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Welcome to Edition #43 of The Career Compass! In this issue, we’re diving into how AI is shaping cybersecurity careers in 2025, exploring an in-demand cyber role (Third-Party Risk Analyst), and sharing powerful advice to help you build lasting momentum in your job search.

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Video of the Week: Are AI Skills the Ticket to Your Cybersecurity Career?

In 2025, tech unemployment is just 2.8%, AI-driven roles are exploding by 153%, and almost half of job postings don’t require a degree.

In this video, I explain why AI and machine-learning expertise are becoming must-haves for cybersecurity jobs, break down the latest salary and hiring trends, and show you exactly how to break into the field without a four-year degree.

What You'll Learn:

• How AI and machine learning are transforming cybersecurity — and why it matters for job seekers in 2025

• The latest data on tech job growth, unemployment rates, and salary ranges for security analysts, system engineers, and AI-focused roles

• Why employers are hiring candidates without degrees and what skills and certifications they value most

• Practical steps to stand out: essential certifications, hands-on project ideas, and networking strategies

Whether you're just getting started or upskilling in the field, this guide will help you future-proof your cybersecurity career.

Breaking Into Cybersecurity in 2025: Why AI Skills Matter

AI is no longer just a “nice-to-have” in cybersecurity—it’s becoming mission-critical. From threat detection to incident response, AI is helping teams respond faster, smarter, and at scale. That means the roles supporting these systems are evolving, too.

Here’s why this matters:

• Security tools now include AI/ML engines that predict attacks before they happen.

• AI-literate professionals are being recruited for everything from red team automation to behaviour-based anomaly detection.

• AI projects are opening doors to those with non-traditional tech backgrounds—especially if you can show hands-on skill.

How to Break In:

• Earn certs like CompTIA Security+, then explore AI-focused options like Microsoft’s AI-900 or Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course.

• Use platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box to build real-world scenarios.

• Showcase your projects on GitHub or LinkedIn (e.g., “I trained a model to detect phishing attempts using open-source data”).

💡 Pro Tip: AI isn’t replacing cybersecurity jobs—it’s reshaping them. Pair human judgment with machine intelligence, and you’ll be hard to ignore in 2025.

News & Trends: What’s Shaping Cybersecurity and Careers in 2025

Regulatory and Policy Pressures Rising

Governments are tightening cyber compliance frameworks. Notably, the UK’s upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will expand incident reporting and regulatory oversight  . Meanwhile, businesses face pressure to monitor vendor ecosystems and data reporting more closely.

🏢 The Hiring Shift: Specialised Talent Gets Priority

Many large employers (including HCLTech) are pivoting away from mass hiring toward skill-first recruitment. They’re paying a premium for talent in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity roles  .

Fortune 100 firms with rigid job requirements and limited remote options risk missing the best talent  .

⚠️ Industry Headwinds & Workforce Dynamics

CrowdStrike recently cut 5% of its workforce as it doubles down on AI integration  . At the same time, agencies like CISA are experiencing high turnover—reporting a third of staff departures amid budget cuts 

Cyber Career Spotlight: Third-Party Risk Analyst

In a world where one weak vendor can lead to a massive breach, Third-Party Risk Analysts are now a critical part of any cybersecurity team.

🔍 Responsibilities:

• Evaluate vendor security policies, contracts, and risk postures

• Conduct assessments on cloud providers, SaaS vendors, or contractors

• Collaborate with procurement and legal teams to align security requirements

• Monitor third-party compliance with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST

🛠️ Key Skills:

• Understanding of risk frameworks and assessment tools

• Excellent communication for cross-functional coordination

• Familiarity with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools

• Analytical mindset to evaluate risk tradeoffs

📈 Career Path:

IT Auditor → GRC Analyst → Third-Party Risk Analyst → Vendor Risk Manager / Director of Risk & Compliance

This role is ideal for professionals who want to blend security, compliance, and communication—and who enjoy evaluating the broader ecosystem of an organisation.

Career Momentum: How to Build and Sustain It

Many professionals get stuck after an initial win—whether it’s landing a new job or completing a course. But real growth happens when you build momentum and keep it going.

Here’s how:

1. Stack Wins:

Break your goals into micro-milestones. Small wins build confidence. Update your resume? Win. Reconnect with a mentor? Win.

2. Track Progress:

Use a system—journal, spreadsheet, or app—to log your weekly progress. This keeps you accountable and motivated.

3. Celebrate Growth:

Reflection fuels momentum. Every Friday, ask yourself: “What did I learn? What did I improve?”

4. Create a Feedback Loop:

Share your goals with someone who will cheer you on (and challenge you). Career progress accelerates when you're not doing it alone.

Exclusive Coaching Offer: 50% Off for Career Compass Subscribers

Need help moving forward in your career or breaking into cybersecurity? As a reader of The Career Compass, you can book a FREE 15-minute exploratory call to see how I can support you—and unlock 50% off your first coaching session.

🔗 Book your call here

Thanks for reading, and as always, keep levelling up your career.

Best wishes
Luke Gough
Recruiter / Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass