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Practical Career Advice for MS in Cybersecurity Aspirants

Practical Career Advice for MS in Cybersecurity Aspirants

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Practical Career Advice for MS in Cybersecurity Aspirants

Before we begin, here’s what Statista’s Cybersecurity Outlook predicts:

The cost of cybercrime worldwide is expected to soar in the next five years, going from $8.44 trillion in 2022 to $23.84 trillion by 2027.

Practical Career Advice for MS in Cybersecurity Aspirants​

Source

Thankfully, the cybersecurity market is gearing up! 

The numbers look promising for cybersecurity aspirants, but that also means increased competition. 

Apart from raw skills and knowledge, you also need proper guidance to get ahead.

That’s why in this article, we have outlined the best career advice for MS in cybersecurity aspirants.

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Too busy to read?

Just do these:

    1. Choose the right MS in cybersecurity course
    2. Keep tabs on the job market
    3. Explore cybersecurity networking opportunities
    4. Gain experience and build your resume
    5. Learn to ace the interviews

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Career Advice for MS in Cybersecurity Aspirants

1. Choose the Right MS in Cybersecurity Course

Getting an MS in cybersecurity will help lay the foundation for your career. A solid program from a reputed university will help you master the right set of skills and tools that you will need to succeed in the fiercely competitive industry. So, here’s what you should do:

  • Research the reputation of the university.
  • Study and compare the cybersecurity curriculum.
  • Learn about the faculty members and their expertise.
  • Consider the overall cost (tuition, living expenses, food, travel, etc.)
  • Find out about campus placements, job placement rates, and alumni success stories.

An expert’s view:

For cybersecurity programs in the US, check out the New Jersey Institute of Technology, which ranks 4th in the entire country for its MS in cybersecurity program. More importantly, NJIT’s cybersecurity program is the most coveted because it’s among the few courses that evolve as rapidly as the cybersecurity industry. 

 

2. Keep Tabs on the Job Market

Keep Tabs on the Job Market

Source

As you can see, cybersecurity job prospects look excellent, especially in the US. The best career advice for MS in cybersecurity would be to keep a close watch on the job trends in the coming years. Here’s how you should do it:

  • Regularly monitor the job boards.
  • Keep abreast of all the latest news on cybersecurity.
  • If possible, visit cybersecurity conferences such as Black Hat USA, SANS Institute Cybersecurity Training Event, and DEF CON 31 to name a few.

An expert’s view:

Check out cybersecurity job listings for the following roles:

  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Security Architect
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Malware Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Computer Forensics Analyst
  • Application Security Engineer
  • Incident Manager
  • Cloud Security Specialist
Keep Tabs on the Job Market

Source: JerseyCTF 2023 Cybersecurity Competition

3. Explore Cybersecurity Networking Opportunities

The best career advice for MS in cybersecurity aspirants who want a job immediately after completing their course is to start networking as early as possible. There are plenty of networking opportunities available for cybersecurity students in the US.

  • Join cybersecurity organizations like the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence. 
  • Students at NJIT can join NICC, the university’s official Information & Cybersecurity Club, which organizes various networking events.
  • Join Women in Cyber Security at NJIT, a student chapter that collaborates with the WiCyS.
  • Join NJIT ACM, the world’s largest educational computer science organization.
  • Follow and connect to influential people from the industry on social media.

An expert’s view:

Follow these cybersecurity experts on LinkedIn:

 

4. Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

You may be able to land an entry-level cybersecurity job with little to no experience. But the best career advice for MS in cybersecurity aspirants would be to build an impressive resume with practical and proven skills. There are several ways to do that:

  • Apply for internships and co-ops while pursuing your MS degree.
  • Experiment on your own (preferably on a second computer!).
  • Learn how to program.
  • Provide services as a freelancer to build your portfolio.
  • Take part in a cybersecurity boot camp. 
  • Participate in CTF (Capture The Flag) cyber exercises.

An expert’s view:

Check if your chosen university offers opportunities for students to gain real, hands-on experience like NJIT’s:

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

5. Learn to Ace the Interviews

You’ve reached the final stage of the process. Now, it’s time to land your dream job! But the interviews can be tough and nerve-wracking. 

How do you prepare? 

Here are a few tips:

  • Spruce up your resume. Use a good resume template, put the most effective information, keep it succinct, and make it easy to scan. 
  • Extensively research companies you want to work at.
  • Find out about the common interview questions related to the role you are interviewing for that you are likely to get asked.
  • Try free online interview practice tools such as Google Interview Warmup, LinkedIn Interview Preparation, and Glassdoor Company Interview Questions.
  • Dress to make a great first impression, start with a firm handshake, and greet your interviewer with a confident yet polite smile.

An expert’s view:

Always rely on your university resources to prepare for the big interviews. Students at NJIT can find a wealth of information on the interview preparation page of the website. There’s also Big Interview, an online tool that helps you build confidence and improve your interview skills. 

 

Wrapping Up: Bonus Tips for Effective Job Search

There are several ways to make your job search strategic and effective. Here are a few tips:

  • Start researching companies before your course ends.
  • Start networking and talking to moderators at events and conferences (they are usually hyper-connected and less mobbed than the guest speakers at these events).
  • Build and send your own newsletters.
  • Try to bypass HR (if possible) and connect to someone in the company’s cybersecurity department.

With such practical and useful career advice for MS in cybersecurity, you are ready to begin your journey with confidence and excitement!

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MS in Chemical Engineering: Career Advice

MS in Chemical Engineering: Career Advice

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MS in Chemical Engineering: Career Advice

An MS in chemical engineering degree is a great asset.

You’re sure to be exposed to more job opportunities and high-paying career options.

MS in Chemical Engineering: Career Advice

Tips to Get Instantly Hired by Top Chemical Engineering Companies

1. Get a degree that stands out 

More reasons to pursue your MS in chemical engineering! Employers look to hire those with the qualifications needed to add value to the company.

You can also consider completing these certifications:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License: You’ll need a PE License to practice engineering in the United States. This will show your expertise in chemical engineering and improve your chances of getting employed.
  • Six Sigma: Six Sigma is a set of tools used to improve process quality and reduce defects. This certificate will showcase your ability to analyze processes involved in chemical engineering.
  • Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC): Keen to work in the chemical process industry? We recommend getting CCPSC-certified. This is offered by the AIChE.
  • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification: This is offered by the U.S. Green Building Council. It serves as a proof of your expertise in sustainable design and construction practices. If you want to work in the environmental / energy sector of chemical engineering, this will come in handy.
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2. Gain relevant experience

Most organizations highly value work experience. Apply for internships and co-op programs to gain hands-on experience in the field.

There are several ways to find internships in chemical engineering:

  • University Career Centers: Your university must have listings for chemical engineering internships. Check with them and enroll yourselves.
  • Online Job Boards: Many job search websites have sections dedicated to internships. You can search for chemical engineering internships in your desired location on these sites.
  • Company Websites: Visit the websites of companies to look for internship opportunities available. Most companies will have a “Careers” or “Internships” section on their website.
  • Professional Associations: For example, the AIChE often has job boards. Through these, you can easily meet potential employers.
  • Networking: Talk to professors, classmates, and friends who work in the chemical engineering field. They may know of companies that are looking for interns or be able to connect you with someone who can help.
  • Job Fairs: Attend job fairs at your university or in your community. These events often have recruiters from companies looking for interns and are a great way to make connections.

3. Build your network 

Building a network is easy with the following tips:

  • Attend conferences and industry events: If you want to connect with potential employers, this is the best way. You’ll also learn about the latest advances in your field.
  • Join professional organizations: Consider joining organizations such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) or the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).
  • Take part in online communities: LinkedIn and Twitter are great places to engage in discussions about industry topics. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders to expand your network.
  • Build relationships with colleagues and mentors: This is an important part of building your network. Share ideas and collaborate on projects to build lasting relationships.

4. Develop relevant skills

Having technical skills is great. But chemical engineering companies also value communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Develop these skills to improve your chances of getting hired. 

Two key skills include: strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. To learn about more relevant skills –

Watch: What Skills Do ChemE Employers Look For?

Tips to Get Instantly Hired by Top Chemical Engineering Companies

5. Research the companies

Understand the company culture, values, and mission. This will show your interest in the company during the interview. It will also help you tailor your application to fit the company’s needs.

Some ways to research the company include:

  • Connect with current or former employees: Reach out to people in your network who work or have worked at the company. Get their perspective on the company culture, work-life balance, and the interview process. Also, ask them about their experience with the hiring process.
  • Find out about challenges the company is facing: A good way to do this is to look up recent news/press releases. You can also find out about their competitors and see how they’re navigating through similar challenges.
  • Check out their social media: Follow the company on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. This can help you learn about their latest activities and initiatives, and all the latest trends. 

6. Customize your resume and cover letter

Highlight relevant skills in your resume. Customize your application based on each company you apply to.

Follow these tips to increase your chances of employment:

  • Highlight relevant projects: Describe the results you’ve achieved. Use data and statistics to add credibility to your achievements.
  • Incorporate visuals: Consider incorporating visual aids into your resume. Graphs, charts, or diagrams will showcase your technical skills and highlight your accomplishments.
  • Use industry-specific language: Use language that is specific to the chemical engineering industry. This will make it easier for recruiters to assess your qualifications. Using keywords like “chemical processes,” “design optimization,” and “safety protocols” instantly attract employers.

7. Prepare for the interview

Research common interview questions and practice your responses. Display your knowledge about the company during the interview.

