| Topic Name: |
Starting out in IT Security |
| Message Name: |
Some security thoughts to consider |
| Date Posted: |
08/03/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi,
I have an undergrad degree in Business and am looking to start class in IT Security for a certificate. I don't have any technical experience, ,just a few years in sales/cust svc. My question is: Is it worth pursuing IT Security, which is supposedly an up-and-coming industry, without any IT experience? Or should I try pursuing something more practical, like an MCP or A+, to get my foot in the door? With the down market of today, can I realistically land a decent job to get me to my desired field of Security specialist or analyst after a year of training? |
| Message: |
Before you take the plunge into information security, here are a couple of things to consider (this coming from someone who has been in the security field for 15+ years):
- it is a great place to make an entrance into IT. Few other career paths are in as short supply as security.
- consider the entrance costs. Security is not something that employers will generally train you to learn on the job. Get a CISSP, or a specialized skill in firewell, VPN, routing, O/S, etc. security prior to asking an employer for more depth and breadth training. Since their assets are on the line, you will not really be given a chance for much OJT.
- Security pays very well, once you have established yourself as competent. Even security adminstrators may earn significantly more than their counterparts in the same IT shop.
- Consider the downstream limitations of security. If security is what you know, then the pyramid for really choice jobs gets sharp. Very sharp. The top 50 or so security officers in the country make good coin. The top 1,000 or so CIO's in the country make good coin. At some point, you will have to decide if the security life is sufficient for your needs and lifestyle. If so, great. If not, then you need a transition strategy to the operational side of the house. This is not an easy transition, but feasible none the less.
Wish you well.
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