For many, a career in cybersecurity seems like a job for someone else. Even graduates with degrees in computer and technology related fields opt. for more "glamorous" jobs working with big companies like Google. But not only can cybersecurity be glamorous, you can have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, an ever-changing, exciting, and expanding job description, and there's tons of room for you to join the fight against cyber-crime.

Here are a few questions and answers to clear up some common misconceptions about cybersecurity and encourage you to take a second (or first) look at this underrated career option.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the preventative practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks where information could be stolen or compromised.

As technology in the workplace becomes more common, more information is being stored digitally, leading to a rise in cybercrime. Businesses and government around the world find themselves constantly trying to protect sensitive and important information from people who could potentially use it to cause harm. Someone who works in the field of cybersecurity would work with these businesses and governmental agencies to ensure that they have adequate defenses to keep out criminals and that their networks and information systems are secure.

What is a talent gap?
...and just how big is it?

A talent or skill shortage occurs when the demand for skilled workers outpaces supply. It doesn't only mean that there won't be enough people in the field, but that the skill that employees in the field already have aren't keeping pace with what the industry demands. Research from the Korn Ferry Institute shows that in the technology sector, the labor-skills will reach 4.3 million workers by 2030.

Research done by LinkedIn shows that for the workers already in the industry and those on the way in, there is high demand for both hard digital skills and soft digital skills.

• Soft digital skills are skills that people most often don't associate with people in the tech field. Experts and managers say that soft skills such as being customer centric and collaborative and communicative are extremely important for success in the digital world. Because conditions are ever-changing, one of the greatest gaps in soft skills is comfort with ambiguity.
• According to LinkedIn, the two hard skills most in demand are cybersecurity and cloud computing. Of the top 10 digital roles for the next 2-3 years, information security and privacy consulting top the list.

Who can work in cybersecurity?

Anyone can work in cybersecurity! According to Forbes, 33% of cybersecurity executives arrived in the industry via non-technical careers-- that's three in ten cybersecurity professionals that came to the field from a background outside of IT. If that's hard to believe, it might be because the prospect of working in cybersecurity seems daunting and like only a task for the very elite and already tech savvy. Many feel this way and this idea is one reason why people looking for a career change don't think about cybersecurity. However, most hiring managers say that they prioritize "soft skills" when hiring, because they know that new employees will quickly gain the technical skills needed to fill the position as they gain experience.

Why should I consider a career in cybersecurity?
There's room for you (and pretty cool perks)!

According to a cybersecurity jobs report, there should be as many as 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2021. The U.S Department of Labor Bureau reports that the projected change in employment for cybersecurity professionals between 2016-2026 is 28%! If that doesn't sound like a lot, the average growth rate for all occupations is only 7%.

The pay can also be pretty rewarding. For those with a bachelor's degree and five years of working experience, median pay is $95,510 and the median salary for a common entry level position, Network Analyst, is $68,484.

The field of cybersecurity has a 0% unemployment rate. StaySafeOnline.org says that for every 2 people in the field, there is one position unfilled. If you're doubtful whether you have what it takes, there are a number of industry certifications and online information security courses.

In conclusion, for anyone uncertain about their career next steps, it's not too late to check out cybersecurity!