Some other tips to follow:

  • Improve communication skills: Practice your verbal and written communication skills. Prepare concise, well-organized responses to interview questions. And practice explaining technical concepts to someone who is not a chemical engineer.
  • Dress appropriately: Make sure your attire is appropriate for the company’s culture.
  • Be on time: Arrive on time or a few minutes early for your interview.
  • Prepare questions: Ensure to ask the interviewer about the company, its culture, and the position you are applying for.

8. Be persistent

You’ll face competition while applying to a chemical engineering company. Don’t be discouraged. Continue to refine your skills and you’ll get what you deserve.

We wish you all the very best in your job hunt after your MS in chemical engineering! 

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Jobs After A Masters In Business Administration: 10 Steps to 100% Clarity

Jobs After A Masters’ In Business Administration: 10 Steps to 100% Clarity

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Jobs After A Masters In Business Administration: 10 Steps to 100% Clarity

So, you have either begun or are about to begin your MBA in the USA.

Congratulations — it’s a milestone. 

However, the USA is a competitive  market for international students, even for those with an MBA in the USA.

Jobs After A Masters In Business Administration: 10 Steps to 100% Clarity

Through this article, you will make yourself a very attractive candidate to employers. 

Getting a job after an MBA in the USA isn’t as hard as the world makes it out to be, but why not make things easier for yourself?

Today you will learn the following things (Specifically about an MBA in the USA):

  1. The US Job Market
  2. 5 Steps While In School
  3. 5 Steps After School
  4. Potential Earnings
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. Closing Notes

Without any further ado, let us begin the 10 steps to 100% clarity for you to get a job after an MBA in the USA.

The US Job Market

As an international student, focus on three key areas of the US job market while studying for an MBA in the USA. 

The three key areas you need to understand about the US job market if you want to find a job after an MBA in the USA are:

#

Key Area

Importance

Particulars

1

Key Industries

Helps you target your job search and/or align your college subjects.

The Princeton Review says, the best industries after an MBA in the USA are IT, Finance, and Marketing.

2

Employers

Good research is always vital, especially for impressing hiring managers.

Menlo Coaching says, the best companies after an MBA in the USA are Amazon, Deloitte, The BCG, and McKinsey And Co.

3

In-Demand Skills

For a job after an MBA in the USA, employers often look for other skills that would make you valuable.

This would be things like data analysis, digital marketing, international relations, etc. 


Read this article by The Harvard Business School to know more.

10 Steps to 100% Clarity

Here are the 10 things you need to do to become employable and get a job after an MBA in the USA:

While In College:

1. Use Campus Resources

Your school has loads of tools to help you find a job. 

Specifically for an MBA in the USA, these include things like the following:

    • The Alumni Network: A great place to start your internship/ job search. 

For example, at the University of Maryland, the alumni network is over 60,000 strong — a good place to start your job search.

All it takes is one message in the right groups (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc).

    • Career Fairs: Your college will host these from time to time. Treat them as a mixer where you can meet potential opportunities.

These “fairs” and other such events are organized by a dedicated department, like at Brandeis International Business School. 

Your college will definitely have a similar department.

Reach out to the office — the people here are always very friendly, and keep them in the loop about your plans. 

They will often send  opportunities your way if they know that you are looking out.

    • Student Advisors: These are your campus liaisons who will help you shape your career.

There will be loads more resources and facilities that are specific to your college — all you have to do is find out.

2. Network

Stay involved with the communities that you are a part of in college, as these will turn out to be valuable leads in the future.

Attending guest lectures, one-off lectures, presentations, etc. are a great way to begin cold emails.

You can often find scheduled lectures that your college is hosting online, like at the Miami Herbert School of Business.

Often, one of these lectures, presentations, talks, or other interactive sessions can be just the opening you need to get a foot in the door somewhere.

Example: “I first saw you present a Human Resource lecture at _____ college, and…”.

The saying “Your network defines your net worth.” is around for a reason.

3. Get Internships

Internships are important in every course — and an MBA in the USA is no different.

Internships are often a way for enterprises to “trial” your work without probation.

That is why internships are often stepping stones to  permanent positions.

A lot of institutions (like Baruch College, for example) partner with companies that offer internships to full-time MBA students at Baruch.

If your college has a similar partnership, getting an internship at a partner company would be much easier, and could even materialize into a permanent job when you graduate.

4. Get Involved With Extracurriculars

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, which is why nobody likes to hire someone who is only about their work.

Organizations like well rounded people, not just the academically proficient.

So during your MBA in the USA, find extracurricular activities  alongside your course.

Nothing is stopping you from combining your academics with extracurriculars.

For example, you could volunteer with a non-profit, pro bono for instance. 

Such a move not only gives you on the job experience, but also boosts your resume and curriculum vitae.

Co-curricular activities could be the key to landing you a job after an MBA in the USA.

