Weekly thread for any and all career, learning and general guidance questions. Thinking of taking a training or going for a cert? Wondering how to level up your career? Wondering what NOT to do? Got other questions? This is the time and place to ask!

  • Hathaway
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Well, I’m going to go searching these previous posts as well, but, I’m someone that’s always been interested in cybersecurity, but, I have had a hard time committing to the idea of college and so I haven’t. I’ve worked mostly blue collar jobs for the last 8 years or so but, I want to get into the cybersecurity field.

    Should I start with getting a degree of sorts, or, can I collect enough certifications to get me in the door somewhere?

    I have done about a year of IT so not all my work experience is blue collar.

    Any advice would help!

    • Aceae@infosec.pub
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      1 year ago

      It’s great that you have some IT experience, that usually helps more than either a degree or certifications in isolation. The way I look at is is experience > certifications > degree. That being said, it will depend on the job/organization. Some positions will require a degree (sometimes any degree) to get through the HR filter. Less organizations are requiring this which is great.

      If you’re not interested in getting a degree, I would focus on certifications. You can absolutely get an entry-level position with just IT experience and certs.

      My advice would be to look at the requirements for 8+ jobs you’re interested in and make a weighted list of the certifications they’re asking for. Use that this to prioritize which ones you pursue.

      • Hathaway
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        1 year ago

        Thanks for the reply! I’ll start that list now, that’s a good idea.