The demand for both data analysts and cyber security professionals has never been higher, with companies of all kinds searching for trained professionals capable of analyzing data and protecting digital information.1 However, many roles in both of these fields are going unfilled, leaving a major talent gap just waiting for candidates with the right training.
If you’re looking to help fill this gap, the good news is that pursuing a career in data analytics or cybersecurity no longer requires a four-year degree or even prior experience. Instead, you can get the training you need through professional certificate programs like those offered by Coursera.
Coursera’s programs prepare students to enter the job market through hands-on training from major companies like Google, IBM, and Meta. Whether you’re analyzing trends that drive smarter business decisions or defending networks from cyber threats, these skills can translate into future-proof career options in two of tech’s fastest-growing sectors.
Why you should consider a career in data analytics and cyber security
The data and cyber security sectors are booming, with job growth expected to rise during the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for information security analysts is projected to grow 29% between 2024 and 2034.1 Meanwhile, data science is the fourth fastest-growing job in the United States. According to the BLS, data scientist roles are expected to grow 34% from 2024 to 2034.2
Even as these roles become available, a shortage of trained professionals remains a challenge for organizations in many industries. According to a 2024 report from ISC2, there is a shortage of around 4.7 million people, which is jeopardizing security and defense across sectors.3
Professionals who are considering switching careers may find these two fields to be particularly enticing. With a median annual salary of $124,910, a job as an information security analyst can be a rewarding profession.1 Data analysts also bring in a sizable salary, making a median annual salary of around $112,590.2 This number can increase for those who move into high-paying sectors like technology, finance, or healthcare.
Beyond attractive salaries, there are a host of other reasons why career changers might consider moving into either data analytics or cyber security:
- Remote, flexible work. Many roles in data and cyber security support remote or hybrid working models, allowing team members to work from anywhere.
- Skills over credentials. Applicants are generally judged more on their demonstrable skills, which they can show via portfolios, certifications, and hands-on experience.
- Cross-industry demand. Nearly every sector uses data to analyze operations, user behaviors, and many other aspects of business. This includes healthcare and finance, which need professionals to analyze data and develop robust security systems to protect their interests.
- Upward mobility. From entry-level roles like data analyst or security operations center (SOC) analyst, professionals have opportunities to advance into leadership or specialized roles.
High demand, strong salaries, broad applications, and skills-centric hiring make these two fields promising pathways for both career changers and new professionals.
Learn job-ready skills with Coursera Professional Certificates
A four-year degree is no longer the only path to building skills to work in data analytics or cyber security. Instead, Coursera’s Professional Certificates offer an affordable, more flexible, and faster way to learn and practice the skills employers look for.
Here are just a few advantages of learning about these fields through Coursera.
Hands-on learning
As a student in a Coursera certificate program, you can learn hands-on, self-paced programming skills from tech giants like Google, IBM, Meta, and Microsoft.
The benefit of this approach is that you’ll get the chance to work on projects similar to those you would encounter in your professional life. For instance, your coursework may have you building dashboards in Tableau or investigating simulated cyber security incidents. Along the way, you will collect examples of work that you can fold into a portfolio to strengthen future job applications.
Another advantage of studying through Coursera is the ability to study multiple technology disciplines within one platform. If you’re pursuing data analysis, you can also access cyber security courses to learn how to protect sensitive data. On the other hand, if you’re already in the cyber security field, you can study data science and machine learning to improve your ability to detect threats. This interdisciplinary approach is excellent training for the real world, as most who work in the tech industry will need to know how to navigate these topics on the job.
Accessible to everyone
Coursera professional certificates are accessible to everyone, even those who don’t have a background in tech. Courses are designed with both novices and people moving careers in mind, so you can easily get up to speed with systems like Python for data analysis or Wireshark for cyber security.
Coursera’s Professional Certificates are also available to students all over the world, and with flexible learning options that work with learners’ schedules and previous commitments. Through guided projects and self-paced coursework, you can build confidence, prove competence in sought-after skills, and enter data analyst or cyber security roles with transferable and recognized skills.
Affordable and flexible
In years past, those who wanted to build a career in cyber security or data analysis usually had to enroll in a four-year college program, rack up thousands of dollars in education costs, and deal with rigid course schedules. Now, Coursera is turning this tradition on its head by providing affordable, flexible subscription plans to its learning platform.
Coursera’s Professional Certificates cost between $49 and $79 per month (as of October 2025), making them affordable options for students of all backgrounds and lifestyles. If you choose to go with a Coursera Plus subscription instead of paying by the course, you get access to any Professional Certificate program, which includes Data Science, Business, Information Technology, and more.
Another advantage of Coursera Plus is that you’re not locked into a particular certificate. If you ever decide you want to change your topic of study, you can do so. It all falls under the same subscription, so there’s no wasted time or money.
Spotlight: Coursera’s top data analytics certificates
If you’re looking to move into a career in data analytics, Coursera’s Professional Certificates and Specializations offer structured, hands-on training without needing to commit to a full-time degree program.
See below for some of Coursera’s most popular certificate programs that have helped launch learners into careers in data analytics.
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate is one of Coursera’s most popular data programs. Its beginner-friendly coursework is designed for anyone exploring analytics for the first time, and guides learners through every stage of analytics, from data collection and cleaning to visualization and communication. Students will also master tools like SQL, spreadsheets, R, and Tableau, all while applying knowledge to case studies based on real-world business scenarios.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will have built a professional portfolio that will help them stand out when applying for entry-level analyst positions. They’ll also have access to Google’s Employer Consortium, which can connect them to companies that are hiring Google Career Certificate holders.
