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Useful experience for security consultants includes: 

• work in entry-level IT jobs such as information technology helpdesk/support technician
• on-the-job training through IT internships and graduate recruitment programmes
• hacking experience gained through study or hacking conferences
• working on individual IT projects such as setting up your own penetration testing lab or assembling computers.

Security consultants may do some or all of the following:

• take the lead in identifying cyber security gaps
• create risk assessment policies
• monitor network security and report on issues
• research, cost, design and implement new or improved network systems and platforms
• manage responses to cyber attacks and ensure damage to the security of information is kept to a minimum
• supervise other staff and oversee any changes to network security
• keep up to date with the latest cyber security threats and solutions.

Security consultants in demand

Security consultants are in high demand due to:

• organisations shifting services and systems online
• increasing numbers of devices, including vehicles, connected to the internet which hackers can access and damage online.

Shortage of experienced security consultants

There are not enough experienced security consultants to meet demand. Nearly two thirds of IT employers report skills shortages, and there aren't enough information technology (IT) trainees.

As a result, ICT security specialist appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled security consultants from overseas to work in New Zealand.

How to get your first IT job

You can improve your chances of getting a job through:

• internships like Summer of Tech
• graduate programmes offered by IT companies
• mentoring programmes.

• NxtStep website - IT internships
• Summer of Tech website - IT internships

Types of employers varied

Security consultants can work for:

• private companies that provide web, database and network services
• software development companies
• private companies 
• government departments and educational institutions.

Security consultants may also be self-employed.

IT Professionals

0800 252 255 - info@itp.nz - www.itp.nz

NZTech

(09) 475 0204 - info@nztech.org.nz - www.nztech.org.nz

Security consultants may progress into roles such as:

• security architect
• security manager
• IT project manager
• security director
• chief information and security officer (CISO).

• Information technology architect job information

Security consultants need to be:

• creative and imaginative, as they need to design new security systems
• analytical thinkers and problem solvers
• detail-oriented and curious
• good at seeing the big picture, to examine solutions and problems from all sides
• skilled communicators
• skilled leaders and negotiators.