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Build a career in cyber security
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the cyber security sector.
In this guide
With the UK and other countries across the world facing an ever-growing number of cyber threats and attacks, cyber security professionals play a vital role in tackling and addressing the associated risks.
Recent years have seen increases in cyber security-related job opportunities as well as salary amounts offered by employers. This makes the sector an attractive prospect for graduates, whether they are technical or not. Safeguarding the security of the internet, wider telecommunications networks and computer systems has become and will remain big business, with a rising demand for cyber security skills and expertise.
Potential Job Roles
Job profiles in this sector include:
Gaining Experience
Getting relevant experience is essential. Many employers recruit through internships, placement programmes, or work experience programmes. Overall, additional experience will boost your employment prospects by helping to build a network of contacts. Most of your graduate competition will have degree-related work experience.
Types of opportunities
Internships are short-term work experiences which help build practical and professional skills. Internships may last anywhere between 2 weeks - 6 months and are often completed during the vacation periods of your degree. Large employers may advertise for summer interns during the autumn months, so be sure to start your job search early so you don't miss out on opportunities!
Placements are a great way to gain substantial experience, help you to build contacts and gain an understanding of an organisation. On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules. Contact the Placements team in the Careers and Employability Service for help searching for a year-long placement.
Learn more about completing a placement year
You can also choose to take a Self-Employed Placement. This allows you to work for yourself during your placement year and receive support from the University's Student Startup Team. You will have access to funding opportunities, networking events and workshops.
Getting involved in volunteering gives you the opportunity to develop employability skills and experience a variety of working environments. Discover opportunities through the Volunteering Bank on MyCareer, listing roles like:
- STEM Ambassador with STEM Learning
- IT Club Support Volunteer with Portsmouth City Council
- Workshop Facilitator with Share (Portsmouth)
Where to find opportunities
The sites below regularly advertise cyber, IT and tech-related jobs for students and new graduates. In addition to searching here, you could also think about approaching employers directly to enquire of any suitable work experience opportunities. This is called a speculative approach, and can work well with smaller businesses who might not formally advertise as many opportunities as larger organisations do.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Finding a Graduate Job
There are many different areas of work within the cyber security sector and work can be varied. You might choose to focus on cryptography, security administration, security engineering, information assurance, network security or threat management. Exploring these areas and giving some thought about what you're particularly interested in will help you to target your job search.
Employers who recruit in cyber security
- National and local crime agencies
- Government and intelligence organisations
- Telecommunications companies
- Digital and forensic companies/organisations
- IT companies and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Banks and financial organisations
- The RAF, Army and Royal Navy
- Airlines, transport and logistic companies
Jobs boards for cyber security
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can find general graduate jobsites through our Graduate Jobs page.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keeping up to date
- National Cyber Security Centre – NCSC provides advice and support to help the UK public and private sector avoid cyber threats.
- National Protective Security Authority – NPSA protects national security and provides up-to-date information on protective security and security measures and protocols.
- Cyber Security Jobsite – Cyber security news, trends and current affairs.
- techUK – techUK is the trade association for the technology industry and has a cyber security/crime exchange group which focuses on “high threat” areas (including organised crime, intelligence, defence, national security and the protection of critical national infrastructure).
- Security Week – The latest news and headlines from Security Week.
- The Guardian – The latest updates on cybercrime and technology from The Guardian.
- Reuters – Thomson Reuters provides leading information for businesses and professionals.
- BCS Information Security Specialist Group – A sub-group of the British Computer Society and deals in all aspects of information security.
- Cyber Security Associations – A list of cyber security associations and professional organisations.
- Chartered Institute of Information Security - CIISec provides a focal point for the information cyber security profession; ensuring standards of professionalism for training, qualifications, operating practices and individuals.
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