"How much of your daily life relies on technology? How much of your personal information is stored either on your own computer, smartphone, tablet or on someone else's system?"

If you're like us, you use your computer or phone for just about everything, from entertainment and gaming to banking and bill paying to directions and shopping.

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, "Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information." Security professionals work to keep our personal data safe.

If this kind of work sounds interesting, maybe it's time for you to explore a career in cybersecurity.

What education or training will I need?

You typically need a bachelor's degree in a computer science field. There are also professional certification programs that can help you qualify for entry level jobs. You can also consider applying for a cybersecurity apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship is a career pathway where you can get paid work experience, classroom instruction and a nationally recognized credential. To explore cybersecurity apprenticeships, visit The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program Finder. This site can help you find cybersecurity apprenticeship programs, youth apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the United States.

What is the job outlook for cybersecurity?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs in this area are expected to grow by 35% over the next 10 years. Companies all over the country are focusing more on keeping data safe. This expected growth is due to companies allowing employees to work from home, increased online businesses, enhanced digital healthcare options and more. These areas rely on technology and more cyber professionals are needed than ever before.

If you are looking for a position, make sure to check out our Find a Job page, which has job boards to help you search for a cybersecurity role. As a start, use search phrases in the job boards such as cybersecurity professional, information security analyst and information security specialist. If you are looking specifically for a job with the federal government, visit Cybercareers.gov. You can learn about the benefits of working for the federal government, explore their cyber profiles tool and find open positions.

Need help on your path to a cybersecurity career?

If you're interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity (or another field!), Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work.

Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Our service providers can help you if you want to explore careers in cybersecurity.

Remember, if you have questions about working in cybersecurity or any other field, one of our service providers is ready to help. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

Furthering your education is a great way to learn new skills and advance your career path. However, paying for school or knowing where to get help with your expenses can be a challenge. Did you know that Benefits.gov can help you find information on over 1,000 government programs, check your eligibility, and describe the steps to apply for aid? Start your search on Benefits.gov with information on over 100 scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans.

It's never too early to explore your options for paying for school. The U.S. government provides many sources of aid to help you along the way. Here are a few ways to find help with paying for school, specifically for students with disabilities and their families:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is an application through the U.S. Department of Education and is used by most two and four-year colleges, universities, and career schools. Complete the application online and use it to apply for grants, loans and work-study opportunities that you may be eligible for. Each state and school have their own FAFSA deadlines that can be searched through the Federal Student Aid website.

The FAFSA can connect you with government and private financial aid options, but it doesn't ask for some specifics that may help you get more aid. Other scholarship and grant opportunities may be based on personal information like disability status, hobbies or background. Once you complete the FAFSA, you can apply for academic and need-based scholarships from schools or other organizations, many of which require the FAFSA to even be considered. There are many scholarship opportunities for people based on location, background, disability and other factors. To find these opportunities, fill out the FAFSA and then check out the CareerOneStop.org Scholarship Finder.

CareerOneStop.org Scholarship Finder

The CareerOneStop.org Scholarship Finder, through the U.S. Department of Labor, provides a list of over 8,000 scholarships and financial aid opportunities. This free tool allows you to narrow down your search and provides details on how to apply for scholarships you may qualify for. There are search filters to view certain award types, locations, level of study, and there is a specific category for students with disabilities. You can also sort the list by application deadlines to find upcoming opportunities.

TRIO Student Support Services

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program supports low-income students, first generation college students and students with disabilities enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Eligible students may receive personal and academic career counseling, career guidance, instruction, mentoring and tutoring. TRIO SSS does not provide financial aid directly, but they have resources to help eligible students find financial aid and help with other challenges of enrolling or re-enrolling in college or a technical or trade school.

There are many options available for finding financial aid to help with your educational expenses. Check out the Benefits.gov Benefit Finder, a free and easy-to-use tool that will check which benefits and financial aid you may be eligible to receive. Browse the Healthcare and Medical Assistance category of benefits to find more resources based on your needs. Start your education journey today!

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Ticket to Work service providers, such as a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, can help if you need to find assistance with education and job training costs.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings. If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, please email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates, and official website.

