Aaron Bectel_san_diego_union_tribune_20150510_S05

FEATUREDEMPLOYMENT

(BPT)— Cyberattacks likethe hacks on Sony PicturesEntertainment and Target haveput serious cybercrime on theradar of the American publicand government alike, so it’s nosurprise that the Bureau of LaborStatistics (BLS) projects that thecyber security industry will grow37 percent by 2022.

The hack on Anthem Inc., aleading U.S. health insurer inearly 2015, involved a massivebreach of data containing nearly80 million personal records,prompting investigations bystate and federal authorities.During his January State of theUnion Address, President Obamawarned that cyberattacks areamong the most serious economicand national security challengesfacing our nation, and urgedCongress to pass legislation inresponse to their evolving threat.

Cyber security experts, alsoknown as information securityanalysts, plan and activatesecurity measures to protect acompany’s computer networksand systems. These professionalsare in high demand to protect thenation. Employment in the fieldwill reach 102,500 jobs by 2022,

the BLS predicts.In the past, cyber security jobs

were restricted to technologycompanies and financial institu-tions. Today, they are availablein all fields because businesses inall industries rely on computersand the Internet to function, fromproviding customers a product,online services, or entertainment,to managing a viral marketingcampaign.

This rising demand is outpacingthe number of cyber securityexperts qualified for the role. TheU.S. must develop a pipeline offuture employees who are techno-

logically skilled and cyber-savvyto maintain a technical advantageover cyber attackers.

A variety of academic optionsare available for those lookingto jump-start a career in cybersecurity. Most companies requirecyber security professionals tohave at least a bachelor’s degreein computer science, program-ming or a related field. DeVryUniversity offers a bachelor’sdegree in Computer Informa-tion Systems with hands-onlearning opportunities built intothe curriculum. According to jobsearch engine Monster, hands-on

experience like this is a necessaryfirst step in making you qualifiedfor cyber security positions.

“Our security landscape isconstantly evolving, so the toolsand tactics taught in educationalcourses need to evolve as well,”says Dr. Rajin Koonjbearry,professor in DeVry University’sCollege of Engineering & Infor-mation Sciences. “It is impera-tive that educational programsuse the same tools that securityprofessionals use to defend theirenvironment. This experien-tial learning is vital to preparestudents for the real-life cyber-crimes they will defend against.”

When considering whichprogram to enroll in, you shouldlook for schools that partner withleading technology companies.Accessibility to these industryleaders can offer access to careerdevelopment, lectures and events,and competitions to test andenhance your skills, preparing youto stand out in the job market onceyou graduate. DeVry University’spartnership with Cisco, forexample, brings students insideraccess to Cisco NetworkingAcademy NetRiders competitions.

“The NetRiders competition

provides students with hands-onexperience that is vital to a well-rounded education and prepara-tion for IT roles,” says ReneePatton, U.S. public sector directorof education, Cisco. “Conducted ina practical, competitive environ-ment, the NetRiders competitiongives students a chance to testtheir skills, showcase their knowl-edge, identify areas for improve-ment, and develop interactivenetworking skills.”

Security experts warn that 2015will be the “Year of the Health-care Hack.” Now, more than ever,analysts must provide innovativesolutions to prevent hackers fromstealing critical information andweakening computer networks.

With open positions in thefield ranging from intelligenceand threat analysis to operationsmanagement and development orcustomer service and technicalsupport, the possibilities for jobseekers are endless. Accessible,state-of-the-art computer scienceprograms and experientiallearning opportunities strengthenstudents’ skill sets in advancedtechnologies and prepare themfor the exciting challenges of acareer in cyber security.

Hands-on learning better prepares students for cyber security careers

VETERANS IN THEWORKPLACEJOB-READYVETERAN

10 ways smart people sabotage their job searchBy Henry DeVries

The genesis of an effective jobsearch starts while you are stillemployed.

“Our actions and behaviorswhile we are still employed cansabotage us when we are lookingfor new job opportunities,” saysSusan Howington, author of thebook “How Smart People SabotageTheir Job Search.”

Howington is a sought-afterexpert in the executive careertransition field, applying herpractical knowledge as a coachand speaker. She is the founderand CEO of Power Connections, anational executive outplacement,coaching, and leadership develop-ment company located in OrangeCounty, California.

