01-24-2008, 10:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-25-2008, 08:15 AM by BMWGuinness.)
For those of you who don't know, I work as an IT Security Consultant for a major company that does Security Solutions for Banking Environments.
Recently, there was some downtime expected, so I decided to pursue my degree.
However, we just lost another consultant, and some new opportunities have come my way.
This will be a speed bump for my college education, but an acceleration in my Ethical Hacking pursuits.
I've decided to continue with my IT courses (Systems Analysis, Programming, Database Management, etc) and augment them with more certifications (Linux+, Certified Ethical Hacker, CISSP)
Like I had mentioned before, I want to save my business courses for last, as they will be good foundational prerequisites for my MBA.
I'm also considering an MS in Computer Forensics since it would fall directly in line with my current career.
As a Security Consultant moving to the next level, there are a lot of upcoming perks. World Travel, Protecting Bank Firms, Black Hat Conferences, Working directly with CIOs, six figures. It is something I can see myself doing for a while.
The MBA is still a strong goal, but the opportunities that present themselves have to be taken advantage of first.
I work for a good company and a fantastic supervisor, and I'm finally able to do what I've really wanted to do for some time, get paid to do what I love.
FWIW, I'm extremely happy with my decision. This month I've already made 2 major decisions. 1 is to continue my pursuits as an Ethical Hacker, and 2 is to turn down working at Mission Control for NASA. Next major decision is if I lay down $8000 for my extended warranty (have to decide by Monday).
My advice to anyone who has always thought about a degree, follow your dreams, even if speed bumps come along the way.
Recently, there was some downtime expected, so I decided to pursue my degree.
However, we just lost another consultant, and some new opportunities have come my way.
This will be a speed bump for my college education, but an acceleration in my Ethical Hacking pursuits.
I've decided to continue with my IT courses (Systems Analysis, Programming, Database Management, etc) and augment them with more certifications (Linux+, Certified Ethical Hacker, CISSP)
Like I had mentioned before, I want to save my business courses for last, as they will be good foundational prerequisites for my MBA.
I'm also considering an MS in Computer Forensics since it would fall directly in line with my current career.
As a Security Consultant moving to the next level, there are a lot of upcoming perks. World Travel, Protecting Bank Firms, Black Hat Conferences, Working directly with CIOs, six figures. It is something I can see myself doing for a while.
The MBA is still a strong goal, but the opportunities that present themselves have to be taken advantage of first.
I work for a good company and a fantastic supervisor, and I'm finally able to do what I've really wanted to do for some time, get paid to do what I love.
FWIW, I'm extremely happy with my decision. This month I've already made 2 major decisions. 1 is to continue my pursuits as an Ethical Hacker, and 2 is to turn down working at Mission Control for NASA. Next major decision is if I lay down $8000 for my extended warranty (have to decide by Monday).
My advice to anyone who has always thought about a degree, follow your dreams, even if speed bumps come along the way.
MCDBA, MCSE+Security, MCTS