidemiology is the study of diseases and injuries in populations, their origins, how they spread, and finding solutions for stopping them. Epidemiologists work in hospitals, laboratories, and offices for universities, colleges, and local, state, and federal government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, the median annual wage for , making it a lucrative public health profession.
Epidemiology helps provide data and insights necessary for learning about diseases and disease prevention. :
Becoming an epidemiologist requires education, work experience, and a passion for research and public service. You need to start with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a field like public health, biology, or health sciences to provide foundational knowledge. Entry-level positions typically require a master鈥檚 degree with a focus on epidemiology, which also offers training in health, environmental health, and research methods. Practical work experience gained through fieldwork in public health or research labs is essential for developing the skills needed for a successful career in the field.
If you鈥檙e ready to start on your career path toward epidemiology, consider earning your Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Civic engagement is fundamental to effective decision-making and policymaking for public administrators. It means reaching out to the public about issues of concern, from groups and organizations on down to individuals. In a democracy, communication, collaboration, and transparency between government and citizens is what leads to a prosperous and vibrant society.
Civic engagement is a concept that incorporates the activities that involve governmental entities, people, and organizations in addressing common and communal concerns for the betterment of communities and society at large.
It may involve civic participation with politics and government. These forms of civic participation include activities like voting, participating in hearings, attending focus groups and town halls, signing petitions and joining protests, serving on advisory committees, lobbying, and even running for office.
Yet civic engagement isn鈥檛 purely political. It can also include working with community charities and clubs, helping out at community gardens, participating in trash clean-up drives, or advocating for a grassroots movement and raising awareness about specific issues.
Civic engagement can take many forms. Some of the more common ways the public interacts with government include:
Giving voice to community and individual concerns by attending town halls, fielding and filling out surveys, and attending focus groups gives public administrators a fuller understanding of the issues and needs of various constituencies.
Citizens can directly and specifically provide opinions about spending priorities and community investment needs.
Bringing together different voices and perspectives to collaborate in framing issues and solving problems is tremendously helpful to decision-makers.
Online platforms and social media are a way to reach more people faster and engender vital public dialogue.
Public-private partnerships, along with informal and ad hoc collaborations, are ways for government, private organizations, and individuals to work together in creating, implementing, and managing programs that benefit the public
When people and organizations band together at a local level of public engagement, they can kick off bottom-up change that is often more effective than top-down efforts.
Contributing your time, energy, and skills to groups and public initiatives is a way to make direct and substantive change for the better for communities and individuals.
Effective public engagement leads to better government and better communities. Some of the benefits include:
Various stakeholders can influence civic engagement that encourages active participation in the community, from governmental organizations to a grassroots movement.
Outside of government, nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and advocacy groups play roles. Education institutions contribute research, provide education, and host civic initiatives. Businesses, media, and associations may get involved through lobbying, charitable giving, and funding advocacy initiatives. Individual citizens and activists also participate.
Earning your Master of Public Administration prepares you for leadership roles inside or outside government. You鈥檒l find openings and opportunities in business, with a variety of organizations, and within local, state, national, and even international governmental bodies.
For a career that is highly rewarding, with impacts you can see, working in public administration and promoting civic engagement can be an exciting choice.
In an interview with Presidents Forum, 每日大瓜 president David Schejbal discussed 每日大瓜’s commitment to student-centered innovation through its Constellation model of higher education partnerships. President Schejbal speaks on how The Constellation鈩� enables students to move between institutions, combining online learning with immersive, in-person experiences.
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Effective study habits are crucial to success during finals. However, preparing for final exams in college can feel like a daunting task as you review all the key topics you鈥檝e learned throughout a given term. By leveraging the right strategies and developing a structured approach to studying, students can be better equipped to tackle their studies, improve retention and comprehension of course material, and manage stress.
Explore various methods to enhance study efficiency鈥攊ncluding time management techniques, the benefits of group study sessions, and ways to stay motivated and focused during this critical period.
