Top In-Demand CyberSecurity Jobs for Beginners in St Louis

The cybersecurity game in St. Louis is blazing hot right now! There's like over 7,500 open cybersecurity jobs in the city alone.

That's crazy, right? And the best part? Even newbies can get in on the action with gigs like Cyber Threat Analyst, Information Security Analyst, or Incident Response Analyst.

Big-name companies like Boeing, Mastercard, and Edward Jones are all hiring like there's no tomorrow. Tony Bryan from CyberUp says "There's a known shortage of 497,000 open cyber security roles in the U.S." So if you're looking for a career that's pandemic-proof and future-ready, cybersecurity is where it's at.

Just check out these 2024 job market trends from Nucamp to see how hot this field is gonna get.

St. Louis is where it's at for those looking to get into cybersecurity! The city is buzzing with entry-level opportunities for those just starting out in 2024.

According to the latest stats, the demand for cyber talent in St. Louis is on a serious rise, with a 15% spike in job openings compared to last year.

If you're a newbie, here are some of the hot roles employers are hunting for:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: Your job? Keeping an eye on networks, sniffing out potential threats, and putting security measures in place. You'll need to know your way around security tools, think analytically, and be a pro at problem-solving.
• Incident Response Specialist: When a cybersecurity incident goes down, you're the one to detect, analyze, and respond to it. Expertise in incident handling, forensic analysis, and communicating effectively is a must.
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: As a SOC Analyst, you'll be monitoring and investigating security alerts to identify and stop threats in their tracks. Get ready to become a pro at log analysis, scripting, and understanding network protocols.

While requirements may vary, most entry-level cyber gigs in St. Louis are looking for:

1. A bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
2. A solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, network security, and risk management.
3. Hands-on experience with security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners.
4. Familiarity with certifications like CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

As Christopher Martinez, the Director of Cybersecurity Initiatives at the St. Louis Regional Chamber, says, "The demand for cybersecurity pros in St. Louis is skyrocketing.

Employers are actively seeking fresh talent with the right skills and mindset to tackle the ever-changing cyber landscape."

If you're looking to get into cybersecurity in St. Louis, you have to start with the right certifications and education.

For beginners, some must-have certs are CompTIA Security+, GIAC Cybersecurity Fundamentals (GISF), and Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP). These entry-level certifications prove you know your stuff and make you stand out to employers.

When it comes to education, St. Louis has some solid options.

Universities like St. Louis Community College offer cybersecurity certificates and degrees, covering everything from programming to network security.

Plus, their cybersecurity certificate program is designed for those who already have a degree but want to level up their skills.

But if you're looking for a faster route, check out the cybersecurity bootcamps in town.

Places like WashU Boot Camps and Nucamp Coding Bootcamp pack a ton of hands-on training into just a few months.

One recent Nucamp grad, Nancy Jones, said the project-based learning and career support really prepped them for success.

Don't sleep on online courses either! The University of Missouri System has a "Cybersecurity for Non-Majors" course that's affordable and lets you learn at your own pace.

With all these certification, degree, and training options in St. Louis, you'll be ready to land that dream cyber job in no time.

The cybersecurity scene in St. Louis is straight fire right now. If you're looking to level up your game and score some sick gigs, you gotta get connected with the local community.

It's not just about having the skills, it's about knowing the right people too. Cybersecurity programs at colleges like St. Louis Community College are a great way to get started, but don't sleep on all the dope networking opportunities out there.

There are all kinds of lit events and meetups happening year-round.

The St. Louis Cybersecurity Association hosts monthly gatherings where you can learn from the pros and make some serious connections.

And mark your calendars for the CyberUp Summit next September – it's gonna be three days of pure cybersecurity fire.

To really crush it in the St. Louis cybersecurity game, you gotta:

1. Show up to events and meetups regularly, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to people.
2. Join organizations like (ISC)² St. Louis Chapter or ISSA St. Louis Chapter – they've got all the hookups you need for mentorship and exclusive resources.
3. Get certified in stuff like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or GIAC – these certs are straight currency with employers in St. Louis.
4. Stay locked on the latest cybersecurity trends, tools, and best practices by checking out forums, blogs, and educational platforms like BSides St. Louis.

Cybersecurity threats ain't playing around, and the demand for skilled pros in St. Louis is only going up.

If you want to secure your spot in this game, get out there and start making moves in the local community. Level up your network and keep grinding – the opportunities are endless for those who put in the work.

St. Louis is straight up fire for anyone trying to break into cybersecurity! This city has got some major players in the game, and they're all hiring like crazy.

Check it out: Boeing is looking for pen testers, incident responders, and more to keep their aerospace tech locked down.

Then you've got giants like Mastercard and World Wide Technology scouting for cybersecurity analysts, cloud security engineers, you name it.

But it's not just the big dogs hiring.

There are entry-level gigs all over the place for newbies to cut their teeth. Security analysts, incident responders, cybersecurity specialists - plenty of opportunities to get that experience under your belt.

And if you've got specialized skills, there are niche roles like ICS security analyst or threat researcher waiting for you too.

To stand out from the crowd, you gotta flex those certs.

Grab yourself a CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials, or even go big with a CISSP. And don't sleep on networking either. Hit up local cybersecurity meetups and events hosted by groups like ISSA St. Louis and SecureWorld St. Louis to make some connections and hear about job openings first.

Oh, and internships or personal projects? Major plus for your portfolio and resume.

At the end of the day, continuous learning is key in this field. As Patricia Lopez, the CISO at Mastercard Global Technology, says, "Stay ahead of the curve by regularly upskilling and familiarizing yourself with emerging threats and technologies." With all the opportunities here, St. Louis is the perfect spot to launch your cybersecurity career and keep leveling up.

Cybersecurity is a scorching hot field right now, and St. Louis is seriously excelling in that department. With major tech companies and loads of Fortune 500 businesses calling this city home, there are a ton of opportunities for anyone trying to dive into the cybersecurity game.

Check out these perks of kickstarting your cybersecurity journey in St. Louis:

• Job Market on Fire: There's a crazy shortage of nearly 7,500 open cybersecurity roles in St. Louis alone, and that number is projected to keep climbing by a whopping 18% through 2026. Job security is a given!
• Cybersecurity Central: This city is stacked with cybersecurity firms, government agencies, and top-notch educational programs, creating a prime environment for newbies to learn the ropes, network like pros, and truly thrive in this field.
• Affordable Living: Unlike some other major cities, St. Louis won't drain your wallet. The cost of living here is a solid 12.5% below the national average, meaning you can chase your cybersecurity dreams without going broke.

For those just starting out and looking to break into cybersecurity, St. Louis is serving up a smorgasbord of entry-level gigs as Security Analysts, Incident Responders, and more.

Not to mention, there are tons of awesome training programs and cybersecurity bootcamps to help you skill up and get your foot in the door.

With cyber threats becoming more intense by the day, the demand for cybersecurity pros will only keep skyrocketing, making St. Louis a prime spot to plant your career roots.

"St. Louis is a total powerhouse for the future of cybersecurity, and we're excited to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity talent right here in our backyard," said John Harris, Executive Director of the St. Louis Cybersecurity Coalition.

Thanks to its innovative spirit and a steady pipeline of fresh talent, St. Louis is prepared to tackle tomorrow's cybersecurity challenges head-on, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to dive into an exciting, future-proof career.