Top In-Demand CyberSecurity Jobs for Beginners in Memphis

Memphis is the place to be if you wanna get into cybersecurity. This city is straight fire when it comes to opportunities in that field. Major companies and government agencies are all over this place, and they need skilled cyber pros like crazy.

A recent study showed that Memphis is one of the top 10 cities with the most cybersecurity job openings.

The University of Memphis and FedCyber are on a mission to train the next generation of cyber defenders.

In 2023 alone, over $2 million was invested in cybersecurity education and training programs here. Local training providers are prepping peeps with the skills and certs they need to land those cyber jobs.

John Thompson, CEO of Memphis Technology Foundation, said it best:

"Cybersecurity is a top priority for Memphis. We're not just keeping pace with the industry's evolution – we're leading the charge in developing the next generation of cyber defenders."

With major players like FedEx, AutoZone, and St.

Jude Children's Research Hospital based right here, the opportunities for beginners to start their cybersecurity careers are endless. These key employers are always on the hunt for fresh talent, making Memphis the perfect spot to kickstart your future in this high-growth, cutting-edge field.

Getting your foot in the door as a cybersecurity analyst in Memphis is a sweet gig for beginners looking to make it in the cybersecurity world.

As an analyst, your main jam is to keep an eye on an organization's computer networks and systems, stay on top of any potential security breaches or weak spots, and handle tasks like risk assessments, security measures, and dealing with cyber threats.

To score an entry-level cybersecurity analyst role in Memphis, you'll want to level up these skills:

• Technical know-how: Get familiar with programming languages like Python and Java, different operating systems, and network security tools.
• Analytical thinking: You'll need to analyze complex data, spot patterns, and connect the dots like a pro.
• Problem-solving skills: Troubleshooting and fixing security issues quickly and efficiently is a must.
• Communication skills: Being able to explain technical stuff to non-techies is a valuable asset.

According to the latest data from Salary.com, the average paycheck for an entry-level cybersecurity analyst in Memphis is around $68,000 per year.

And the demand for these roles is only going up, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 33% growth in information security analyst positions nationwide from 2020 to 2030 - that's way faster than most other jobs.

Thomas Martin, President of the Memphis Cybersecurity Association, says,

"As cyber threats keep evolving, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in Memphis will only get bigger. Entry-level analysts play a crucial role in protecting our digital infrastructure, and this career path offers promising opportunities for those willing to invest in the necessary training and certifications."

For all you 20-somethings in Memphis looking to get your foot in the door of the booming cybersecurity scene, the Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst gig is where it's at.

These peeps are the front-line warriors, keeping a hawk-eye on networks and systems, ready to shut down any shady activity before it wrecks havoc. And with major players like FedEx and AutoZone calling Memphis home, the demand for skilled SOC Analysts is straight-up skyrocketing.

As a SOC Analyst, you'd be tasked with:

1. Vigilant monitoring: Keeping those watchful eyes glued to monitors, scanning for any suspicious movements or breaches across networks, systems, and apps.
2. Alert investigation: Investigating those security alerts like a cybersecurity Sherlock, identifying threats and eliminating them before they cause mayhem.
3. Incident collaboration: Teaming up with the incident response crew to contain and fix any security messes that might've slipped through.
4. Log analysis: Analyzing logs and whipping up slick reports to keep the bigwigs in the loop.
5. Continuous learning: Staying on top of the latest cybersecurity trends, vulnerabilities, and best practices, because this game never stops evolving.

For all you newbies itching to break into cybersecurity, a SOC Analyst role is a golden ticket to gain that invaluable, hands-on experience.

According to the data, Memphis has a whopping 3,875 cybersecurity job openings, with SOC Analysts raking in an average of $95,000 annually.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a mind-blowing 35% growth in employment for information security analysts, including SOC Analysts, between 2021 and 2031.

That's like, insanely faster than most other gigs.

"The SOC Analyst role is the perfect launchpad for aspiring cybersecurity pros. You'll get exposed to a diverse range of security tools, tech, and scenarios, giving you a solid grasp of the cybersecurity landscape." - Christopher Williams, Cybersecurity Guru at XYZ Corp, Memphis

If you're looking to get into the cybersecurity game in Memphis, becoming a junior penetration tester is where it's at! As a pentester, you'll be like a hacker – but the good kind.

Your job is to ethically break into systems and networks to find any weak spots before the bad guys do.

You'll be planning and executing those sneaky tests, using your mad skills to identify vulnerabilities, and then reporting back to the security squad with your findings and recommendations on how to lock things down.

To get started, you'll need to level up your certs game.

The big ones that employers want are the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).

These show you know your stuff and you're serious about the pentesting grind. With these under your belt, you'll be well on your way to scoring an entry-level gig in Memphis, with salaries ranging from $65K to $95K – not too shabby, right?

But it's not just about the certs.

You gotta build up that portfolio and network like crazy. Consider the following suggestions:

• Bug bounty programs: Participate in these programs to showcase your ability to find vulnerabilities and improve your portfolio.
• Local cybersecurity meetups: Attend these gatherings to network with professionals and stay updated on the latest trends and tools.
• Internships or security roles: Pursue these opportunities to gain hands-on experience that's invaluable in your learning journey.

Remember,

"Penetration testing is not just a job; it's a mindset – a relentless pursuit of finding vulnerabilities before they're exploited,"

as the cybersecurity legend Aamir Lakhani once said.

So if you've got that unquenchable curiosity, a knack for problem-solving, and a dedication to always learning, then the junior pentester life in Memphis might just be the perfect fit for you.

If you're looking to get your foot in the door of the cybersecurity scene in Memphis, being an IT support specialist is the way to go.

With businesses in this city going all-in on digital stuff, they need people who can keep their computer systems running smoothly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for computer support specialists will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, which means plenty of opportunities for newbies like us.

To make it as an IT support specialist in Memphis, you gotta have a diverse set of skills.

You'll need to be a pro at fixing hardware and software issues, managing networks, and providing top-notch customer service. Getting certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ will definitely give you an edge and make you stand out to employers.

Check out the local training providers in Memphis that offer affordable programs to help you get those certs under your belt.

For those just starting out, entry-level IT support roles are the perfect stepping stone.

According to data from key employers in Memphis, an IT Support Specialist I can expect to make around $60,810 per year on average.

But don't stop there! With dedication and continuous learning, you can level up to higher-paying positions like:

• IT Support Specialist II: Median annual wage is $71,530.
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator: Median annual wage is $95,360.
• Information Security Analyst: Median annual wage is $120,360.

As the cybersecurity landscape in Memphis keeps evolving, the demand for skilled IT support professionals will only skyrocket, making it an awesome career path for beginners looking to grow and succeed in the long run.

If you're looking to break into the cybersecurity scene in Memphis, there's a whole bunch of dope resources to help you get started. First up, you gotta check out the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program at the University of Memphis.

They're like a legit National Center of Academic Excellence, so you know they're bringing the heat. But that's not all. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE) is a whole vibe, offering a collab between colleges and universities to level up your cybersecurity game.

And if you're looking for some financial support, the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service and DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) might just be your ticket. But there's more! Check out the Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four Professional Development Center.

These guys are hardcore about improving the workforce, and they've got project-driven training and employment assistance to help you land that dream cybersecurity gig. And let's not forget the Memphis Cyber Consortium, which is all about fostering a dope cybersecurity workforce in the area.

With local businesses, institutions, and government agencies teaming up, you know they're serious about making Memphis a cybersecurity hotspot.