5. Build An Online Presence

Having a strong, positive online presence is also key to landing a good job after an MBA in the USA.

LinkedIn is a place where you can build your image as an authority  by posting frequently. 

Twitter is a platform that will help you connect with leaders in the industry space. It also helps you simultaneously stay updated with relevant news.

In the US, it is common practice for employers to look up your social media presence when hiring. 

This is why you need to be careful about what you put out on social media, especially during college.

 

After You Graduate From College

6. Understand Work Authorization For International Students

Now that you have graduated college, getting a job in the US is not as straightforward as you might think.

The US work visa system is very convoluted, which is why you need to familiarize yourself with it.

Here is the process, at an extremely low level:

    • Form I-20: Once you have been accepted, you fill out form I-20 to get the F-1 visa, after you present I-20 to the embassy or consulate.
    • F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is what allows you to study in a relevant accredited institution. The F-1 is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it doesn’t count towards permanent residency.
    • OPT: After you graduate, you should, in most cases, be eligible for a 12 month period of Optional Practical Training 
    • EAD: While on OPT, you will be on an F-1 visa. At this time, you need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is what makes you eligible to work after an MBA in the USA. It is issued by USCIS.
    • Other Visas: After your OPT period ends, you may be eligible for other types of immigrant and nonimmigrant US visas, such as the H1-B visa for highly skilled workers, which is typically what people aim for after an MBA in the USA.

7. Research Your Companies

This goes without saying: lots of organizations, enterprises, and companies will openly advertise that they are hiring for specific managers, such as those with experience in HR, or supply chain, or something similar.

If you see a number of companies all looking for a particular skill set, then you know which part of your course to direct your energies onto.

That way, you can pick up a few extra classes in your final year, or help out in a related department during your internships, which will make getting a job after an MBA in the USA that much easier.

8. Target Your Job Search Properly

By far, the most important thing to keep in mind during your job search is that not all companies sponsor their employees. 

Now, for a short term gig, this is not an issue by any means, but if you are looking at long term employment after completing an MBA in the USA, then you need a company to sponsor you, because it makes getting an H1-B much easier.

The good news is that a lot of companies do sponsor work visas for high caliber international candidates, and the fact that you would have completed an MBA in the USA — home grounds for them, would make you a better fit for the company.

Read more about popular after-MBA jobs as explained by the Martin Tuchmann School of Management.

9. Stay Up To Date On Industry Developments

This is a crucial step for any international MBA student looking to build a career in the US, where relevant knowledge is given top priority — no one wants their manager to have five year old information.

You can stay up to date by reading industry-specific, or generally commended books, attending networking events, joining groups on social media, following publications like Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, etc.

10. Consider Temporary Positions

Sometimes, you might not get a job no matter how hard you try.

Do not give up, because something always comes through.

Considering a short term, fixed term, or temporary position may work to your advantage.

Such a move would have many benefits.

For starters, you begin to get that valuable, coveted work experience under your belt.

Secondly, such positions often have short notice periods, so if you do get a better offer you can take it.

Three, short term or temporary positions often materialize into permanent hires.

Potential Earnings

Here is a table that we have combined with the median and top salaries across recruiters in the US after candidates have completed their MBA in the USA:

#

Source

Median Salary

Top Salary

Link

1

GMAC – The Graduate Management Admissions Council

115,000

200,000+

Link

2

The Financial Times – Data Averaged Across 2023, 2022, and 2021.

140,000 (approx).

200,287

Link

3

GlassDoor

106,500

180,000+

Link

All figures in USD.

It is also quite normal to wonder about the cost of attending postgraduate school in the US, which is where FundRight comes in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for jobs in the US before completing my MBA program?

Yes, you can apply for jobs in the US before completing your MBA program. However, employers may be more willing to hire candidates who have completed their degree or have relevant work experience. Additionally, international students may need to secure work authorization through the OPT or CPT programs.

2. Can I work part-time while studying for my MBA in the US?

Yes, international students can work part-time on campus while studying for their MBA in the US, as long as they maintain their F-1 student visa status. However, off-campus employment may require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

3. How long does it take to obtain work authorization after completing an MBA in the US as an international student?

It depends on the type of work authorization, but typically it takes around 3-4 months to obtain OPT or CPT.

4. Is it necessary to have a job offer before applying for OPT or CPT?

No, it is not necessary to have a job offer before applying for OPT or CPT. However, you must have a job offer before your OPT or CPT starts.

5. Can I work off-campus during my MBA program in the US?

International students in the US with an F-1 visa are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) during subsequent years of study. It is important to consult with your university’s international student office to understand the specific requirements and limitations of these programs.

The Next Step

This article guided you ten things you should keep in mind when attempting to get a job after an MBA in the USA.

We hope you found it helpful.

With that, we hope to see you in the next article, and remember, our team is always only a message away.

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