The timing of your preparation can significantly impact your performance on final exams. Ideally, students should begin reviewing material at least two to three weeks before exams start. This allows ample time to revisit core concepts, complete practice problems, and identify areas that need further clarification. Starting early helps avoid last-minute cramming, reduces anxiety, and ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Knowing how to study for finals requires a strategic approach to make the most of your study time and ensure thorough coverage of the material. The following tips can guide you through creating an effective study plan, organizing your resources, and maintaining a healthy balance during this mentally intense time. Dive into how to prepare for finals (as well as common mistakes to avoid altogether).
Creating a is essential for effective preparation. Start by listing all your exams and their dates. Prioritize subjects based on difficulty and importance; then allocate specific times for studying each subject. To avoid burnout, break your schedule into manageable blocks with breaks in between鈥�.
Gather all necessary materials like lecture notes, textbooks, past exams, and any other relevant resources. Organize them by subject and topic and use tools like folders or digital apps to keep everything easily accessible. This helps streamline your study sessions and ensures that you don鈥檛 waste time searching for materials鈥�.
Divide your study time into . The , which involves 25 minutes of study followed by a five-minute break, can be particularly effective. This approach keeps your mind fresh and improves retention by preventing fatigue鈥�.
Focus on the subjects you find most challenging first. This ensures that you have ample time to address any gaps in understanding and reduces the risk of cramming difficult material at the last minute. Allocate more study sessions to these subjects and seek help from a tutor if needed鈥�.
Active learning techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else, or creating can enhance your understanding and memory. These methods encourage deeper engagement with the content compared to passive reading鈥�.
helps provide different perspectives and clarify difficult concepts. Group members can tutor and quiz each other with practice questions, share resources, and provide mutual support. Just ensure that the group stays focused on studying and doesn鈥檛 turn it into a full-blown social gathering鈥�.
Completing practice questions and exams under timed conditions helps you quiz yourself while becoming more familiar with the format and types of questions you鈥檒l face. It also highlights areas where you need more practice and helps build confidence for the actual exam鈥�.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical during exam preparation. Eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and make sure you get enough sleep. Avoiding junk food and all-nighters鈥攖hough possibly tempting鈥攚ill keep your mind and body in peak condition for studying.
Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and retention. Multitasking can split your attention and reduce the quality of your study sessions due to distractions. Turn off notifications and create a distraction-free environment to maintain focus鈥�.
If you鈥檙e struggling with certain topics, don鈥檛 hesitate to seek help. Reach out to professors, teaching assistants, or tutors. In addition, many schools offer academic support centers where you can get additional help鈥�.
Maintain a positive mindset and remind yourself of your goals. Celebrate small achievements and take breaks to relax and recharge. Visualization techniques and positive affirmations can also boost your confidence and motivation鈥�.
Keeping these tips in mind while studying for finals, you can create a study plan that maximizes your productivity and helps you perform your best on final exams at the end of each academic term.
When it comes to how to prepare for final exams, it鈥檚 crucial to recognize and avoid pitfalls that can hinder your progress. These mistakes can lead to ineffective study sessions and increased stress. Preventing these common mistakes will help you develop more effective study habits, reduce stress, and improve your performance on final exams:
By being aware of these errors, you can adjust your strategies to foster a more productive, less stressful exam preparation period.
Preparing for finals doesn鈥檛 have to be overwhelming. By knowing how to study for finals most effectively, you can set yourself up for success. Avoid common mistakes like procrastination and multitasking and instead prioritize effective study techniques like active learning and practice exams.
If you鈥檙e seeking more resources to help you succeed, consider exploring the programs that 每日大瓜 offers. Whether you鈥檙e interested in furthering your education or enhancing your career skills, Excelsior provides a robust range of degree and certificate programs designed to support your academic and professional growth. Request more information today to take the next step in your education journey!
