Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Philadelphia Guide
In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, establishing new ideals that would shape the future of the United States. While Philadelphia’s rich history can still be felt today, the city is far from stuck in the past. Today, the metropolis boasts a diverse culture and growing economy, making it a wonderful place to call home.
Philadelphia boasts a booming technology sector that’s home to industry leaders like Comcast, as well as many successful start-ups. With such a thriving tech community, the demand for highly skilled talent has never been greater, and there are many lucrative career paths to choose from.
According to Business.com, cybersecurity specialists are among the top-paying tech jobs in the U.S. If you’re a critical thinker with strong communication skills and a passion for problem-solving, a career in cybersecurity could be right for you. In this guide, you’ll learn how attending a cybersecurity bootcamp in Philadelphia can help you gain the skills you need to kickstart a career in this rewarding field.
Guide to Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Philadelphia: Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
Cybersecurity Ventures predicts the global cost of cybercrime to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, over three times more than the cost in 2015. Not only does cybercrime cause financial devastation, but it also damages a company’s reputation and credibility.
With so much at stake, organizations in Philadelphia and beyond are in dire need of skilled and passionate cybersecurity professionals to protect their sensitive data from cybercriminals. In Philadelphia alone, there are nearly 10,000 cybersecurity job openings (CyberSeek 2023), providing ample employment opportunities for those looking to break into the industry.
So, how can you launch a career in this riveting industry? The first step is to gain in-demand skills and experience to help you successfully fight cybercrime. One way to do this is to enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp in Philadelphia.
What is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
You’re probably wondering, “What is a cybersecurity bootcamp, and how can it benefit me?”
In short, a cybersecurity bootcamp is an immersive learning experience that lasts just a few short weeks or months. During bootcamp, you’ll learn to secure networks, protect data, monitor cyber threats, and successfully respond to incidents.
Unlike traditional cybersecurity degree programs, bootcamps focus solely on cybersecurity—with no general education requirements. This means you’ll spend most of your time getting hands-on learning experiences with the latest technologies and tools.
While each bootcamp has its own curriculum, you’ll typically cover key cybersecurity concepts like the Linux Command Line, Bash scripting, encoding and encryption, Wireshark, Red Team (Offense), and Blue Team (Defense).
Many cybersecurity bootcamps also offer full-time and part-time options, which make them ideal for working professionals who need additional flexibility.
Why Choose a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
With so many cybersecurity programs in Philadelphia, why choose a cybersecurity bootcamp, specifically? From hands-on learning opportunities to a supportive community environment, there are many reasons why a bootcamp provides a great pathway to becoming a cybersecurity professional. Here are just a few reasons why many choose a cybersecurity bootcamp in Philadelphia:
Supportive Community: Many cybersecurity bootcamps operate in a cohort model, which helps to build a supportive learning experience. Plus, cybersecurity bootcamps cater to learners of varying backgrounds and skills, which creates an inclusive environment where nobody feels like an outsider.
Flexibility and Convenience: If you’re looking to break into cybersecurity within the next six months, a bootcamp is likely the right path for you. On average, most cybersecurity bootcamps last over a few weeks or months, allowing you to launch your new career quickly. Plus, you may be able to attend bootcamp online, allowing you to access course materials from wherever you’re most comfortable.
Certification Preparation: Earning a cybersecurity certification can help boost your career opportunities. Some cybersecurity bootcamps in Philadelphia, like those offered by Fullstack Academy, provide preparation for in-demand certifications.
Networking Opportunities: By attending a cybersecurity bootcamp, you can build valuable connections with your peers and instructors by working together on group assignments and real-world simulations. Plus, bootcamps are often led by industry-experienced professionals who can provide insight into the industry and introduce you to other cyber enthusiasts.
Career Support: A career transition can be challenging, so it’s crucial to have the right people in your corner. Some cybersecurity bootcamps provide career support services to students to help them land their first role in the field. You’ll work with a dedicated career coach who can help you optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile, prepare for interviews, and navigate the competitive job market.
Affordability: Compared to a traditional degree program, cybersecurity bootcamps in Philadelphia are often more affordable. Plus, most bootcamps provide multiple payment options to make them more accessible.
Typical Cybersecurity Salaries in Philadelphia
With its growing tech sector, Philadelphia is a city full of potential for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. According to CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce guide, Philly’s median tech wage of $102,388 is 110% higher than the average median metro wage. While the City of Brotherly Love offers lucrative salary potential, it’s important to remember that your individual salary will depend on your job title, experience, location, and credentials.
To give you a better idea of typical cybersecurity salaries in Philadelphia, here’s the average yearly salary for several in-demand roles, according to Glassdoor:
Information Security Analyst: $111,755
Cybersecurity Analyst: $98,086
Network Specialist: $89,903
Now, here’s how the salaries for those same roles vary by years of experience, according to Glassdoor:
- Information Security Analyst:
Entry-Level (0-1 years): $79,900
Intermediate (7-9 years): $104,581
Advanced (15+ years): $122,426
- Cybersecurity Analyst:
Entry-Level: $75,613
Intermediate: $96,160
Advanced: $116,736
- Network Specialist:
Entry-Level: $68,781
Intermediate: $83,883
Advanced: $102,702
One way to enhance your salary is to earn a cybersecurity certification. In fact, based on Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary survey, earning a cybersecurity certification can often result in a higher salary. According to Skillsoft, here are some of the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications:
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
AWS Certified Security - Speciality
Types of Cybersecurity Bootcamps
The first step to choosing a program is understanding the different types of bootcamps in Philadelphia. To help you decide on the right program, here are a few things to consider:
Format: How do you want to attend bootcamp? Do you prefer online or in-person classes? If online, do you want a self-paced curriculum or live classes?
