TL;DR:
- No, you don’t need to be a maths genius or a pro coder to start.
- It’s not just for hackers. Roles range from legal strategy to education.
- Uni degrees are great, but TAFE and online certifications are also huge in this space.
- It’s one of the most in-demand (and high-paying) industries in Australia right now.
Meet Bailey Mendonca. As a graduate at AEMO working in cyber and digital, Bailey knows the industry has a bit of a PR problem. Most people picture guys in hoodies in dark rooms, but the reality is way more interesting.
Bailey is here to lift the lid on what actually goes down in the world of cyber and why the “maths genius” requirement is a total myth.
Myth 1: You have to be a coding prodigy
Walking into a cyber role is like starting any other job. No one expects you to be an expert on day one. Bailey says teams actually value your personality traits more than natural talent. If you have attention to detail, a curious mind, and a strong moral compass, you are already halfway there.
Myth 2: It’s only for hackers
Hacking might get all the movie screen time, but it is just one tiny piece of the puzzle. The industry is huge and covers everything from legal strategy and investigations to education and administration. You could be working on the high-level legal side of security or getting technical in the thick of a digital event.
Myth 3: You must have a uni degree
Cyber is actually one of the more progressive industries when it comes to how you learn. While big companies often value a degree in Computer Science, the door is never closed. Between TAFE and online platforms like Hack the Box or TryHackMe, there are plenty of ways to build your skills and prove your worth.
Myth 4: It’s boring and isolated
Forget the dark room stereotype. Bailey compares cyber to a high-stakes sporting match. It is a constant tug-of-war between criminals and professionals. It is fast-paced, and collaboration is actually your biggest weapon. Companies constantly work together to share findings and stop threats before they even happen.
Myth 5: It’s strictly an IT thing
Cybersecurity is not just a job title. It is a mindset. It touches every single department. You could be in Strategy creating guidelines for new projects, or in Education training a whole company on how to stay safe. Many of the most vital roles are not even technical. They are about people and planning.
Myth 6: There aren’t many jobs in Australia
Actually, the demand is peaking. Everything we do, like banking, shopping, and healthcare, is digital now. That makes our data a massive target. Businesses and governments are scrambling for people to help protect their systems. If you want a strong starting salary and genuine job security, this is the place to be.
Myth 7: You don’t make a real-world impact
If it is not physically operated by a person, it relies on cyber. We are talking about keeping planes in the air, ensuring energy grids stay online, and even making sure your gaming account does not get swiped. In the energy sector specifically, cyber professionals ensure that electricity and gas keep flowing to our homes. It is about protecting people in the real world every single day.
Who is AEMO?
If you haven’t heard the name before, AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) is basically the heartbeat of the country’s energy systems. They manage the electricity and gas markets across Australia, making sure the lights stay on and the transition to renewable energy is smooth and secure. Working in cyber at AEMO means you aren’t just protecting data; you are protecting the actual infrastructure that keeps the country running.
The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity is not just for the tech-obsessed or the maths whizzes. It is a massive, diverse field that needs curious people from all kinds of backgrounds to help solve real-world problems. Whether you are interested in the legal side, the strategy, or the high-stakes technical work, there is a path for you.
If you are looking for a career that offers job security, a great starting salary, and the chance to make a genuine impact, it might be time to stop looking at the myths and start looking at the opportunities.
Learn more about a career with AEMO here.
