IT Jobs

[mbeezy]

Dudes is hustling backwards getting CS degrees and getting crap certificationsike A+. CS is for programmers nowadays do CIS if you want to get into the network/security stuff.

And even the. If you just trying to do help desk you don't need a degree for that

This is my dilemma , I am not sure if I want to do network/security so I am just getting a CS degree since it is more broad. Most my elective classes are being taken with Network/security so hopefully I could have a minor or something.  And I heard CS degrees will command a higher salary then a regular IT degree. 

 

[jrdnsrnss]

For those in the field already what has been your experience with companies wanting someone with a top secret clearance?

 

[omgitswes]

For those in the field already what has been your experience with companies wanting someone with a top secret clearance?

All of the security positions I've seen require TS clearance. Not sure if that's what you were asking though

 

[az5950]

Answers to this question please

I'm not in DC, but I'd move for a gig up there (I'm in Hampton Roads). All the entry level gigs out here want 1-2 years of experience. There are a few gigs down here that require Top Secret clearance but I gotta tighten up my credit some more before I think about a TS.

Networking fam, a lot of times these days, its not what you know, or who you know, but who knows you. I work in the RTP area so there are plenty of companies, and different groups that meet up during the week discussing new technologies, and recruiters are a consistent staple @ the meetups. Check meetup.com and see if there are any groups in your area or around it, and see if you can get your name out there with some recruiters

 

[justscoreda100]

Ok, granted, so let me ask u this. What would the disadvantages be that u know of if u skip the A+ and go for the more advanced certs w/o a degree in CS or anyhing of that nature?

There are no disadvantages. The only issue you may run into is with lower quality jobs. A lot of entry level helpdesk jobs require A+ certs because a lot of OEMs require techs to have them in order to order / replace parts on computers. You don't even want to work those jobs though. They usually don't pay well. Your Network+ or CCNA will open doors to higher quality jobs.

True. Besides certs, any other advice how to get into IT w/o a IT background?

I'm in the DC area too by the way.

Work for free. Throughout undergrad I worked for free at an internship while doing overnights at CVS. It put me in a better position while competing for jobs once I graduated.

All of the security positions I've seen require TS clearance. Not sure if that's what you were asking though

A lot of them do, but at the same time a lot of them don't. You just have to focus on the ones that don't ask for it. That's what I do. I've done too much dirt during my younger years plus I think its too much of a hassle.

I looking at going more into Policy and planning and maybe going to earn my CISSP. For now, I'm happy where I am at because of the job security and mostly because I got my foot in the door of the GS side. Now it's all about time and experience. And learning more stuff along the way!

Policy and IA make me sick lol. I just had to review a 100+ page SSP the other day at work. I almost offed my self lol. IMO penetration testing, vulnerability assessment and even Incident response are a lot more interesting. Doing policy work 100% of the time is a lot like being back in school.

 

[kkennethj]

I just graduated with a BBA and majored in CIS. Programming is def not for me. I have no experience with any IT and I know experience is very important so I screwed up there. I'm not an amateur on computers though. I also noticed a lot of talk on networking here and it does sound appealing but out of all my courses the ones that interest me are project analyst and possibly database. Anyone have any tips or suggestions? I honestly wouldn't mind a career in networking. Would you suggest I take sec+ and net+? Any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

[luckyluchiano]

I just graduated with a BBA and majored in CIS. Programming is def not for me. I have no experience with any IT and I know experience is very important so I screwed up there. I'm not an amateur on computers though. I also noticed a lot of talk on networking here and it does sound appealing but out of all my courses the ones that interest me are project analyst and possibly database. Anyone have any tips or suggestions? I honestly wouldn't mind a career in networking. Would you suggest I take sec+ and net+? Any advice would be great. Thanks!

Try to land a gig with Best buy sellin computers and or in geek squad and while doing that study for the major certs

 

[menacin methods]

I just graduated with a BBA and majored in CIS. Programming is def not for me. I have no experience with any IT and I know experience is very important so I screwed up there. I'm not an amateur on computers though. I also noticed a lot of talk on networking here and it does sound appealing but out of all my courses the ones that interest me are project analyst and possibly database. Anyone have any tips or suggestions? I honestly wouldn't mind a career in networking. Would you suggest I take sec+ and net+? Any advice would be great. Thanks!