Baltimore County Fall Career Fair

Join dozens of Baltimore County employers actively recruiting for open positions. Register now to reserve your free tickets for the seventh annual Baltimore County Fall Career Fair. More than 30 hiring employers and resource vendors are expected to participate, recruiting for positions in retail, public service, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing and more!

• September 28: Baltimore County Fall Career Fair at Eastpoint Mall

CareerEco Virtual Career Fair

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out their full calendar for a list of virtual or in-person events.

• September 7: Healthcare Online Career Fair
• September 8: Career & Technical College Virtual Job Fair
• September 22: Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair
• September 29: All Majors Virtual Career Event

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States' largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• September 7: Alameda Career Fair – In Person
• September 9: Alameda Career Fair – Virtual Video

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career Group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and job seekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.

• September 22: Seattle Career Fair – Virtual Job Fair
• September 29: San Jose Career Fair – Virtual Job Fair

DiversityX

DiversityX connects Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Americans, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with top companies. For a listing of DiversityX virtual events near you, visit their calendar.

• September 6: Stamford, CT Virtual Job Fair
• September 9: Provo, UT Virtual Job Fair
• September 12: Nampa, ID Virtual Job Fair
• September 16: Cedar Rapids, IA Virtual Job Fair
• September 30: Chattanooga, TN Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diverse recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job board and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• September 21: Careers & the Disabled Virtual Career Fair

Eventbrite Virtual Career Fairs

Eventbrite is an events management platform. Their platform allows anyone to find and attend a variety of events. Check out their virtual career or job fair listings.

• September 2: #FlexibleHires Virtual Job Fair / Career Expo Event #Houston
• September 14: Hawaii is Hiring Virtual Job Fair
• September 28: Bilingual Virtual Teacher Job Fair

My Employment Options

My Employment Options (MEO) has been helping job seekers with disabilities for over 20 years. MEO helps candidates find suitable employment in either work at home or community jobs. Check out MEO's job fair page for the next online job fair.

• September 22: My Employment Options Virtual Career Fair

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• September 13: The Minneapolis Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• September 27: The Philadelphia Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• September 14: Job Fair at Fort Hood
• September 20: National Law Enforcement Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• September 27: South Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Get Ready! Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has a lot of tips that can help you prepare for and succeed at a job fair and in your overall job search.

Receiving Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment, and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.

Non-office jobs are growing fast. These jobs can be found all over the country and in almost every industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists occupations with the most projected growth over the next decade, and many non-office jobs are included! If you are looking for a non-office job, here are six occupations that are projected to grow quickly between 2020-2030. The amount of training required to enter these occupations varies from basic on-the-job instruction to more specialized training.

1. Motion Picture Projectionists

These are the people behind the scenes who set up the movie and sound equipment to play movies in theaters. Without them, the film would not look and sound the way it should for everyone to enjoy. This job is not as simple as pressing "play." Projectionists must monitor the equipment throughout the film and watch for adjustments needed in real time. This is a fast growing and essential role in movie theaters everywhere. If you enjoy movies and are interested in behind-the-scenes operations, this could be for you.

2. Wood Model Makers

Wood Model Makers construct full-size and scale-level wooden precision models of products. These jobs are also called Craftsman or Sample Maker. With special training, you may also read blueprints or drawings or meet with designers to determine patterns and machine setups. This could be for you if you enjoy the creative side of building. To start looking for jobs like this, visit our Find a Job page on our website. There is an extensive list of online job boards, and many include jobs in this field.

3. Restaurant Cooks

Restaurant Cooks can have jobs anywhere from fast food to gourmet restaurants. Responsibilities include preparing food, keeping track of food inventory, and maintaining a sanitary environment. Restaurant cooks also make sure all ingredients are fresh and the food is presented well. Learning from a lead cook in a commercial kitchen can prepare you for a job as a chef or other positions in the culinary industry.

4. Ushers, Lobby Attendants and Ticket Takers

These jobs are found in theaters, sports arenas, auditoriums, and concert venues. Attendants greet patrons, help them find their seats and assist other staff as needed. A role in this area can help you learn more about general operations in entertainment facilities. If you have goals to work in venue management, you can start here and show your talents in customer service.

5. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Often when you see the large shiny panels on a rooftop, it's the result of the hard work of these installers. Solar Photovoltaic Installers (PV Installers) assemble, set up and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. PV Installers check the measurements and design of the structure where the system is being set up. This job involves special training and entry level positions typically require a high school diploma. This may be a lesser-known job, but it's expected to grow by 52% in the next 10 years!

6. Makeup Artists (theatrical and performance)

Makeup Artists for actors and other entertainers is a fast-growing field that needs more trained people. You can get experience at your local community theater with a cast of actors, or even with local singers and entertainers at small music venues. In addition, you can volunteer to do the makeup of family and friends. Be sure to take pictures of your work (with permission). This can lead to growing a portfolio to share with potential employers and a fulfilling career in cosmetology. For help finding volunteer opportunities, check out our blog post Finding Your Own Opportunities Through Volunteering.

These are just some of the fastest growing projected non-office jobs. For more occupations, and more extensive information on the jobs listed here, visit the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Finder. You can search for occupations by required level of education, onsite training offered and median pay. For more information on how to find non-office jobs, please read our blog post Think Outside the Office: Finding Non-Office Jobs. If you need help to find a job in or outside the office, the Ticket to Work Program can help!

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help you on your path to financial independence in or outside the office. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working. Our service providers are ready to help you with your job search today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.

Office jobs aren't for everyone. There are so many other options and one of them could turn out to be the best choice for you.

Non-office jobs involve both skilled and non-skilled labor. Some involve completing an apprenticeship program; others may require vocational training or certification; still others include on-the-job training. A few examples of non-office jobs include cooks, painters, hairdressers, welders, drivers, electricians, flight attendants, emergency responders, tour guides, veterinary technicians, custodians and hundreds more. Some industries are growing fast; others are trying to backfill for workers who have moved on. Either way, thinking about a career beyond the office is worth considering.

Today we are sharing a few advantages of non-office jobs.

1. Start working without a four-year degree

A college degree isn't the only option to get the skills you need to work. Earning a college degree takes time and is expensive. Non-office jobs often require shorter training programs and education that you can obtain for a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree. Contact your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency for help exploring training programs. They may be able to provide information, cost comparisons of programs and explore the availability of financial assistance. VR agencies are available in every state and provide a variety of services to help people with disabilities return to work or work for the first time. These may include intensive education, rehabilitation, career counseling and job placement assistance.

2. Gain experience that can lead to more advanced positions

Maybe you have goals toward a job that's more advanced and requires more experience. An entry-level job in that industry is a great place to start. You'll get on-the-job experience and learn more about what specific path you'd like to take.

Here's an example: if you aspire to be a head chef in a large restaurant or banquet venue, you can start off in a small local restaurant. Many top chefs began in a local fast-food restaurant or small bakery. You'll learn the basics and get more experience as you go. Working in a commercial kitchen can teach you not only about food preparation, but about the processes involved in that environment, all of which can lead you to a more advanced role.

3. Learn while you earn with apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs allow you to get paid while you gain work experience, classroom instruction and credentials that employers like to see. You can get hands-on experience that leads to future employment. An apprenticeship is a great option, especially if you are just starting your employment journey or switching to a new field.

An apprenticeship is a real job. It allows you to learn and earn at the same time. Apprenticeships are available in fields such as manufacturing, health care, IT, hospitality and more. According to Apprenticeship.gov, 92% of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship. There is much more information on Apprenticeship.gov, including how to apply for an apprenticeship and current programs available. Our blog post, Why Should I Consider an Apprenticeship? contains even more information.

4. Start working sooner

Non-office jobs often have a shorter application process that starts your journey to financial independence more quickly. Many employers have big signs and announcements at their locations asking people to come in for on-the-spot interviews. Online job boards are frequently updated with jobs that need to be filled immediately. For example, CareerOnestop.org has posted jobs in various industries that need applicants. Visit our Find a Job page for an extensive list of job boards to help with your search.

