IT Certifications and Careers (Official Discussion Thread)

[Mowgli]

Depends on where you go and who you use, but I would say 3-5K for a 5 day class, including lodging and meals.

Entry level pay?

Intermediate level pay?

 

[McTwerk]

Entry level pay?

Intermediate level pay?

All depends where you live, or are willing to move to.

I am in New England and well.

Entry level up here I would say 60K, Intermediate upwards of (and over) 80K.

 

[Mowgli]

All depends where you live, or are willing to move to.

I am in New England and well.

Entry level up here I would say 60K, Intermediate upwards of (and over) 80K.

I see. Thanks for the information.

 

[McTwerk]

I see. Thanks for the information.

Word...Good luck!

Security is exciting and interesting, the threat landscape changes daily and there is always something new to learn and do.

Like I said, my next step is the OSCP, which is very technical and hands on.
Jumping point after that (along with real world experience of course) is 6 figures working at a pen testing firm.

 

[Mowgli]

Word...Good luck!

Security is exciting and interesting, the threat landscape changes daily and there is always something new to learn and do.

Like I said, my next step is the OSCP, which is very technical and hands on.
Jumping point after that (along with real world experience of course) is 6 figures working at a pen testing firm.

How old are you and have long have you been doing this if you dont mind answering.

 

[McTwerk]

How old are you and have long have you been doing this if you dont mind answering.

I am 34 and have been in IT for the 13 years. Last 3 years have been strictly security focused.

 

[Mowgli]

I am 34 and have been in IT for the 13 years. Last 3 years have been strictly security focused.

Not bad. Theres hope.

 

[McTwerk]

Not bad. Theres hope.

There is always hope. Gotta put the work in, but that is with everything.

 

[krexzen]

Given your background, you may be able to get the CEH then and bypass the Security+ (more entry level cert).

The CEH is more theoretical, but still techincal and still need a strong understanding of networking, protocols and how they behave, some basic programming, etc.

This is the book I used for the CEH studies and found it to be a great resource:

BARNES & NOBLE | CEH Certified Ethical Hacker by Matt Walker | NOOK Book (eBook), Other Format

A CEH with that background will get you alot further then the Sec+.

Does the info in this book pretty much touch on whats in the sec+ inadvertedly?

I'm studying for the Security+ right now and it looks like half the stuff is already covered in the A+ and Network+ (both of which I have). Someone with a CCNA would probably have no problem reading the book and passing this test. The Gibson book is only about 500 pages and it is a real straight forward and easy read.

 

[Cap. Scarlet]

I've only been in this Help Desk position for almost 6 months and I'm about to lose my mind. Granted, I've worked in call centers before but this is a different beast in itself. It's fun to learn new things though. The work is not hard, it's the users that call and the stupid tickets that they create that gets to me. I definitely cannot do this for another year. I have to stay focused and work my tail off to get to the next position.

 

[Conscious Pilot]

I've only been in this Help Desk position for almost 6 months and I'm about to lose my mind. Granted, I've worked in call centers before but this is a different beast in itself. It's fun to learn new things though. The work is not hard, it's the users that call and the stupid tickets that they create that gets to me. I definitely cannot do this for another year. I have to stay focused and work my tail off to get to the next position.

what certs do you have?

From What I get from this thread.. A+ than Network+ than Security? And hopefully some experience in between

 

[NormanConnors]

between .net, java, and sql

what is the easiest to learn (as far as grasping) and most lucrative?

i'm looking to escape the world of desktop support.. hopefully migrating towards network security or the above mentioned in regards to what peaks my interest.

 

[FreshFromATL]

between .net, java, and sql

what is the easiest to learn (as far as grasping) and most lucrative?

i'm looking to escape the world of desktop support.. hopefully migrating towards network security or the above mentioned in regards to what peaks my interest.

For me, it was SQL. But everyone may be different.

 

[patscorpio]

between .net, java, and sql

what is the easiest to learn (as far as grasping) and most lucrative?

i'm looking to escape the world of desktop support.. hopefully migrating towards network security or the above mentioned in regards to what peaks my interest.

easiest - SQL by far

lucrative - it varies but typically the more languages you know makes you more attractive to employers

 

[Cap. Scarlet]

what certs do you have?

From What I get from this thread.. A+ than Network+ than Security? And hopefully some experience in between

I only have a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, but I was a computer technician for a year. I really don't see the point of getting A+ or Network+ certified at this point. I'm currently working a Help Desk position so I can get the experience.