Bro i HIGHLY recommend getting into security. If you are able to get your CISA and CISSP, you could be making close to $100,000 after 5 yrs of experience.
The CISA and CISSP arent like the microsoft test you can find online, you would have to actually study for them.

 

[luckyluchiano]

I hate seeing dudes only talking about money this money that. LOL do y'all even enjoy this stuff?

 

[kkennethj]

Seeing as how there is a lot of emphasis on experience and certs, does a BBA or majoring in the field provide any weigh or advantage at all? It seems like all you need to qualify is to take some cert exams.
I would def consider getting into security. Are there any better options than applying to a retail store in my situation? Do you have any recommended steps for me to take or what certs I should prioritize at this time? I live in nyc if that matters. I really appreciate the responses!

 

[lokid300s]

All of the security positions I've seen require TS clearance. Not sure if that's what you were asking though

I am in this position.  You will need to pass finger print, take ferpa and hipaa as well as security/vulnerability tests.

 

[lokid300s]

I hate seeing dudes only talking about money this money that. LOL do y'all even enjoy this stuff?

I love it. The week you are on-call does suck, but the positive definitely outweigh the negatives:

- 3wk vacation + sick time

- Quarterly reviews

- Budgets and Financial caps usually go to the IT departments, so raises and bonuses are standards

- Telecommuting at your convenience

- Everything is hands on and "virtual" nowadays

 

[lokid300s]

This is my dilemma , I am not sure if I want to do network/security so I am just getting a CS degree since it is more broad. Most my elective classes are being taken with Network/security so hopefully I could have a minor or something.  And I heard CS degrees will command a higher salary then a regular IT degree. 

Bro - get into Network/Firewall/Security.  Get your XEN/CITRIX/ virtualness on.  This is the future.

 

[rell826]

I hate seeing dudes only talking about money this money that. LOL do y'all even enjoy this stuff?

Agreed. I'd be willing to say that there are some that hate what they do but do it because of the money. Do y'all as a career or just a job?

 

[dathbgboy]

I just started looking into the Network+ stuff on Professor Messor and I thought I woldn't get it but I do so far. I haven't seen anyone mention anything about becoming a Certified E-discovery Specialist in here so I assume no one has become one. Heard the work is interesting and worth while. Only negative is the cost for the cert. cheapest I've seen was about a grand.

 

[Mark Antony]

Yeah Hampton roads is not the move unless you're experienced or military. I actually did that move from HR to DC, I got family out here though to help with the transition. I will probably move back to the area, but after I'm done with this degree, come certs, clean credit and keep getting better gigs to spruce up the resume. That or ease into a remote admin position up here where i can live wherever. HR cost of living with DC pay would be phenomenal. I wouldn't stop studying and applying for the entry level gigs, sometimes it's about timing.

That's what's up. Yeah I got fam up there too and a bunch of friends. My cousin and old college roommate are in IT up there so I been trying to get them to keep their eyes open for something. I need a change of scenery anyway.

Yeah and **** what the job requirements are, if you read the description and know you can do it, apply.

 

[jrdnsrnss]

Is professor messer the go to site for studying for security plus? I have the Darril Gibson book as well which i'll be going through and doing the practice questions.

 

[dathbgboy]

Is professor messer the go to site for studying for security plus? I have the Darril Gibson book as well which i'll be going through and doing the practice questions.

If not the only, then the best one. His videos follow the official study guide and he's pretty thorough. On top of that u can find torrent upon torrent of study material. I found a cheat sheet via torrent that has just about all the terminology that you'll see within the Security+ material

 

[rell826]

Is this too much for courses? I'm still doing research.

[h1]Certificate in Information Systems Security[/h1]
This program is designed to provide information security professionals and technologists who require security training with the skills they need to succeed in their professional disciplines. The certificate program is built upon a curriculum to augment security skills with best practices and pragmatic techniques. The curriculum includes courses that expand knowledge and technical skills and that prepare for or support the maintenance of certification.

