Whether you are an industry veteran or a new graduate who is looking to break into the workforce, all cybersecurity professionals benefit from continuing research and education in the field. While keeping up with industry-specific technology and theory is essential, there are also a few soft skills that cybersecurity professionals should practice over time. Soft skills like attention to detail, effective communication skills, and more are becoming increasingly valuable in the workplace, especially in STEM. Here are four qualities that can help professionals succeed in cybersecurity jobs.

1. Curiosity

Cybersecurity jobs often encourage employees to harness their curiosity and explore. By being inquisitive and thinking outside of the box, cybersecurity professionals can find weaknesses in programs, create more effective ways of operating and organizing things, and solve problems quickly when they occur. Curiosity is invaluable in cybersecurity jobs, and employees should be encouraged to try unconventional processes and experiment.

2. Attention to Detail

If you have ever had to find an errant space within hundreds of lines of code, you know how important attention to detail can be. While cybersecurity jobs do not rely on coding alone, the meticulousness that can help people code can also serve them well in other areas in the workplace. Paying attention to the minutiae of a program while also working with other departments to complete things under deadlines is an essential skill.

3. A Propensity for Lifelong Learning

As we mentioned earlier, continued research and education are vital in cybersecurity. Technology is constantly changing, and cybersecurity professionals and criminals are in an ever-escalating game of cat-and-mouse with one another. Because of this, people in cybersecurity jobs must make time to stay up-to-date with industry trends, new ideas, and potential threats. People who already have a passion for learning are at an advantage, and cultivating this dedication can help you excel in the workforce.

4. Effective Communication

Communication is vital in any field, but it is especially crucial in STEM. Cybersecurity professionals not only have to communicate and interact well with one another, but they also have to be able to explain basic cybersecurity principles to people with different educational and experiential backgrounds. They must do this in a way that is clear, respectful, and concise. Being an effective communicator is something that cybersecurity professionals can practice every day, and it is a quality that provides considerable returns in the workplace.

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