Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Louisiana Guide
With data breaches, network intrusions, and other instances of cybercrime steadily on the rise, cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana are a worthwhile career investment for those looking to protect organizations and individuals from cyberattacks.
According to various sources, including CompTIA’s annual State of the Tech Workforce report, tech roles in Louisiana are increasing in both availability and projected earnings throughout the state. Specifically for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, Louisiana offers:
High demand for local and remote cybersecurity professionals, fueled by a nationwide unemployment rate of 0% for experienced cyber workers
Median tech salaries that are 86% higher than median national wages, with typical cybersecurity salaries in Louisiana averaging $96,292 (glassdoor.com)
A unique opportunity to help shape the future of tech in Louisiana
Although Louisiana’s tech sector is still growing, opportunities are available for those looking to transition into tech. Nationally, ccybersecurity job demand is projected to increase by 32% over the next decade. And because demand for cyber professionals is projected to outpace the number of current candidates, typical cybersecurity salaries in Louisiana are also expected to grow to attract new talent.
Cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana seek to help close this talent gap while allowing people of all professional backgrounds to break into the field. In fact, many cybersecurity professionals start their careers in non-IT fields such as teaching, communications, marketing, military service, and more. These full-time or part-time specialized training programs can serve as a foundational step in building a lasting cyber career.
Browse the guide below to learn more about the right cybersecurity bootcamp in Louisiana for you.
What is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
An in-person or online cybersecurity bootcamp in Louisiana is generally designed to help students rapidly acquire the skills to prepare for a career in cyber.
Cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana are offered in a wide range of formats, modalities, durations, and topics covered—but all are specialized tech training programs concentrated on building cybersecurity skills. The sheer amount of programs that turn up in a Google search of cybersecurity programs in Louisiana can be overwhelming, but there are a few key attributes and considerations to look out for that will help you determine the right one for you.
Here are some important areas in which the definition of what is a cybersecurity bootcamp may differ between programs:
Curriculum. Cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana cover many of the same concepts, but some differentiators may include the types of digital tools taught, preparation for industry-recognized certifications, and time spent on defensive and offensive practices.
Modality. Some fully online bootcamps offer a blend of self-guided and in-person instruction. Others, like those offered by Fullstack Academy, focus on live online instruction supplemented by group and independent projects.
Career Success Services. In addition to a skills-based curriculum, select bootcamps aid students in their job search by offering career coaching, which may include services ranging from resume and LinkedIn optimization to employer partnerships.
Read on to determine which bootcamp features are best suited to you and your needs.
Your Guide to Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Louisiana
To begin the process of searching for cybersecurity programs in Louisiana, it’s important to understand your current experience level as well as the type of learner you are. For example, particularly self-motivated students with some experience may still thrive in a bootcamp that features pre-recorded instruction, while beginners or career changers may prefer an instructor-facilitated, live online delivery. And while all bootcamps require a high degree of commitment and drive, some offer more support than others—especially when it comes to job preparation.
There are many options available for cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana, so your second step may involve narrowing these options down based on your unique needs:
Do you want to skill up without the need to build practical experience? Browse bootcamp websites for terms like self-paced, independent learning, and stacked or customizable modules and endpoints.
Alternatively, would you prefer a fully immersive bootcamp experience to prepare you for all aspects of a career in tech? Browse bootcamp websites for comprehensive career success services, certification preparation, and terms like live online instruction, real-world tools, and hands-on skill-building.
Why Choose a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
Once you’ve built an understanding of what a cybersecurity bootcamp is and what you can expect to get out of it, explore why you might choose a cybersecurity bootcamp over other educational avenues.
Why choose a cybersecurity bootcamp?
Specialized, Career-Based Curriculum
Cybersecurity bootcamps are designed to be industry-specific, skills-based, and directly job-related.
Live Online Instruction
Where available, live online learning in a bootcamp helps to facilitate active learning—which combines hands-on project building with traditional instructional time.
Flexibility
Built around the needs of adult learners with a range of obligations, many bootcamps offer an equal range of scheduling, modality, and duration options.
Networking
Bootcamps offer great opportunities to connect and build skills with other aspiring professionals—which can evolve into lasting career connections.
Portfolio Building and Optimization
Either as part of the curriculum or in addition to it, you can create a compelling portfolio during bootcamp to show potential employers.
Experience Using Real-World Tools
You’ll apply your skills using real tools in simulated scenarios based on challenges you might encounter in cybersecurity roles.
Typical Cybersecurity Salaries in Louisiana
Top employers hiring in Louisiana for tech roles include companies like Dell, Accenture, and American Express. Additionally, smaller companies, organizations with remote staff, and startups of all industries have an increased need for professionals with cybersecurity knowledge and experience.
Cybersecurity job salaries can vary significantly depending on specific job titles and their respective education and skill requirements. Entry-level network/systems administrators in Louisiana, for example, earn an average of about $67,030 (Glassdoor; May 2023), which is significantly higher than the overall average Louisiana entry-level salary of $24,002. The average salary for cybersecurity analysts—a role that generally requires additional education or experience—nears six figures at $91,573 (Glassdoor; May 2023).
