Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Is an employer more willing to consider hiring someone with an associates versus bachelor's degree in cyber security?

Veteran

MICHAEL SULLIVAN San Diego, CA

I have a question in regards to my education. I have just over a year left in the Marine Corps and have decided to start pursuing a degree in cyber security. I have been looking at several different schools and trying to find the best path for me. So with that said does it look bad on me to get a degree in the cyber security field from a technical college versus a university? Is an employer more willing to hire someone who has a 4 year degree in this field rather than someone who has a 2 year degree from a technical college. I have been told that employers do like to see the 4 year degree path since it will cover a broad range of general education, but does the additional general education really make that much more of a difference when seeking employment. I like to do things right the first time around and do not want to bounce from school to school so any information in regards to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thankyou

5 March 2016 38 replies Education & Training

Answers

Advisor

James Weaver Odenton, MD

Michael,

TL;DR: The Associates and Bachelor degrees are mile markers on the career road map, focus on the Masters or PHD. An Associates degree may not help if you have experience. If you do not, then the Associates can help. The Bachelors degree is much more valuable at keeping you competitive with peers. Certs support your chosen career path.

To answer your question I'd like to present my situation as an example. I am traveling the road you describe and an overview may help. I retired from the Army with experience in Cybersecurity but no certs or degree. The experience got me in the door with a well-paid job but to stay competitive with my peers I found it necessary to pursue the degree and certs.

With a cybersecurity degree as my goal, my education plan went like this:
1. Get into a local college/university with a respected cybersecurity degree.
a. Attend community college for the Associates degree to have flexibility while studying and working.
b. Transfer to University after Associates degree to get the Bachelor's degree.
c. Along the way I took CCNA, CEH and CISSP -oriented courses and picked up the CISSP cert. Working on CEH now.
3. Complete Bachelors degree (this semester) and roll over into the Masters degree.
4. Work full-time, the entire time, in cybersecurity.
5. On reaching the Bachelors degree, begin planning for continued education after Masters degree, possibly another BS or a PHD.

In hindsight, what would I do differently?
- Begin the degree process earlier. While in the military would have been wiser. I have no regrets about the path I took but it would have been smoother and shorter had I started earlier.
- Consider dropping the Associates degree path. It was intended as an intermediate step to simply document a degree. Experience already opens the same doors. Your situation may be different in this aspect.
- Expand my social networks sooner in my career. These is important to finding wider employment opportunities.

Suggestions/cautions:
- Take a good look at what, in particular, interests you in the cybersecurity field. Cybersecurity is a very broad and almost generic term that has many specializations. Try to narrow it down to what interests you. Switches and routers, policy, governance, compliance, research and development, and enterprise security are just some of the areas. This helps drive the next point.
- Take a bit of care when choosing certifications. I had the opportunity to take the CCNA certification and chose not to do so. I did not want to be pidgeon-holed into switches and routers by prospective employers. Instead, I focused on the CISSP as it encompasses a management overview of the cybersecurity field. My interests lay in enterprise security architecture and engineering, so I decided the CISSP combined with CEH works for me. Once you figure out what specialization fits your interests then find out the certifications that support it and go for it.

14 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Albin Ahmetspahic Chicago, IL

Michael,

All of the answers provided are spot on. I am a USCG Veteran, a USNR Officer, and a Cybersecurity Consulting Manager. So here is my advice: To get past a recruiter, you will have to have a degree unless you are being recruited directly by a senior manager or higher. There are companies however, that will hire you at the analyst level without a degree if you have the experience and a cert. However, if you want to progress in your career, sooner or later, they company will ask for a degree. Bottom line is this, once you start working and the demands of a job and other external factors (i.e. family, hobbies, etc.) will make it very difficult to pursue the degree while working.

That being said, if the BHA you will get when you attend school full time will not be sufficient to survive, then you may want to reassess your approach and obtain a job first and pursue the degree in the evening or online.

9 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

William Bahrt Sequim, WA

Michael:
All of the answers to your question are great and cover some things for you to consider. Right now, the field for Cyber Security is new and there are a lot of incentives to go into the field with qualifying certifications at good money. But consider this: a new field like cyber security has lots of openings during the formative years, but after the market stabilizes, large corporations still cater to those with completed degrees. My son went to work for a major computer company without a degree because he had skills they needed. But after ten years, he was told "no degree, no job" and he was laid off. With five children, he went back to school and got the degree the hard way. He now has an excellent job with a good company. In the long run a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for companies who hire top-notch candidates; and a master's degree is an added plus. I know of one company from Utah who will only look at candidates from the top schools like Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Cal Tech, or BYU; and that is only the beginning. Let's face it, IT and related areas are the leaders in the future, and only the top candidates will have that long-term appeal for the top jobs. I did not start my college years until I was 35 years old. I got my master's at 40 and only then did I have a chance of realizing my potential. Take the time and do it right. You should be able to get credit for your service time and some of the certifications you have completed. Thank you for service and good luck in the future.