Advanced persistent threats, or APTs, are highly damaging cyberattacks. If you want a career in cybersecurity, you must understand APTs, including how to deter, detect, and recover from them. The following is an overview of this class of attacks and the typical threat actor profiles.
Advanced persistent threats are sophisticated cyberattacks that involve long-term campaigns designed to work undetected, wreaking maximum damage long before the target is even aware of the exploit. Here鈥檚 a closer look at their characteristics:
Fighting APT attacks is a high-value area in the field of cybersecurity. You will want to know the coordinated steps of an APT attack:
Attackers perform extensive reconnaissance of their target, understanding their systems, processes, employees, and vulnerabilities.
The attacker accesses systems and data using 鈥攐ften in combination鈥攖aking advantage of weaknesses in network security, exploiting outdated software, breaching third parties, and tricking employees and authorized personnel.
When an attacker knows of a vulnerability in software or hardware that the vendor or security community is unaware of, they attack without fear of detection. Organizations have zero days to mitigate the vulnerability.
Based on the attacker鈥檚 effective reconnaissance, they design software tailored to the vulnerabilities and processes of their target鈥攁long with the type of attack and objectives of the attack. Custom malware is hard to detect and highly efficient.
This attack technique relies on , employee habits, and organizational processes. Fake emails, phone calls, and texts posing as IT support, using bogus websites, and even physically observing an employee have all been successfully used.
This type of phishing attack is a social engineering exploit that uses customized, even personalized techniques to target a specific individual or group of individuals. These well-researched attacks are so convincing that even a trained and aware person can fall victim.
Maintaining access without being detected is the key. Backdoors and malware are typically used for this purpose.
Once in, attackers learn more about vulnerabilities and processes to access higher-level, more critical systems.
The aims of attacks vary. An attacker can simply watch and spy, gather and export massive amounts of data, or conduct sabotage operations to disable an organization or function.
Persistence is the key. The attackers use techniques that let them continue undetected, and once detected, easily reestablish the attack by thwarting efforts to remove their access.
The types of threat actors carrying out advanced persistent threats are nearly endless, with varying motivations and capabilities, and are always evolving. The most common ones include:
These attackers seek financial gain. They use an APT to steal data to sell for profit. They can access systems to commit fraud like capturing credit card information and racking up purchases. They may hold organizations hostage for ransom, like the ransomware gangs and .
These attackers are motivated by political, social, and ideological notions and passions. They see cyberattacks as a way to protest or fight against perceived wrongs and injustices. They go after governments, institutions, and organizations they feel deserve it, defacing or taking down websites, using distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and stealing and leaking embarrassing data.
Sometimes by deliberate and planned sabotage and other times unintentionally, employees and authorized individuals can cause enormous harm to an organization through an APT. The threat could be from a deliberate, preplanned plant of a criminal into a sensitive organization, a disgruntled employee, or someone lacking the training and awareness to avoid falling victim to a cyberattack.
Many of the most devastating advanced persistent threats come from governments, governmentally funded groups, or quasi-governmental organizations. They target infrastructure, spread propaganda, and attack public safety.
Penetration testers, cybersecurity professionals who employ ethical hacking practices to expose vulnerabilities before threat actors can, are on the front lines in the fight against APT attacks. However, everyone can help defend against APTs by learning some best practices, like how to create stronger passwords or spot phishing and other attempts at social engineering, which underscores how important the role of education is in the field of cybersecurity.
If you want to start a rewarding career in this high-demand field, consider earning your bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity. You鈥檒l learn how to stay a step ahead of threat actors, using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
In addition to a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, you can further your career with certifications. Certificate programs like Ethical Hacker and IT Security Specialist offered through Excelsior鈥檚 partnership with can prepare you for valuable certifications while earning you credit toward your Excelsior degree.
Cybersecurity is constantly changing, providing you with a career path that never gets stale or boring. Indeed, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts are protecting individuals and organizations鈥攁nd potentially strengthening national security.
