Back in 2022, approximately 1 in 10 decided they needed a change in their career. With the global landscape continually changing along with the current growth of the tech industry, these figures are expected to continue throughout 2023. So the question is, are you the 1 in 10?

If you answered yes (or maybe you’re on the fence), here are some steps to help you on your journey.

Step 1

When deciding to change careers, one of the most important things you should be doing is checking what the job market is like. There’s no point spending 1-3 years furthering your education in a certain area if that industry is expected to decline in job opportunities. For example, telephone operators are in less demand here in Australia due to automatic answering machines and the internet. Why bother employing someone when your customers can get their answers directly from your website? On the other hand, with the increase in cyber security incidents the tech workforce is expected to grow by more than 70% by 2027!

Step 2

Once you’ve narrowed down the industries, the next question you should ask yourself is, what do you enjoy doing? If you’re a creative person, you might not be suited to sitting behind a computer looking at spreadsheets all day, however you may enjoy learning web design. Alternatively, you may have a very analytical mind and like a challenge, so something like law or cyber forensics might be for you. If you’re not sure, there are plenty of personality quizzes you can take, or ask your family and friends for their input.

Step 3

Next you need to figure out what experience or education you will need for an entry level position. If you’ve been in accounting but want to become a data analyst in the tech industry, you may find you someone willing to take you on and train you on the job. Alternatively, you may have enough experience to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) towards a certificate or diploma. Or you may just need to start from scratch!

Step 4

This may be the most important step to your new career – finding the right educational institution and qualification. If you’re looking for a certificate or diploma level education, you need to be careful. In Australia, it’s important to look for organisations who offer Nationally Recognised Accreditation – this means their courses meet a set criterion mandated by the Australian Government. It guarantees the quality of the information being provided.

But it doesn’t end there. You need to ask the following questions to make sure you find quality content and quality organisation and trainers.

• What’s the reputation of the organisation I’m looking at?
• Do they offer face-to-face or online training (and which type are you after)?
• What does the course actually cover, and will it prepare me for the workforce?
• What does the course schedule look like, and can I complete it if I’m still working?
• How long does the course take?

If you’ve decided to go with a course in cyber security but it only takes you six weeks to complete, you need to ask yourself if it’s truly going to prepare you for the workforce. Alternatively, do you need to spend three years completing a bachelor’s degree, or will something like a Certificate IV do the job?

What separates CTIA from the rest

The steps we’ve just gone through will work for anyone – it doesn’t matter what industry or career you decide to pursue, these steps will help you. BUT if you’re looking to enter the cyber security industry, there’s a reason CTIA is a step above the rest.

Nationally Recognised

Our Certificate IV in Cyber Security is nationally accredited, which as we mentioned earlier, guarantees that the content you learn will be quality.

Delivery Mode

Our course is delivered 100% online, but we don’t expect you to do it on your own. Our classes are interactive and give you the opportunity to contribute, ask questions, and make friends along the way.

Course Duration

You don’t need to worry about putting your life on hold for three years while you finish a degree. You’ll be finished in 9 months, with 2 classes a week held during the evenings and weekends so you can keep working while you’re learning.

Industry Experts

We don’t stick you with any old trainer who reads from the PowerPoint slides. Our trainers are industry experts, with in-depth knowledge of the subject.

Virtual Labs

All the above aspects are great, but if we had to pick one thing that separates us from the rest, it’s our Virtual Labs (VL). We prepare you for real-life cyber attacks by simulating the latest vulnerabilities and teaching you how to defend against developing threats. Your VL Dashboard also provides you detailed reports with a complete analysis of learning and performance, which will help you learn from your failures and successes. We are one of the only organisations around the world that offer this!

Welcome 2023

So, now you know how to go about changing careers, it’s time to go and do it!

If you’re interested in learning how to become a cyber security specialist, get in contact with us today.