NuPaths, co-founded by Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, is excited to announce that our Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst program will start a new cohort in our Philadelphia, PA location, beginning March 18. NuPaths has a partnership with JEVS Services and is connected with other workforce development agencies to meet the growing need for tech talent in the Philadelphia area.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is outstripping the supply of skilled workers.  Burning Glass, a company that provides real-time data labor market trends, found that the number of cybersecurity job postings has grown 94% in just six years. By comparison, the number of IT jobs, in general, has grown about 30%. That’s a 300% increase in demand compared to the overall IT job market. Cybersecurity jobs now account for 13% of all information technology jobs.

A Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst supports the detection, containment, and remediation of IT threats. They monitor networks and applications to identify a possible cyber-attack or intrusion and help coordinate and report on cyber incident responses. The SOC Analyst provides analysis and trending of security log data, Incident Response (IR) support, and threat and vulnerability analyses.

Because businesses are becoming more and more vulnerable to cyber security threats, the SOC Analyst position has grown in importance and will continue to see increased job opportunities. The SOC Analyst Role is a program in NuPath’s Cyber Security Pathway and is a great alternative for those students who are looking for a college alternative. NuPaths provides students with the essential skills to successfully enter into an IT career.

The SOC Analyst program has been very well-received by students who are currently taking the course in Philadelphia. One student said, “I've learned practical knowledge to go with my theoretical knowledge of the IT field and what it entails,” in a mid-course survey.  Another student said, “The (instructor’s) teaching style embodies real-world scenarios to make the lessons easier to comprehend.”

If a student’s goal is to continue on to college, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology awards college credits upon successful completion of the various courses in the program. Students have the potential to earn up to 8 college credits in the SOC Analyst Program.

At NuPaths, a student is considered successful if he/she starts a new job in their field of study or enrolls in post-secondary education upon successful completion of the program. NuPaths connects students with employers for internships, apprenticeships, and full-time job opportunities.  During NuPath’s programs, students also learn to pursue job opportunities in their business skills workshops, including sessions on job search, resumé writing, interviewing, and communication.

There is no one-size-fits-all path to a successful career. Whether you’re starting out in your career, transitioning to a career in IT or advancing your IT career, NuPaths provides an opportunity for career-focused IT job training in 6-months.  Check out our options for advancing your career here. And, if you’re in the 'City of Brotherly Love,' be sure to check out the SOC Analyst program, which begins next month. Click here to learn more.