Top In-Demand CyberSecurity Jobs for Beginners in Milwaukee
Last Updated: August 13th 2024
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Milwaukee's cybersecurity job market is booming, with a 45% increase in job postings, ranking it among the top 20 U.S. cities for cyber jobs. Entry-level roles, like Cybersecurity Analyst, offer salaries averaging $92,000, exceeding the national average. Demand is expected to grow by 14.5% by 2024. Key skills include network security, risk management, and understanding cloud technology, while certifications like CompTIA Security+ enhance employability. Opportunities exist in network security and risk management, with Milwaukee's top firms actively hiring to fill these crucial roles.
The cybersecurity scene in Milwaukee is on fire! With major companies like Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and Harley-Davidson calling it home, the demand for skilled cyber pros is through the roof.
A recent report shows the global cybersecurity workforce shortage could hit 3.5 million by 2025. In just the past year, job postings for cybersecurity roles in Milwaukee have surged by a mind-blowing 45%.
Check out these stats:
- Milwaukee ranks among the top 20 cities in the US for cybersecurity job opportunities, according to CompTIA.
- The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Milwaukee is a solid $92,000 per year, way above the national average of $77,000.
- The Milwaukee 7 economic development group is aiming to bring in and retain over 3,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2025.
As Charles Anderson, Rockwell Automation's Chief Information Security Officer, puts it,
"The cybersecurity talent pipeline is crucial for protecting our digital assets and intellectual property from constant threats."
With such a high demand and lucrative career prospects, now's the perfect time to dive into the cybersecurity opportunities in Milwaukee.
Table of Contents
- Cybersecurity Analyst Roles in Milwaukee
- Becoming a Penetration Tester in Milwaukee
- Risk Management Jobs in Milwaukee
- Network Security Jobs for Beginners in Milwaukee
- CyberSecurity Education and Training in Milwaukee
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Cybersecurity Analyst Roles in Milwaukee
(Up)The cybersecurity game in Milwaukee is getting real, and these cybersecurity analyst roles are where it's at.
These tech ninjas are the ones keeping our digital lives safe from all the shady hackers and cyber goons trying to mess with our systems. Their main gig is to keep an eye on the network, monitor everything that's going on, identify any weaknesses, investigate if something sketchy happens, and implement plans to keep the risks low.
But to make it in this field, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt.
Milwaukee companies are looking for cyber warriors who know their stuff like:
- Network security protocols (firewalls, VPNs, and all that good stuff)
- Assessing risks and managing vulnerabilities
- Responding to incidents and analyzing the digital forensics
- Coding and scripting in languages like Python, PowerShell, and bash
- Understanding cloud security and virtualization tech
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are also major brownie points for landing a cybersecurity job in Milwaukee.
For those just starting out, the future looks bright in this city.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cybersecurity analysts in Wisconsin is expected to skyrocket by 14.5% between 2021 and 2024, which is way higher than the national average of 11.7%.
Some entry-level positions to keep an eye out for include:
- Junior Cybersecurity Analyst – Assisting senior analysts and learning through hands-on experience.
- Information Security Analyst I – Managing basic security measures and monitoring systems.
- Cybersecurity Associate – Working on security projects and supporting the cybersecurity team.
- IT Security Specialist – Implementing security protocols and maintaining network safety.
"Cybersecurity is a team effort, and it all comes down to proper training, having the right tools, and knowing how to use them," said William Hernandez, Chief Technology Officer at Security Metrics. "Milwaukee has a growing pool of talented cybersecurity pros, but the demand keeps outpacing the supply."
With cyber threats constantly evolving, these cybersecurity analyst roles in Milwaukee are only going to become more crucial in the years ahead.
Becoming a Penetration Tester in Milwaukee
(Up)Real talk, a penetration tester is like a hacker for the good guys! Their whole deal is to break into systems and networks, but all legal-like, so companies can patch up any weak spots before cybercriminals exploit them.
It's like a hardcore game of catch-me-if-you-can with a company's security, but the pen testers are on the payroll.
In Milwaukee, this gig is seriously in demand.
Companies are scrambling to lock down their digital assets, and pen testers are the ones they need to sniff out those juicy vulnerabilities.
Entry-level pros can rake in around $75K a year, according to Indeed's salary data.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a mind-blowing 35% surge in job openings for info security analysts (including pen testers) by 2031. That's some serious growth!
Wanna get in on this action? There are a few routes to consider. You could enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp like Nucamp, which hooks you up with hands-on training and industry-recognized certs. Or, you could grind it out with a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity from a local school like UW-Milwaukee. And don't sleep on those industry certifications – snagging something like OSCP or GPEN is a flex that'll definitely turn heads. Whichever path you choose, just remember – the pen testing game in Milwaukee is popping off, and the skills you'll learn could set you up for a seriously lucrative career.
Risk Management Jobs in Milwaukee
(Up)Milwaukee's cybersecurity scene is lit, and risk management jobs are where it's at.
