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Transitioning Military Learning to Fight A New Battle: Cybersecurity Leadership

“What are you going to do next?” It’s the first question everyone asks when you let them know that you are finishing your stint with the armed services. Perhaps you have the answer — and perhaps you’re still trying to make out what will make the best use of your skills and service ethos.

In Maryland alone, it is estimated that there are between 20,000 and 30,000 unfilled cyber security jobs. These are jobs that often pay $100,000 or more. Recruiters just can’t find enough people with the right skills.

Perhaps you are more comfortable with real combat than virtual warfare but even if you are not an IT specialist, don’t assume that you can’t hack (hah!) a job in information security.

Systems and operations are at risk from espionage, terrorist attack, counterfeiting and just plain thoughtlessness. Industry needs people who can see the big picture, manage risk, and make sound decisions. Government agencies, corporations and all sorts of organizations are desperate for people who can think strategically, and use their leadership skills to galvanize others to guard vital data.

Anyone who has ever had their Facebook account hacked, their social security number stolen, or bought a lemon laptop knows how vulnerable our personal security can be. When we think about national security, industrial R&D intelligence and intellectual property rights, we can begin to think about the enormity of the cybersecurity threat — and the vast range of job opportunities that have arisen in the digital age.

The University of Maryland, College Park is launching a Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Leadership from fall 2012. This 15-credit program takes place October-March on Tuesday evenings and all-day Saturdays. This program will concentrate on the business of cybersecurity.

The courses include Systems Thinking and Design, Federal IT Acquisition, Cyber Security Technology and ICT Supply Chain Risk Management. The program will conclude with a highly experiential capstone jointly led by Engineering Professor, Dr. Min Wu, Supply Chain expert Dr. Sandor Boyson, and Hart Rossman, former CTO SAIC and now with Amazon web services. The courses are taught by faculty from the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the A. James Clark School of Engineering plus the School of Public Policy at Maryland’s flagship university.

The Cybersecurity Leadership certificate is likely to be interesting and valuable to two categories of transitioning military:

1. Adaptive, innovative managers who want to use their defense experience and leadership skills in a new kind of service to protect our country’s security; and
2. Those who already have technical expertise in information security, intelligence or digital forensics.

Technical experts will have an opportunity to add strategic savvy, business management and communications skills to their cyber smarts. Former military with a general interest and aptitude for IT will benefit from a cutting edge foundation in cybersecurity technology.

If you see a future in Information Security, digital intelligence, web services or communications technology, why not consider using your G.I. Bill money to develop skills and contacts that will serve your career—and your country—long into the future?

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Leadership visit the website, or call Liz Barron at 301-405-5387 or email her at [email protected]

Liz Barron is Senior Director, Custom Programs at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland. Liz is an Executive Coach, former journalist, television producer and network television executive. She now uses her creativity, writing skills and extensive range of contacts to help adults learn and grow.