Strong Demand Continues In San Francisco For New Information Security Analysts
With the threat of cyber attacks a growing concern for San Francisco businesses and other American companies, the demand for information security analysts is rapidly growing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected change in employment for this field over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2022 is expected to grow by 37 percent, a figure much faster than the average for all occupations. And in San Francisco, the average salary for information security analysts of $112,320 is significantly higher than the national average.
Most of the information security analysts being hired in San Francisco have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, in addition to experience in a related occupation. But as the threat of cyber attacks becomes a daily concern for San Francisco businesses, more employers are looking to hire applicants with an M.B.A. in information systems. A quick survey of the more than 1,500 information security jobs open in and around San Francisco reveals companies like Autodesk, Twitter and Yelp all demonstrate a preference towards applicants with a master's degree or higher in computer science or a related field.
To meet the growing demand in the information security industry, students can choose from a number of computer science programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. For example, the City of College of San Francisco offers associate degrees in computer science and computer networking and information technology, San Francisco State University has an undergraduate and graduate program in computer science, as does the University of San Francisco and Stanford University. Students can also consider reputable online programs such as the information systems and technology program offered through the University of Phoenix.
Although many current job listings show a preference towards an applicant with at least a master's degree, there are many industries students can enter after completing their undergraduate program. Among them, are the banking and credit card industry, telecommunications and information management of companies. But for current students, it's also important to remember the value of work experience in the industry, in addition to other certificate programs.
For students still sitting on the proverbial fence in deciding upon an academic program, it seems there hasn't been a more important time in history to enter a career in information security. This new generation of information security students might just be part of a team that prevents a future cyber attack.
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
