How to Become a Security Specialist?

Are you thinking of becoming a Security Specialist or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Security Specialist, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Security Specialist job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Security Specialist

If you're considering starting your Security Specialist career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Security Specialist and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Security Specialist career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Security Specialist career path, a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Security Specialist internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Security Specialist, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Security Specialist field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Security Specialist specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Security Specialist

Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Security Specialist. In general, you can become a Security Specialist after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Security Specialist role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in itil.
4

Advance in Your Security Specialist Career

Following entry-level, there are several Security Specialist career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Security Specialist to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Security Specialist position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Security Specialist career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Security Specialist career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Security Specialist Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Security Specialist career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in computer science can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $108,481 compared to $39,262 for those without that type of degree.

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Related Careers in the Military & Protective Services Industry

Interested in other Military & Protective Services careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Security Specialist skills. Discover some of the most common Security Specialist career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Police Officer
0% skills overlap
9% transitioned to Police Officer