5. Earn good wages

There are good paying non-office jobs and career paths. The opportunity to earn a good living doesn't only exist in office jobs. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many non-office jobs are listed among the industries with the fastest growing wages. Fields included are agriculture, transit and ground transportation, amusement and recreation, and motor vehicle manufacturing. There are many more to choose from that may be of interest to you.

Learn More

Discovering Blue-Collar Occupations may help you determine a non-office field you are suited for and a training path.

Whatever job path you choose, taking the first step is key and Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program is here to help! The Ticket Program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary and helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence.

To learn more about the Ticket Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

There are many different roads to financial independence and Ticket Program service providers can assist you with the one you choose.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find our texts helpful, but you can opt out at any time.

We are celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed in 1990. This law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations and more. The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations so that employees with disabilities have the same work opportunities as those without disabilities. The Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program together with the provisions of the ADA are major components in helping guide individuals like Lisa to gainful employment.

Lisa, who received a diagnosis of agoraphobia (fear of going out in public places), was unable to work because she found it difficult to be around crowds or to commute to work. After receiving treatment for her disorder, Lisa was ready to begin working again but needed help.

Lisa connected with the Ticket Program through the Ticket to Work Help Line. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers help people prepare for work, find a job or advance in their current position. The Help Line representative provided Lisa with a list of providers she could contact to get help with her job search.

Because Lisa needed accommodations to work productively and comfortably, she discussed options with her service provider, and together they decided that working from home was Lisa's best option. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, working from home is considered a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

From her service provider, Lisa also learned how her benefits would be affected when she started earning an income from work. She learned about Work Incentives that make it easier for people with disabilities to work and still receive medical coverage and, in some cases, disability benefits from Social Security.

Lisa now works full time as a Job Counselor for a service provider called My Employment Options. With support from the Ticket Program and #ThanksToTheADA, Lisa found her path to a better future.

"Working makes me feel empowered. It has helped me grow. I do not suffer any longer from agoraphobia. I actually travel to Florida for work meetings and look forward to the trips. I am now able to run a household while helping other people like me find their calling. I am so lucky to have found Employment Options. I would not have the ... courage to go back to work [without them]. Thanks [to] Employment Options and the Ticket to Work Program, I have changed my life," said Lisa when asked how working and the Ticket Program helped her.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.

Are you ready to begin your career or get back into the workforce? Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, please email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fair

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out their full calendar for a list of virtual or in-person events.

• July 14: Department of Transportation Virtual Hiring Event
• July 20: First Generation Virtual Career Fair
• July 21: Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair
• July 27: Government & Non-Profit Jobs Hiring Event
• July 28: Remote & Hybrid Jobs Virtual Hiring Event

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States’ largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• July 15: Seattle Career Fair – Virtual Video
• July 26: Orange County Career Fair – In Person
• July 29: Orange County Career Fair – Virtual Video
• July 29: Inland Empire, CA Career Fair – Virtual Video
• July 29: Los Angeles Career Fair – Virtual Video

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career Group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and job seekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.

• July 20: Seattle Career Fair
• July 21: Los Angeles Career Fair
• July 28: Dallas Career Fair

DiversityX

DiversityX connects Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Americans, women, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with top companies. For a listing of DiversityX virtual events near you, visit their calendar.

• July 12: Huntsville, AL Virtual Job Fair
• July 15: Ann Arbor, MI Virtual Job Fair
• July 25: Columbus, GA Virtual Job Fair
• July 26: Clarksville, TN Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diverse recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job board and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• July 13: Careers & The Disabled Virtual Career Fair

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• July 19: NAACP Convention Virtual Career Fair
• July 22: NUL Annual Conference and Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• July 14: Tampa Veterans Job Fair
• July 19: Southeast Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• July 26: Northwest Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• July 28: San Antonio Veterans Job Fair

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has lots of tips that can help you prepare for and succeed at a job fair and in your overall job search.

A couple of the listings above are for federal government career fairs. If you're interested in working for the federal government or a federal contractor, please check out these Federal Employment Initiatives.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.