Here are Howington’s top ten

mistakes people make and how tofix them:Mistake #1.We forget the

importance of first impressions.It is essential you look as credibleand experienced as you say youare.Mistake #2.We make it hard for

others to feel good about helpingus. Communicate with gracious-ness — always, and without fail,in written and verbal communica-tions and in all circumstances.Mistake #3.We communicate in

our “executive tone.” You are notthe boss of your network. Thosewho are highly assertive and lowin helpfulness have a more difficulttime in networking and job searchactivities.Mistake #4.We sabotage our

job search before we are even outof a job by being rude to outside

service providers. Always be opento meeting new people and be sureto know your vendors and serviceproviders.Mistake #5.We build a network

that looks just like “us.” Have anappreciation for people who filldifferent functions and who workin different industries.Mistake #6.We don’t build a

network when we are working. Getout and circulate in the businesscommunity at large.Mistake #7.We change our

elevator speech. Create a well-crafted elevator speech and stickto the script.Mistake #8.We expect help to

come at no cost to us. Be generousin word and deed with fellowprofessionals, contacts from othercompanies, service providers andthe outside community who helped

you with your job search.Mistake #9.We fail to give

attention and acknowledgment toa “less than perfect” reputation.Bad behavior and disrespect forothers creates bad karma thatwill absolutely bite you unless youaddress it.Mistake #10.We forget that the

interview process begins in theparking lot. Remember that peopleare always watching and listening.Howington’s bonus tip:Don’t

be one of those people who thinksthis advice will not work for them.

Henry DeVries, director of publicoutreach at UCSD Extension, is co-author of the books“ClosingAmerica’sJob Gap”and“How to Close a Deal LikeWarren Buffett.”He can be contactedat hdevries@ucsd.edu or followed onTwitter@goodjobs_forall.

Aaron BectelU.S. Navy

Aaron Bectel is a U.S. Navy veteranseeking employment in human resourcemanagement or personal securitymanagement. Bectel earned his bache-lor’s degree in business administrationin human resource management fromDavenport University and has extensiveexperience using Microsoft programs totrack personnel, maintenance, equipmentand materials. While serving in the Navy,Bectel deployed onboard an aircraftcarrier in support of Operation EnduringFreedom. He has a current govern-ment clearance and is a graduate of thesuccessful veteran transition workshop,REBOOT. If you would like to learn moreabout Aaron Bectel and/or the REBOOTprogram, please contact REBOOT’soperations director at 619-822-2714 oremail kalem@nvtsi.org.

David Currier was raised in the small townof Roman, New York, by a single workingmother. The town is near the home of thefamous Woodstock Festival in 1969. “I was 20years old and came from a town that used tohave an Air Force base,” Currier said. “Whenit closed, there were employment challengeseverywhere. I wanted to have opportunitiesand some structure in my life, so I joined theU.S. Navy.”

Currier trained in San Diego at the Anti-Submarine Warfare Command in Point Lomaacross from Liberty Station. He worked as aSurface Sonar Technician.

“I hunted submarines,” said Currier, addingthat he learned to identify subs from ship-board.

He was stationed in Hawaii, and then,deployed on the USS Chung-Hoon in thePersian Gulf to conduct Oil Platform Defense.He recalled sailing around the Gulf for 60days during a six-month deployment. In 2009,he became part of a combined exercise withthe Royal Navy, the Thai Navy and otherinternational defense forces. It was calledCooperation Afloat Readiness and Trainingand kept him in the South China Sea for anadditional six months.

Currier diversified his training andvolunteered for a search and rescue programfor five years. After that, he taught rescue-swimmer school for the U.S. Navy.

“I have had a tough transition back tocivilian life, because I tried a lot of things and

sought adventure. I loved search and rescueand helping people who needed it. Helpingpeople is kind of my thing,” he said.

He feels that keeping in touch with his U.S.Navy colleagues has kept him grounded andmotivated. He finds that while there is cama-raderie in the civilian workplace, it’s not thesame as in the military.

In his free time, he enjoys rebuilding classiccars, which led him to a sales position at CarlBurger Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM World.He will continue to stay in San Diego so hecan be close to his four-year-old daughter.

“I love cars,” he said. “And now I’m prettymuch where I want to be. Still, I like chal-lenges. I’m also taking online courses and Iam learning Spanish.”

Vet thrives on challenges and learning

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Dispatcher-nationwideSpecialized flatbedtrucking company,transporting jet enginesfor the airlines, basedin Sorrento Valley, hasimmediate opening fora dispatcher/operationsperson with a minimumof 3 years experiencein long haul/owner-operator dispatching.Knowledge of permitsis a plus. Send resumeto Jobs@sptnet.com. orfax to 858-812-2510.

RecruitmentTO PLACE YOUR AD CALL (866) 411-4140 OR GO TO UTClassifieds.com

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