Is College Necessary for a Job in Cybersecurity?

All links and images for this episode can be found on CISO Series (https://cisoseries.com/defense-in-depth-is-college-necessary-for-a-job-in-cybersecurity/)

Where is the best education for our cyber staff of the future? Where does college fit in or not fit in?

Check out this post for the basis for our conversation on this week’s episode which features me, David Spark (@dspark), producer of CISO Series, co-host Allan Alford (@allanalfordintx), and our guest Dan Walsh, CISO, Rally Health.

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On this episode of Defense in Depth, you’ll learn:

• Years ago most would say a college degree is necessary, but it appears the ROI for exorbitant college education simply doesn't deliver like it used to.
• Tons of valuable online courseware can deliver a targeted education for individuals wanting to start a career in cybersecurity.
• If organizations believe these first two statements to be true, then why are they putting down a college degree as a requirement for jobs in cybersecurity?
• Is requiring a college degree a false and elitist narrative that doesn't drive better cybersecurity talent?
• With such a stringent requirement, it detracts many people, including women and minorities, who may not have college degrees to pursue cybersecurity roles.
• Most college courseware in computer science is often quickly outdated. But that doesn't speak to all colleges. Some that specialize in cybersecurity are doing their best to stay current.
• Those arguing the need for college explain it teaches critical thinking and the desire to always keep learning.
• Does the lack of having a college degree prevent an individual from moving up the ranks in cybersecurity leadership?
• The college degree requirement may be arbitrary or it may be there because of management's jealousy. They had to have a college degree when they joined so everyone else should as well.
• A college degree doesn't necessarily mean you'll be a great technician.