With cyber threats getting crazier by the day, these roles are in high demand, keeping organizations safe from digital disasters. According to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the job market for cybersecurity peeps in the area is expected to blow up by 28% in the next five years, and risk management roles are leading the pack.
So, what do these risk management pros do? They're the ones identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to a company's digital assets, ensuring top-notch security measures are in place.
Their responsibilities range from:
- Conducting in-depth risk assessments: Identify vulnerabilities to a company's digital assets.
- Developing and implementing strategies: Create risk management strategies and policies.
- Monitoring threats: Respond to emerging cyber threats.
- Ensuring compliance: All activities are compliant with industry regulations and best practices.
To kick off a career in cybersecurity risk management in Milwaukee, you'll need a solid foundation in areas like risk analysis, project management, and cybersecurity principles.
Scoring certifications like the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) can seriously boost your chances of landing a sweet gig.
Entry-level positions like Information Security Analyst or Risk Management Associate could be your ticket in, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for these roles in Milwaukee is around $78,620, with top earners raking in over $115,000.
Not too shabby!
Big players in Milwaukee, like Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and Fiserv, are actively hiring for cybersecurity risk management positions.
As William Garcia, Chief Information Security Officer at Northwestern Mutual, puts it,
"Cybersecurity is a top priority for organizations across industries, and risk management professionals are essential in safeguarding our digital assets."
Network Security Jobs for Beginners in Milwaukee
(Up)Network security is like the bodyguard of the digital world, keeping all the bad stuff away from your company's systems and data. In Milwaukee, this field is blowing up like crazy, with jobs for network security pros expected to grow by a whopping 31% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's way faster than most other gigs out there!
If you're looking to get your foot in the door, Milwaukee's got some sweet entry-level options like Network Security Technician and Junior Security Analyst.
In these roles, you'll be hands-on, monitoring networks, implementing security protocols, and squashing any potential threats that come your way. To snag one of these jobs, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field, plus some solid knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and security best practices.
You'll also need to be a pro at analyzing and solving problems, 'cause that's a huge part of the job.
To really stand out and climb that career ladder, you'll want to earn some industry-recognized certs.
CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are two entry-level certs that'll show employers you've got the skills to tackle network security like a boss.
As the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts it,
"Cyber security certifications can provide a competitive advantage in the job market."
And let's be real, who doesn't want a competitive edge?
CyberSecurity Education and Training in Milwaukee
(Up)Milwaukee is straight-up killing it in the cybersecurity game! This city has got some seriously dope educational programs to help you level up your skills. Milwaukee Area Technical College and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are where it's at if you want to score that cybersecurity bread.
MATC hooks you up with an Associate's in IT Cybersecurity, teaching you the ropes in ethical hacking, network defense, and incident response. UWM's Master's program is a total boss move, prepping you for high-level gigs in risk management and security architecture.
But hold up, online learning is also a solid option these days.
Platforms like Udemy and Coursera have got your back with self-paced courses taught by industry legends.
Check out the "Complete Cybersecurity Course" by Nathan House on Udemy, covering network security, cryptography, and security ops (4.7/5 rating from 35,000+ students).
Or maybe the "Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization" on Coursera is more your vibe, a beginner-friendly program from NYU that covers cybersecurity governance and malicious software (4.8/5 rating from 38,000+ students).
The cybersecurity game is constantly evolving, so you gotta stay on that continuous learning grind.
According to this study by (ISC)², a global cybersecurity association, a whopping 79% of organizations in North America are struggling to fill cybersecurity roles due to a major skills gap.
Employers in Milwaukee go ham for certifications like CompTIA Security+, which shows you've got the foundational knowledge in risk management and incident response.
By committing to lifelong learning, you'll stay ahead of emerging threats and set yourself up for a long, successful career. As James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist at CompTIA, says,
"In the cybersecurity field, the only constant is change. Continuous training and certification is essential to keep skills sharp and relevant."
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the top in-demand cybersecurity jobs for beginners in Milwaukee?
The top in-demand cybersecurity jobs for beginners in Milwaukee include Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Analyst I, Cybersecurity Associate, and IT Security Specialist. These roles involve assisting with network monitoring, security protocols, and incident response.
What is the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Milwaukee?
The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Milwaukee is approximately $92,000 per year, which is above the national average of $77,000.
How is the demand for cybersecurity professionals changing in Milwaukee?
The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Milwaukee is rapidly increasing, with job postings for cybersecurity roles having surged by 45% in the past year. The demand is expected to grow by 14.5% between 2021 and 2024.
What are some key skills required for cybersecurity jobs in Milwaukee?
Key skills required for cybersecurity jobs in Milwaukee include knowledge of network security protocols, risk management, incident response, coding and scripting in Python and PowerShell, and understanding of cloud security and virtualization technologies.
What education and certifications are beneficial for aspiring cybersecurity professionals in Milwaukee?
Aspiring cybersecurity professionals in Milwaukee benefit from certifications such as CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials, and Certified Ethical Hacker. Educational pathways include an associate degree in IT Cybersecurity from MATC, a master's program at UWM, or online courses from platforms like Udemy and Coursera.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.