Why Every Parent Should Consider Cybersecurity for Their Kids: A Career Path with Boundless Opportunity by Dr. Maceo D. Wattley

Why Every Parent Should Encourage Their Kids Toward a Cybersecurity Career: A Path with Explosive Growth and Boundless Opportunity

I’m Dr. Maceo D. Wattley, and my journey in cybersecurity has taken me to over 100 countries, training thousands of cybersecurity professionals in critical skills like network analysis, policy optimization, and threat mitigation. I've worked with top organizations like NASA, AT&T, and Delta, and at high-profile events like the World Cup in Qatar. Every country I visit, every company I talk to, the refrain is the same: “We need more cybersecurity professionals.”

In my experience as a Cybersecurity professor, I’ve trained thousands of students across numerous universities, doing my part to fill this talent gap. But there is still a vast need—and that’s why I’m writing this. Cybersecurity offers unparalleled opportunity and stability, and I want young people to be the ones filling this crucial need in our workforce.

Today, I'm calling on parents and young people to take notice. The demand for cybersecurity experts has never been higher. In fact, this field is set to grow even faster over the coming decade, and it provides exceptional career paths that are accessible, high-paying, and in critical demand across industries.

Take A Look At Cybersecurity (compared to) Hairstyling/Barbering (Which I Fully Support).

Let’s compare cybersecurity with another common trade: hairstyling or barbering. In Georgia, here’s what a young person has to do to become a licensed hairstylist or barber:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetology school (typically over 1-2 years, which can lead to significant debt)
• Pass an exam and pay for licensing fees
• Renew their license regularly, incurring additional fees over time

Meanwhile, a young person can start studying for a CompTIA Security+ certification as early as they want—there’s no age limit! With just 3-5 months of study (even at one hour a day), they can achieve this certification by age 16 and be job-ready by 18, debt-free. The pay for entry-level cybersecurity roles far surpasses that of many other fields at $71,689 on average according to ZipRecruiter 2024, and the job market is booming, making it an incredible choice.

Cybersecurity: The Demand and Opportunity Are Unmatched

Consider these eye-opening statistics and predictions:

• There are 470,000 cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. as of 2024, and globally, there’s expected to be 3.5 million unfilled jobs by 2025.
• Information Security Analyst roles are projected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032, far outpacing the average for other fields.
• Starting salaries for roles like Cybersecurity Engineer average around $130,000 annually.
• The cybersecurity workforce saw a 11.1% growth in 2022, and diversity is increasing, with women now representing 24% of the workforce, up from 20% in 2021.
• Cybersecurity unemployment is essentially zero percent and expected to stay that way—a clear indicator of the industry’s strength and stability.

With numbers like these, cybersecurity stands out as one of the most robust, resilient, and rewarding career choices available today.

Why Cybersecurity is the Best Choice for Young People

1. Incredible Demand and High Salaries With nearly half a million U.S. job openings, the industry desperately needs skilled professionals, and starting salaries for entry-level roles with just a CompTIA Security+ certification can be $60,000-$70,000 or higher, increasing rapidly with experience and specialization.
2. No Age or Background Restrictions Unlike trades like hairstyling or barbering, there’s no minimum age requirement to study or earn cybersecurity certifications. A teenager could become certified by 16, ready to enter the workforce by 18, while many of their peers are still incurring debt for other educational paths.
3. Global Reach and Mobility Cybersecurity skills are universally needed, opening doors across industries and around the world. My work with hiring managers in over 100 countries confirms this global demand—making cybersecurity a field where young people can work almost anywhere they choose.
4. Immediate Financial Independence The cost to enter the cybersecurity field is minimal, with certifications like CompTIA Security+ achievable with self-study or low-cost resources. Instead of incurring massive educational debt, young people can enter the workforce early, earn strong salaries, and build wealth sooner.
5. Growing Diversity and Inclusion Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly inclusive, with initiatives to bring in more women and underrepresented groups, creating an environment that welcomes diversity in the workforce.
6. Career with Purpose and Impact Cybersecurity offers a chance to make a difference by protecting data, defending systems, and creating safer digital environments. It’s a fulfilling career with a clear purpose—a calling that young people can be passionate about.
7. Long-Term Stability and Growth Cybersecurity job growth is expected to remain strong, with roles like computer network architects also set to grow steadily. Unlike other tech jobs like computer programming, which are projected to decline by 11%, cybersecurity is expanding as a cornerstone of modern infrastructure.

Why Not Start in High School or Middle School?

Imagine a young person still in high school, studying for a cybersecurity certification in their spare time. In just a few months, they could be certified and on a path to start a well-paying career by age 18. While others are just graduating high school and taking on debt for college or trade school (which I fully support), but young cybersecurity professionals can be earning—and thriving—in an industry that’s waiting for them.

Cybersecurity isn’t just a job; it’s a career path full of opportunity and financial freedom. And as someone who has trained thousands of professionals, I can confidently say that this field needs young talent now more than ever. I’ve helped many people make the switch, from new graduates to those in midlife, and I’ve seen lives transformed. Now, I want to see young people seize this moment to build a future in cybersecurity.

Parents, if you’re reading this, consider this your sign. The cybersecurity field is filled with potential and opportunity, and now is the time to encourage your kids to explore it.

Dr. Maceo D. Wattley, Cybersecurity Professional linkedin.com/in/drmaceowattley

#CybersecurityCareer #YouthInTech #CybersecurityForTeens #STEM #STEMCareers #FutureOfWork #DigitalSecurity #HighSchoolCareerPath #CybersecurityDemand #ParentsOfSTEM #K12Education #TechJobs #CareerSuccess #YoungProfessionals #FinancialIndependence #FutureCareers #CyberEducation #CyberTalent #CyberFuture #DigitalSafety #ProfessionalGrowth #InclusiveWorkforce #CyberYouth #WorkforceDevelopment #DigitalInnovation #TeenJobs #CompTIA #StartYoung #GlobalCareer #TechFuture #DiverseWorkforce #CyberUnemploymentZero #HighPayingJobs #TechPathways #CyberOpportunities #CyberCertifications #FutureOfCybersecurity #ImpactfulCareers #SecureTheFuture #STEMYouth #TechInclusion #DigitalTransformation #EmpowerYouth #ParentingAndTech #CareerPathway #CybersecurityTraining #SecureYourFuture # Cyber # K12 #Education #Highereducation #Comptia #Certifications