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
This IBM-designed Data Analyst Professional Certificate program blends technical proficiency with analytical storytelling. Learners get experience with widely used tools like Excel, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, Cognos Analytics, and SQL, which will prepare them for roles across a variety of industries.
IBM’s hands-on exercises involve analyzing datasets, building dashboards, and drawing insights that can help inform business decisions. This particular program is recognized for its focus on data visualization and communication, wherein students learn how to translate numbers into narratives that clearly communicate stories to stakeholders. After completing this certificate, graduates will have multiple portfolio projects to show prospective employers, plus an IBM credential to add to their LinkedIn profile.
University of Michigan Applied Data Science with Python Specialization
Professionals who already have some programming or analytics experience might benefit from Applied Data Science with Python Specialization, which allows them to advance their existing skills. Faculty from the University of Michigan teach skills like data wrangling and machine learning, all through the lens of Python libraries like Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn.
During their studies, students will complete projects that mirror real-world projects, such as building predictive models, cleaning up data, and presenting insights using visual methods. This work will provide a strong foundation for more advanced roles, such as data scientist, analytics manager, or machine learning associate.
The above data analytics programs all offer flexible pacing and industry credibility, giving learners the skills, confidence, and proof of ability they need to launch or advance their careers.
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Spotlight: Coursera’s cyber security programs
For those interested in cyber security programs, Coursera offers several courses that are designed to help learners gain practical, hands-on experience at every level. Here are a few examples of programs offered by top organizations in the industry that cater to both beginner and advanced learners.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is ideal for beginners who want to explore careers in cyber defense. This program introduces core concepts in security and trains students in tools like Linux, SQL, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). It also allows learners to practice skills like threat analysis, risk mitigation, and incident response through simulated exercises.
Once they complete the program, students gain access to Google’s Employer Consortium, which connects them with companies actively hiring cybersecurity talent for roles like SOC analysts or incident response analysts.
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
Offered by IBM, this Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is another route to a promising cybersecurity career. Hands-on labs and projects that replicate real-world environments teach students how to detect phishing attacks and monitor networking traffic.
Learners explore topics like network security, endpoint protection, and incident management, all while building their own professional portfolio of security reports and analyses. Graduates also earn a verified IBM credential, which can be an asset on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles when they start their job search.
Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
The Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Professional Certificate gives students a chance to learn about today’s most pressing security challenges, like network security, cloud protection, and threat prevention. At the end of the program, students will be prepared for certification exams like CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).
The course programs listed above cover a wide spectrum of skill levels, all of which equip students for success in one of the world’s most in-demand career fields.
Success stories and real-world outcomes
Students who have earned Coursera professional certificates have found great success in their respective fields. According to Coursera’s 2025 Learner Outcomes Report, 91% of learners who were surveyed reported at least one positive career outcome after completing a program, such as a new job or a promotion.4
Plus, nearly half of the respondents reported receiving a salary increase upon completing a Coursera course. As well, of those who completed entry-level certificate programs, one in four reported reaching a higher level at their current job.
Looking beyond the statistics, there are plenty of positive anecdotes about the value of the programs on Coursera.
For instance, a Google Data Analytics alum wrote on LinkedIn that they “gained skills in using platforms for effective data analysis” and “are now equipped to make informed data-driven decisions after data analysis.”
So, whether you’re seeking to change careers or completely start over in a new career, Coursera’s professional certificate programs can lead to accelerated job entry and advancement, without the need for a traditional degree.
How to get started
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a data analytics or cyber security career, here’s how you can get started.
Step 1: Choose your path of study
Your first step involves picking the topic you’d like to explore. This could be data analytics, where you’ll learn how to derive insights from large sets of numbers. Alternatively, you might opt to study cyber security, where you’ll learn how to defend organizations against digital threats. Both industries offer a path to entry-level roles, competitive pay, and strong career growth opportunities.
Step 2: Enroll in a professional certificate program
Once you’ve decided what you want to study, it’s time to choose a professional certificate program that will give you the skills you need to succeed.
Both data analytics and cyber security have multiple high-value options, including Google Data Analytics, IBM Data Analytics, or Google Cybersecurity, all of which can be completed as part of a Coursera monthly subscription. Through these programs, you can learn at your own pace and even switch among topics if you decide to change your mind or expand your knowledge.
Step 3: Finish your training and build a portfolio
During your professional certificate training, you’ll complete projects that can be added to your professional portfolio. Once the program is over, you’ll have plenty of proof to show prospective employers that you have the necessary skills to succeed in future roles.
Within a matter of months and for a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree program, you can prepare yourself for your first data analytics or cyber security role by enrolling in a professional certificate program.
Your future in tech starts here
Data analytics and cyber security are two industries that are projected to see tremendous growth in the coming decade. To access these jobs, learners of all levels can forgo a traditional four-year degree program and instead enroll in a professional certificate program.
Professional certificate programs, like those offered through Coursera, allow learners of all levels to learn from industry leaders, and its subscription model makes it easy for students to explore both data and cyber security education as part of one plan.
If you’re ready to explore a career in data analysis or cyber security, Coursera’s professional certificate programs are excellent starting points for a long and fruitful career in technology.
Sources
1www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
3https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/10/ISC2-2024-Cybersecurity-Workforce-Study
4https://blog.coursera.org/introducing-courseras-2025-learner-outcomes-report-global-findings-show-measurable-career-impact-for-online-learners/
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