While job hunting can be complex and time-consuming, on the other hand, many companies struggle to fill vacancies. Skilled labor in areas like cybersecurity and data engineering is scarce and highly sought after.
According to the “2025 Talent Shortage” survey by Manpower Group, 81% of Brazilian companies face difficulties in hiring qualified professionals. The study surveyed over 40,000 companies across 42 countries and places Brazil among the top in the ranking of countries with the greatest talent shortages. In the Information Technology sector, the scenario is even more critical: 84% of organizations report a lack of skilled professionals.
For the coordinator of the School of Information Technology at Universidade Positivo (UP), Kristian Capeline, areas like cybersecurity and data engineering are prominent due to the accelerated digital transformation of companies. “With the growing use of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, protecting sensitive data and ensuring system integrity have become priorities,” he explains. Therefore, courses focused on these fields show high employability rates. “By the second semester, 92% of students at the School of Information Technology at Universidade Positivo are already in the job market,” he reports.
Additionally, new data protection regulations have come into effect in different parts of the world—such as the LGPD in Brazil and the GDPR in Europe. This increases the demand for specialized professionals to ensure compliance and avoid risks of information leaks. “In data engineering, the explosion in the volume of data generated daily requires skilled professionals to operate tools that organize, structure, and make this data usable for strategic decision-making,” he adds.
How much do cybersecurity and data engineering professionals earn?
Driven by information security regulations, the cybersecurity field offers attractive salaries, ranging from R$ 5,000 to R$ 20,000. In data engineering, compensation can easily exceed R$ 13,000. The variation depends on the level of specialization, company size, and career plans.
Why is it so hard to find skilled labor in these areas?
“Skilled professionals are the front line against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. In the current context, where ransomware, phishing and AI vulnerabilities are on the rise, the lack of specialized skills can lead to inadequate responses, increasing the impact of attacks,” explains Fábio Mostafe, Information Security Specialist at Tecnobank.
The company, which processes thousands of vehicle financing contracts across various states, bets on continuous qualification and hiring professionals specialized in information security, one of the pillars keeping it at the market’s forefront. “Investing in constant training and attracting qualified talent are essential steps to ensure the protection of complex systems, conduct vulnerability analyses, and develop robust security policies. In a global talent shortage scenario, this priority also strengthens organizational resilience,” notes Mostafe.
Capeline observes that traditional academic education, which usually takes at least three years, does not keep up with the speed at which new technologies emerge. Despite good salaries, the market still attracts few candidates. “Cybersecurity and data engineering require advanced technical knowledge, combining mathematics, programming, and IT infrastructure mastery, among others. These factors often deter a significant portion of potential students,” he clarifies.
The coordinator adds that little is said about the vast number of opportunities currently available—and the trend of growing demand in the coming years. “These areas require constant updating, a high level of self-learning, and specific certifications. This creates a gap between what companies seek and the availability of prepared professionals,” he justifies.
Where to start?
Those wishing to enter one of these fields should build a solid foundation in information technology through degrees like Computer Science, Systems Analysis and Development, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering. For cybersecurity specifically, it is essential to have knowledge about computer networks, operating systems, and basic programming languages. Certifications complementing the degree are also valued. Data engineering, on the other hand, requires mastery of SQL and NoSQL databases, along with familiarity with processing tools like Apache Spark and Hadoop and languages like Python and SQL.
How to stand out in the market?
According to Capeline, in addition to technical knowledge, it is essential to develop skills like critical thinking, solving complex problems, and continuous learning. “Soft skills like effective communication and teamwork are increasingly valued, as many technological solutions require collaboration between different areas—and IT professionals with these competencies are becoming rare in the market,” he details. Another differentiator is practical experience: participating in real projects, contributing to open source communities, or tackling technical challenges demonstrates a more attractive profile for companies. Recognized certifications also add value to the resume. Finally, having an innovation-driven mindset and curiosity about new trends makes all the difference in building a successful career.