Schedule: What kind of schedule will you need? How many hours a week are you able to dedicate to bootcamp?
Goals: What do you hope to achieve by attending bootcamp? What career path within the field do you want to pursue?
Finance: How are you going to pay for bootcamp? Will you need financial assistance? Are you going to apply for scholarships or government assistance?
Skill Level: What current cybersecurity knowledge do you possess? Will you need a beginner-friendly program?
To help you get started on your search, here are a few types of cybersecurity bootcamps in Philadelphia.
Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamps
The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an immersive online program that helps you build the skills and experience to thrive in this rapidly growing field. Built on an active learning approach, this rigorous bootcamp program features hands-on learning experiences and real-world simulations to ensure you can successfully fight cybercrime.
Led by industry-experienced instructors, the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on key concepts, including:
Asset and Inventory Management
Network Systems
Programming with Python
Systems Administration
Red Team (Offense)
Blue Team (Defense)
On top of an industry-relevant curriculum, the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp will also prepare you for industry-recognized certifications to help enhance your resume and stand out to potential employers.
The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp features live, online classes and is offered in both full-time and part-time formats. Students enrolled in the full-time program can expect to complete the bootcamp in just 12 weeks, with classes held Monday through Friday.
The part-time program takes 26 weeks to complete, with classes held three times a week. If you’re planning to work full-time while attending bootcamp, the part-time option is likely the best choice for you, as it requires a smaller time commitment.
No matter which scheduling option you choose, you’ll work closely with a dedicated Career Success Coach who can help set you up for a successful job search. Your Career Coach can help you optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile, prepare for interviews, and provide helpful tips for landing your first cybersecurity role.
Top Employers Hiring in Philadelphia
If you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional, Philadelphia provides ample opportunities to work in a variety of exciting industries. The city has a diverse workforce spanning across banking, technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and more. To help you gain more insight into the city’s economy, here are some of the top employers hiring in Philadelphia, according to Glassdoor:
Comcast: Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast is the largest American multinational telecommunications and media organization. As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll be a key member of the Comcast team by preventing, detecting, and responding to threats to the company’s systems and networks.
PwC: As one of the Big Four accounting firms, PwC helps organizations overcome challenges and solve problems in the areas of audit, tax, consulting, products, and technology. The organization’s cybersecurity team is responsible for protecting sensitive information for the company’s clients.
Citi: A global investment and financial services organization, Citi is a trusted name in households all over the world. As a member of the cybersecurity team, you’ll be responsible for helping protect the personal information of the company’s clients.
Cybersecurity Events in Philadelphia
Skill development is just one aspect of becoming a successful cybersecurity professional. To land a role in this fast-growing and competitive field, it’s important to build personal connections with other cybersecurity professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. The best way to do so is to attend local and online events, conferences, and meetups. Here are a few popular cybersecurity events in Philadelphia:
Events and Groups
Fullstack Academy Virtual Events: Gain a better understanding of the cybersecurity bootcamp and discover helpful career tips for developing a resume, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and more.
BSides Philly: Meet and engage with cybersecurity researchers, professionals, and practitioners to help bring awareness to and improve the conversation around key cybersecurity research and topics.
SecureWorld Philly: Connect with other InfoSec professionals as you attend keynotes, discussions, breakout sessions, and more led by highly recognized industry leaders.
Meetups
- Hacker's Assembly: This meetup is focused on a hands-on learning network for information security enthusiasts.
- Tech in Motion: Philadelphia: Through interesting events, peer-to-peer storytelling, and professional job matching, this meetup group aims to diversify tech and help advance careers.
- Philadelphia Cyber Security for Control Systems: Dedicated to cybersecurity professionals involved in automated processes and control systems, this meetup helps connect professionals in the Philadelphia area.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp FAQs
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Cybersecurity bootcamps offer an excellent opportunity to break into the industry or advance an existing tech career. Students can expect to:
Gain hands-on experience with the latest cybersecurity tools and software
Learn fundamental knowledge from industry-experienced instructors
Acquire critical skills to earn in-demand industry certifications
Receive career support and job search assistance
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The typical salary for cybersecurity roles in Philadelphia can fluctuate depending on various factors, including experience, certifications, location, and job title. Below are average salaries for common entry-level cyber positions in the U.S., according to ZipRecruiter:
Computer Support Specialist: $53,907
Systems Specialist: $61,257
IT Support Specialist: $63,256
Network Specialist: $77,761
Information Security Analyst: $90,092
Cybersecurity Analyst: $96,010
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Cybersecurity bootcamps typically last several weeks to a few months. Some bootcamps follow a strict schedule with live classes, while others may offer a self-paced option.
The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers two program durations: 12 weeks full-time or 26 weeks part-time. All classes are held live online to facilitate an immersive, active learning approach.
Recommended Reading
Cybersecurity Job Demand: The Growing Need for Cyber Professionals
How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst: Skills, Outlook, and Salary
A Day in the Life of a Remote Fullstack Cyber Student
Sources
- 20 Top Career Paths for Tech Geeks: Which One Is Right for You?
- CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2023
- Cybersecurity Ventures: Cybercrime To Cost The World 8 Trillion Annually In 2023
- The 20 Top-Paying IT Certifications Going Into 2024
- SkillSoft: IT Skills & Salary Report
- How much does a Network Specialist make in Philadelphia, PA?
- How much does a Cyber Security Analyst make in Philadelphia, PA?
- How much does an Information Security Analyst make in Philadelphia, PA?