Explore more typical cybersecurity salaries in Louisiana:
Average Cybersecurity Salaries in Louisiana
Computer Support Specialist: $59,615
Network/Systems Administrator: $67,030
Cybersecurity Analyst: $91,573
Median Cybersecurity Salaries in Louisiana
Computer Support Specialist: $42,324
Network/Systems Administrator: $70,659
Cybersecurity Analyst: $91,428
Types of Cybersecurity Programs in Louisiana
Outside of bootcamps alone, there are many opportunities available in Louisiana to benefit from in-person instruction or discussion. While in-person cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana are usually less common than online options, campus workshops and short programs may be a great place to discover your interests and transferable skills before embarking on a career change to cybersecurity.
Once you’re ready to move forward, you may find that the most immersive and comprehensive cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana are offered online through industry leaders like Fullstack Academy.
Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Cybersecurity bootcamps delivered by Fullstack Academy feature comprehensive instruction, professional career coaching services, practical application of real-world tools, and more—all within an immersive virtual classroom experience. Students also graduate with a dynamic portfolio of projects to demonstrate their skills to prospective employers.
Explore the live online Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamps offered in Louisiana:
Part-Time Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The Fullstack Academy Part-Time Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp is a 26-week immersive program for students of all starting skill levels. With multiple class times available, the part-time option aims to serve students looking to build in-demand cybersecurity skills while still balancing a job or other commitments.
Full-Time Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The Fullstack Academy Full-Time Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp offers the same immersive curriculum as the part-time program but on an accelerated Monday-Friday class schedule over just 12 weeks.
With either course option, students gain exposure to real-world simulations and practice labs as well as a final project. Students also have the opportunity to prepare for and earn industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications.
University Cybersecurity Bootcamps Powered by Fullstack Academy
Fullstack Academy also partners with top universities in the U.S. to provide high-quality bootcamp training in cybersecurity. A prominent cybersecurity bootcamp in Louisiana is the LSU Cybersecurity Bootcamp, powered by Fullstack Academy.
Through a combination of live online instruction and hands-on skill-building, the program equips students with the knowledge they need to embark on a thriving cybersecurity career:
Asset and inventory management like networking basics, Linux command line, and scripting
Red Team (Offense) for fighting web vulnerabilities, penetration testing, OWASP Top 10, and social engineering
Blue Team (Defense) for log analysis, security information and event management, digital forensics, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, incident response, and more!
Consider the Louisiana State University Cybersecurity Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy.
Top Employers Hiring in Louisiana
Within populous cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and across the state, top employers hiring in Louisiana are actively recruiting tech talent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is steadily rising across both technical and nontechnical industries at a rate of 32% over the next decade. This percentage is significantly higher than that of all professions, which stands at about 7%.
Top employers hiring in Louisiana are looking for well-rounded candidates with practical experience, interpersonal skills, and defensive and offensive cybersecurity skills—which aspiring cyber professionals can acquire from cybersecurity bootcamps in Louisiana.
The labor market analytics platform Lightcast™ reports that the top employers hiring in Louisiana for tech professionals include Dell, Accenture, and American Express. But those interested in a career in cyber should consider that there are exciting opportunities available within companies of all industries and sizes—plus remote opportunities based in cities across the nation.
Cybersecurity Events in Louisiana
Networking can be a critical tool to support your professional development throughout bootcamp and beyond. Take advantage of remote and in-person networking opportunities, topic or tool exploration groups, and other local cybersecurity events to expand both your network and your knowledge.
Discover cybersecurity events and meetup groups in Louisiana:
Events and Groups
Fullstack Academy Events: These no-cost, virtual events include free intros to Fullstack Academy bootcamps, career-focused workshops, interview preparation advice, job-hunting tips, and more.
Acadiana Cybersecurity Community: Developed in response to Louisiana government cyber attacks in 2019, the community still provides email updates, educational resources, and opportunities to get involved.
Cybersecurity Professionals of Louisiana: This Facebook group hosts an ongoing forum of events, job opportunities, topics, and open discussion around working in cybersecurity across the state.
Meetups
Build Digital Skills: Baton Rouge offers regular meetups for those looking to build digital skills of almost any kind with expert-led panel discussions.
Cybersecurity for Control Systems is a meetup dedicated to all professionals involved in Cybersecurity for automated processes and control systems, including: Operating Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA Systems, Transportation Systems, Building Control Systems (BCS), and even emerging Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp FAQs
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Cybersecurity bootcamps offer an excellent opportunity to break into the industry or advance an existing tech career. Students can expect to:
Gain hands-on experience with the latest cybersecurity tools and software
Learn fundamental knowledge from industry-experienced instructors
Acquire critical skills to earn in-demand industry certifications
Receive career support and job search assistance
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The typical salary for cybersecurity roles in Louisiana can fluctuate depending on various factors, including experience, certifications, location, and job title. Below are average salaries for common entry-level cyber positions in the U.S., according to ZipRecruiter:
Computer Support Specialist: $53,907
Systems Specialist: $61,257
IT Support Specialist: $63,256
Network Specialist: $77,761
Information Security Analyst: $90,092
Cybersecurity Analyst: $96,010
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Cybersecurity bootcamps typically last several weeks to a few months. Some bootcamps follow a strict schedule with live classes, while others may offer a self-paced option.
The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers two program durations: 12 weeks full-time or 26 weeks part-time. All classes are held live online to facilitate an immersive, active learning approach.
Recommended Reading
Cybersecurity Job Demand: The Growing Need for Cyber Professionals
How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst: Skills, Outlook, and Salary
