How can you prepare for an information assurance career while still in school?

2 Gain hands-on experience

Another important step to prepare for an IA career is to gain hands-on experience in applying your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios and challenges. You can do this by participating in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, competitions, internships, or research projects, that involve information systems and security. For example, you can join a cyber defense team, a hacking club, or a security research group, where you can learn from your peers and mentors, test your abilities, and network with professionals. You can also look for internships or co-op placements that will expose you to different aspects of IA, such as auditing, testing, monitoring, or consulting.

3 Earn certifications

A third step to prepare for an IA career is to earn certifications that will demonstrate your competence and credibility in the field. Certifications are credentials that validate your knowledge and skills in specific areas of IA, such as security analysis, penetration testing, incident response, or governance. They are often required or preferred by employers, especially for senior or specialized roles. Some of the most popular and respected certifications in IA are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). To earn these certifications, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as education, experience, or training, and pass an exam.

4 Stay updated

A fourth step to prepare for an IA career is to stay updated on the latest trends, developments, and issues in the field. IA is a dynamic and evolving discipline that requires constant learning and adaptation. You can stay updated by following reputable sources of information, such as journals, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or webinars, that cover topics related to IA. You can also join professional associations, such as the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, or the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), that offer resources, events, and networking opportunities for IA professionals.

5 Develop soft skills

A fifth step to prepare for an IA career is to develop soft skills that will complement your technical skills and enhance your performance and career prospects. Soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills that enable you to work effectively with others, solve problems, and manage projects. Some of the most important soft skills for IA professionals are critical thinking, analytical reasoning, teamwork, leadership, presentation, and writing. You can develop these skills by engaging in activities that require you to collaborate, communicate, and think creatively, such as group projects, case studies, simulations, or debates.