Reflects on the most interesting categories within the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, including Investigation, Protection & Defense, and Oversight & Governance. Also explains how these roles align with my drive to serve and protect, while also noting that Design & Development feels less purposeful.
Nicholas Dorsey
25 May 2025
When it comes to the NICE Workforce Framework, there are several work role categories. Work role categories are defined by the NICCS , “A high-level grouping of cyber security functions”(National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies [NICCS], 2025, para. 2). Upon reviewing the work role categories, I find a few to be quite interesting, some more than others. In the following paragraphs, I will explain my top three categories that I find most favorable and why in addition to the one that I find least favorable.
The work role category that I find most interesting is the Investigation category. Investigation is defined by NICCS as conducting national cybersecurity and cyberspace investigations, including the collection, management, and analysis of digital evidence (NICCS, 2025, Investigation (IN)). This category interests me most due to the nature of the category and how it calls for critical thinking, a diverse skillset and learned techniques, and keen observation to solve a problem. In addition, it goes hand in hand with law enforcement and I’ve personally always aspired to be an FBI agent.
Secondly, the category that I’d like to partake in is Protection and Defense. Protection and Defense is defined as protecting against, identifying, and analyzing risks to technology systems or networks. Including investigation of cybersecurity events or crimes related to technology systems and networks (NICCS, 2025, Protection and Defense (PD)). This work role category interests me more so for the same reason that Investigation does, it gives me a sense of serving and protecting and thinking critically while doing so for a “greater good”. Cybersecurity breaches and data leaks are seen almost daily in the 21st century and I would very much like to be on the forefront doing my due diligence to reduce said breaches and prosecuting those who partake in the criminal activity.
Lastly, I would have to say that Oversight and Governance would be my third most interesting work role category. Oversight and governance is defined as providing leadership, management, direction, and advocacy so the organization may effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks to the enterprise and conduct cybersecurity work (NICCS, 2025, Oversight and Governance (OG)). Oversight and Governance it interesting to me because in a sense, I am imparting knowledge and information on others and making an organization better in a sense. When I impart knowledge unto others and put people or things in a better position, I have a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Now, as for the work role category that I find lease appealing, it would easily be Design and Development. Design and Development is defined by NICCS as conducting research, conceptualizing, designing, developing, and testing secure technology systems, including on perimeter and cloud-based networks. Upon reviewing the different career roles within the category, many seem to require creation, development, and maintenance of systems, applications, and clouds. These roles seem like they require a lot of data management and screen time. This does not intrigue me or give me a sense of purpose. It also seems very mundane.
Upon reading this journal entry, you can see that I have a strong sense to serve and protect others and I am most satisfied when I am bettering those around via knowledge with knowledge that I have acquired through my studies and life itself. I believe the world can be a much better place when each one teaches one and people live with the goal and purpose to serve others for the betterment of all.
References
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies. (2025, April 25). Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) | NICCS. Niccs.cisa.gov. https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/nice-framework