Cyber Shortage: How to fill the cyber skills gap in today's modern workforce
Our economy is increasingly driven by technology, even in areas that do not at first glance appear to have a technology focus.
GPS and AI play a critical role in farming and agriculture, and even the artisanal goods sold at the smallest bodega or gourmet store, pizza joint or coffee shop are part of a sophisticated global supply chain. Quite simply, business processes and technology are at the heart of today's global economy, and we are falling short.
One area in which we are falling short is in employee cyber skills. Because nearly every job today - from warehouse worker or barista, to real estate agent to lawyer - relies on connectivity and interaction with technology, a baseline level of cyber skill is important. We also need experts to focus specifically on securing our digital enterprises.
The skills gap is especially wide when it comes to cybersecurity
The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) says 83% of human resources professionals report having had difficulty recruiting suitable job candidates in the past 12 months. In addition, 52% of SHRM survey respondents say the skills shortage has worsened in recent years. This gap is even more pronounced in the tech industry and in cybersecurity in particular.
The colleges just can't graduate enough students to keep with the cyber job demand, despite the fact that grads with programming skills are earning big bucks.
According to Adam Cooper, Chief Operating Officer for Quest Automated Services, programmers routinely earn $90,000 in their first job. After ten years of experience, an advanced programmer can earn up to $180,000 a year.