Upon completion of this program, students have:

• Knowledge of information systems security fundamentals, including access control; administration; auditing and monitoring; and risk, response, and recovery
• Expanded technical knowledge for implementation in multiple technology environments, including client/server, web, mainframe, wireless, and RFID

This certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete four courses—two required and two electives. For certificate advisement, please contact the program office at [email protected].
[h2]Curriculum[/h2]
Required Courses

2 of these courses are required.

[table][tr][th=""]Course[/th][th=""]Title[/th][th=""]Price[/th][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]INFO1-CE9380[/td][td]Cores and Concepts of Information Systems Security[/td][td]$1195[/td][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]INFO1-CE9381[/td][td]Advanced Information Systems Security[/td][td]$1195[/td][/tr][/table]

Electives

2 of these courses are required.
[table][tr][th=""]Course[/th][th=""]Title[/th][th=""]Price[/th][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]INFO1-CE9359[/td][td]Computer Forensics[/td][td]$995[/td][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]INFO1-CE9556[/td][td]Fast Track to CISSP: Security Certification for IT Professionals[/td][td]$1150[/td][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]INFO1-CE9342[/td][td]Firewalls I[/td][td]$1150[/td][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]INFO1-CE9341[/td][td]Intrusion Detection and Analysis: Hacking Understood[/td][td]$1150[/td][/tr][/table]

 

[fantastic4our]

For those in the field already what has been your experience with companies wanting someone with a top secret clearance?

They check like employment for the last 10 years, any criminal charges, credit checks, they interview neighbors, friends (actually talked with a guy for my old college roommate that works in the Pentagon now), ask about drug use, if you have family that lives out of the country, if you've been out of the country and how often, etc.

The main things they want to know is if you're a trustworthy and honorable person, if you have any ties to other countries that would cause you to be against the US, and if you would sell US secrets for money. Look up the SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) requirements. I think there is a lie detector test for the Top Secret but I'm not sure.

 

[omgitswes]

I hate seeing dudes only talking about money this money that. LOL do y'all even enjoy this stuff?

The IT I do now, absolutely hate it. Main goal is to get into IA or cyber security. Don't want to just be tech based either though, so I'll be getting a MBA eventually

 

[jrdnsrnss]

They check like employment for the last 10 years, any criminal charges, credit checks, they interview neighbors, friends (actually talked with a guy for my old college roommate that works in the Pentagon now), ask about drug use, if you have family that lives out of the country, if you've been out of the country and how often, etc.

The main things they want to know is if you're a trustworthy and honorable person, if you have any ties to other countries that would cause you to be against the US, and if you would sell US secrets for money. Look up the SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) requirements. I think there is a lie detector test for the Top Secret but I'm not sure.

Yeah i went through the process already and actually have my TS clearance already as it was mandatory to be able to work my current job with the Air Force right now. I mainly wanna know how big of a deal it is to have it when finding jobs once i'm done in the military. Do employers look for people with TS clearance, do you have a higher chance of getting a job compared to the next guy that doesn't have one, etc. I know if i get a government contract and get a GS job a lot of them look for a TS clearance.

 

[pmatic]

For those in the field already what has been your experience with companies wanting someone with a top secret clearance?

They check like employment for the last 10 years, any criminal charges, credit checks, they interview neighbors, friends (actually talked with a guy for my old college roommate that works in the Pentagon now), ask about drug use, if you have family that lives out of the country, if you've been out of the country and how often, etc.

The main things they want to know is if you're a trustworthy and honorable person, if you have any ties to other countries that would cause you to be against the US, and if you would sell US secrets for money. Look up the SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) requirements. I think there is a lie detector test for the Top Secret but I'm not sure.

I'm filling out my application for security clearance right now.

Do they really talk to the people I list? I have nothing to hide, but yeah.

 

[jrdnsrnss]

I'm filling out my application for security clearance right now.

Do they really talk to the people I list? I have nothing to hide, but yeah.

Yes they do, i had a couple friends message me telling me they just got interviewed by an investigator. My neighbor also got interviewed.

 

[jrdnsrnss]

I'm filling out my application for security clearance right now.

Do they really talk to the people I list? I have nothing to hide, but yeah.

Yes they do, i had a couple friends message me telling me they just got interviewed by an investigator. My neighbor also got interviewed.