For anyone looking to build a stable, future-focused career in IT, gaining expertise in both networking and cybersecurity is one of the smartest moves you can make. Employers increasingly want professionals who can design resilient networks, defend against attacks, and keep critical systems running smoothly.
Exploring IT career paths? Here’s why combined training in cybersecurity and networking can unlock a wider range of job opportunities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Multi-Skilled IT Professionals are in Demand
- How Networking and Cybersecurity Skills Work Together
- Career Opportunities for Professionals Trained in Networking and Cybersecurity
- How Herzing Prepares You for Success
WHY MULTI-SKILLED IT PROFESSIONALS ARE IN DEMAND
Modern networks are deeply integrated with cloud services, remote access tools, and advanced security technologies. That means employers need people who understand the full picture, from how data moves through a network to how attackers might exploit vulnerabilities along the way.
A professional trained in both areas can:
- Design networks with security built in from the start
- Troubleshoot performance and security issues faster and more effectively
- Identify and patch vulnerabilities before attackers find them
- Implement and monitor essential security controls
- Respond confidently to incidents when they occur
Organizations want IT staff who aren’t limited to one side of the equation. They want professionals who can think like both network engineers and cybersecurity specialists.
That’s especially true in the current job market, where versatility is key, says Herzing instructor Sergio Gonzalez. He has over 25 years of IT experience and holds several certifications, including CISSP and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
“People in IT are being laid off in some cases. But that’s precisely why you need to have more tools to get into the market. There are more people competing for jobs and you have to be more prepared to stand out.”
HOW NETWORKING AND CYBERSECURITY SKILLS WORK TOGETHER
To protect something, you have to understand how it works. That’s why cybersecurity is fundamentally rooted in network knowledge.
When you understand how networks are built—how devices connect, how data flows, how systems authenticate—you’re much better equipped to secure those systems. Similarly, when you understand security concepts like encryption, access controls, and threat detection, you can design and manage networks that are significantly harder to compromise.
Here’s how the combined skill set creates a powerful professional profile:
- You can design more secure systems. Knowing networking protocols, VLANs, routing, and cloud environments gives you insight into where weaknesses tend to appear and how to prevent them.
- You can detect threats earlier. Threat detection tools make more sense when you understand what “normal” network behaviour looks like.
- You can respond to incidents with confidence. Whether it’s a malware infection or a misconfigured firewall, you’ll know how to assess the situation and restore operations quickly.
- You become more versatile and more valuable. Employers love candidates who can step into support, networking, or security tasks as needed.
In short, dual training makes you a more complete IT professional and dramatically expands your career options.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS TRAINED IN NETWORKING AND CYBERSECURITY
With the right training, you can qualify for a wide range of entry-level IT roles and work your way into more advanced positions as you gain experience.
Entry-level roles you can pursue include:
- Technical support specialist: The classic helpdesk role! Troubleshoot user issues and support networked systems.
- Security operations analyst: Monitor security alerts, investigate suspicious activity, and support incident response efforts.
- Network security analyst: Analyze network traffic, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements to support infrastructure.
- Security systems analyst: Implement and maintain security controls and help secure systems across the organization.
- Network operations analyst: Monitor network performance, diagnose issues, and maintain the stability of critical network services.
“You have to think strategically. Don’t be stubborn in thinking you only want security analyst jobs. That could be a good goal in three years, but maybe you start off in helpdesk and then a scaleup is possible,” advises Sergio.
“Keep your eyes open, keep your mind open. The more you’re willing to accept at the beginning, the more chances you will have in the future to change things.”
HOW HERZING’S CYBERSECURITY AND NETWORK SYSTEMS PROGRAM PREPARES YOU FOR SUCCESS
Herzing College’s Cybersecurity and Network Systems program provides a clear pathway into the IT field. Delivered entirely online, this 17-month program teaches you the full range of skills employers look for in networking and cybersecurity roles.
“The purpose of this program is to give students some more insights into how systems are administered before getting into the cybersecurity labour market,” says Sergio. “They get some preparatory courses in networking and systems before jumping into the classic cybersecurity courses.”
Here’s what sets the program apart.
A Curriculum Designed for Real-World Job Requirements
This program covers essential networking topics such as:
- Network design and OSI model fundamentals
- Installation and configuration of routers, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, and network protocols
- Windows and Linux administration
- Active Directory management and cloud technologies
- Troubleshooting, performance optimization, and system monitoring
You’ll also get hands-on training in key cybersecurity areas, including:
- Web application and cloud security
- Ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment
- Cybersecurity controls and security operations
- Unix and Windows security hardening
- Digital forensics and incident investigation
- Disaster recovery planning and implementation
Hands-On Experience Through an Internship
One of the program’s strongest advantages is an eight-week internship, which gives you real-world industry experience before graduation. This practical component helps you build confidence, gain relevant work exposure, and strengthen your resume when applying for your first IT job.
BUILD THE SKILLS THAT OPEN DOORS IN TODAY’S IT LANDSCAPE
Companies need professionals who understand how to build secure systems from the ground up. By gaining expertise in both networking and cybersecurity, you set yourself apart as a highly employable, adaptable, and future-ready IT professional.
Herzing College’s Cybersecurity and Network Systems program gives you the tools, hands-on experience, and industry-relevant training you need to start strong and grow confidently in your IT career.
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