Top 5 Cybersecurity Roles Perfect for Veterans
As a veteran and cybersecurity practitioner, I want to share with you the essential skills to in-demand cybersecurity roles that many of you will simply take for granted. These include skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, discipline, collaboration, risk management, mental toughness, and situational awareness.
These skills and traits are your superpowers, which should jump out of your CV. Here are five cybersecurity roles that align well with your military experience and offer career change opportunities.
1. AI Security Compliance Officer
AI security governance involves overseeing the ethical, secure, and regulatory-compliant use of AI systems. Your experience in policy, regulations, or leadership oversight are a good match. This role focuses on AI technologies adhering to policy frameworks and Certifications in AI governance, plus knowledge of frameworks like ISO42001 are your starting point.
2. Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
As a SOC analyst, you will monitor and respond to security incidents in real-time. You will be a genuine asset in this role due to your military training in situational awareness, and quick decision-making. Security analysts often start their career within an IT Service Desk, triage security incidents, and move up to a pure security role.
3. Cybersecurity Consultant
For service leavers with advisory or leadership experience, cybersecurity consulting is a natural fit. Consultants assess risks, create security strategies, and advise on solutions. Effective communication and analytical skills make you well-suited, especially those who have held leadership roles. Certifications like ISC2 CISSP will help you get started.
4. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, involves simulating attacks to find system weaknesses before adversaries Those with tactical or combat training often enjoy this strategic, adversarial role. Ethical hacking and OffSec OSCP certifications provide the technical foundations here.
5. Cybersecurity Project Manager
Cybersecurity PM’s coordinate security initiatives across teams, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget to meet strategic goals. You have valuable skills in planning, resource management, and leadership, especially with experience managing people and missions. Certifications like PRINCE2 with an entry-level cyber cert like the ISC2 Certified in Cyber will support an application.
Making the Transition to a Cybersecurity Role
With cyber in such high demand, these roles could provide you with high paid, impactful work opportunities.
QA has over 25 years' experience of working across the MoD, Central Government, and the FTSE 250, enabling us to offer you sound, expert advice on your training pathway.
Armed Forces personnel are entitled to ELC funding for resettlement training. Remember, your military experience has prepared you with skills that are not just transferable but vital in cybersecurity.
Visit the QA ELCAS training page to get started with your transition to a cybersecurity role.
