Three reasons why SAIT's Cyber Security Analyst program should be your next career move

What do the finance, retail, healthcare and aerospace industries have in common? Apart from becoming increasingly digital, each requires a strong defence against the risk of cyber-attacks. As technology advances, government, large companies and organizations are responsible for ensuring the online platforms they and their clients use are safe and secure. 

"There has been an exponential increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals," says Jessica Ager, Academic Chair, School for Advanced Digital Technology. "As companies digitally transform, they need to better secure their digital assets from malicious cyber threats."

To help bridge this gap in tech talent, SAIT recently announced a new Cyber Security Analyst Post-Diploma Certificate program. 

"Through this program, students get the opportunity to work with current industry professionals," says Ager. "This approach accelerates students' learning by applying the core competencies they're taught in class, with real-world experience."

Whether you're looking to increase job prospects or advance your current competencies, this employer-driven program provides an opportunity for individuals in any industry to upskill into a cybersecurity role. 

Here are three reasons why SAIT's Cyber Security Analyst program can be your next career move:

Courses are timed with your current job in mind

This 54-week program is designed for mid-career professionals looking to transition into a cybersecurity role within their organization. Program requirements include completing nine online courses, each six weeks long, plus a field placement within their current company. The online courses run for a total of eight hours per week, three hours during a weekday evening and five hours on Saturdays. Field placements require 450 career-integrated training hours and can start anytime during the program.

"The program courses are delivered on a part-time basis to allow current employees to retain their positions of employment while accessing training for future roles," says Ager. "SAIT will collaborate directly with industry mentors to support the student and mentor during field placement."

Make your career future-proof

The future is digital — don't get left behind because of an outdated skillset. With an ever-expanding scope, cybersecurity presents the ultimate growth potential for your career and lifelong learning.

"Technological advancement continues to evolve rapidly," Ager explains. "As companies digitally transform, there is a corresponding increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals who can ensure the company is digitally secure."

Graduates of the Cyber Security Analyst Certificate program will be able to assess and mitigate information security threats and risks in the global business context of incident response, risk and compliance and operations functions. Graduates will also have experience working with diverse teams, be equipped to propose practical solutions to reduce risks and apply independent thinking when needed.  

Employer-driven

Designed with our industry partners in mind, this program requires 51% of learning to be completed in the workplace and employers to nominate current employees to participate.

"Industry has expressed the importance of on-the-job training," says Ager. " This innovative approach allows organizations to develop talent internally and provides students with the opportunity to develop cybersecurity skills on the job.”

If the Cyber Security Analyst Post-Diploma certificate program sounds like a fit for you, reach out to our student advisors at sadt.advising@sait.ca 

As the tech industry continues to expand, so do career opportunities

Explore the Cyber Security Analyst Post-Diploma certificate and dozens of other full-time and part-time tech programs in the School for Advanced Digital Technology.

Learn more