8 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Hi Michael,

If I paraphrase your question, here is what I would say :

"Do I go tens of thousands of dollars in debt paying for 19th century style education that will take two years of no or low income, or do I get certified on the technology using 21st century standards today and begin making $160,000 today ?"

Many companies will hire you on-the-spot with a Cisco CCNA Security certification, which you can complete now, while you are still in the USMC.

https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides

https://www.roberthalf.com/sites/default/files/Media_Root/images/rht-pdfs/robert_half_technology_2016_salary_guide.pdf

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/associate/ccna-security.html

So the question is, do you want to go into massive debt for two years making no money, or do you want to skip the debt and immediate go into the career field you have chosen?

The technology certification is far more valuable than the general education you might receive from a brick-and-mortar school.

Good luck, and post back to let us know how you are doing.

JG

7 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jim LeVan Port Monmouth, NJ

Plenty of my friends opted for experience vs. college education - and this has been a smart tactic in the IT field. Certs trump education - and experience trumps both - in this field. I started entry level @ IBM almost 15 years ago, helpdesk, and have worked my way up/thru the industry. Be willing to take on a role at a reputable company that is considered entry-level, take your certs (see below), and you'll get there

CompTIA Security+
CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker.
GSEC: SANS GIAC Security Essentials.
CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
CISM: Certified Information Security Manager.

31 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

James Gonsalves Annapolis, MD

Michael - I would at least consider a lateral move to a cyber MOS (or IT related MOS) if that is an option. You can get the training and the credentials needed while you are in - in addition to some of the industry certifications. 3-5 years later you can still can get out and be a Cyber expert. There is probably a fat re-enlistment bonus as well. The military needs warriors like you who can help operationalize Cyber and your experience makes you uniquely qualified to do that. So stay Marine!

If you are determined to get out - I think all the options you are considering are excellent. I would lean toward going to a top university and getting a Computer Science degree. Apply to Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon or the top State University where you want to live! Your GI bill will pay 100%. Go for it! While in school - you can network, get your security certifications on the side and figure out what part of Cyber interests you. In the past, Network security was the top field but now Cyber includes all of IT including how we write the applications. A Comp Science degree will open up your world to many more options to chose from. A top school will provide an amazing network of other peers to learn from and great internships so you can figure out what you want to do.

One final thought, at least consider the Reserves to stay connected and to keep your clearances. The Reserves have plenty of IT and Cyber opportunities - not to mention NROTC options to sign up for a Cyber Warrior as an officer...You have many options!

Glad to connect anytime!

Semper Fi,

Jamie

8 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Robert Jurasek Hollywood, FL

Dear Michael,

Cyber security is not my area of expertise, although I do have a high level of interest in the subject. It is very likely a career field that I would choose if I were in your position.

A four-year degree is nice to have but something that you can complete at a later date. The demand for cyber security specialists is immediate, and the quickest way to get there is through certification.

Cybrary (www.cybrary.it) is a website that might be of interest to you. All of the courses are free and include a Certificate of Completion. Additionally, the courses are grouped by skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced/Leadership.)

The Cybrary website also has a listing of job vacancies that you could explore with the goal of identifying those certificates or specialties that, within the cyber security community, are most in demand.

Many thanks for your service and all the best in your new career field!

Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek

6 March 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Deb Yeagle Tampa, FL

Michael-
I recently learned of free cybersecurity training for Veterans. Check this out:

https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2015/11/24/hire-our-heroes-offering-free-cybersecurity-training-veterans-through-fedvte

Good luck!
Deb

Advisor

Marz Garcia Fresno, CA

Make sure you augment whichever course of study with practical experience. Find internships and real world experience wherever you can. Depending on the type of IT (basic office networking, desktop security, and printer-kicking vs. server infrastructure / virtualization / data center) work you're seeking should be able to find a non-profit who would be thrilled to have your help.

Advisor

Adam Couch Ladera Ranch, CA

Hi Michael,

I'd recommend obtaining your 4 year degree in a field that relates to cyber security, since it's simply standard for most people to have one and keeps you competitive in the job market. But you can get a degree in anything (since you want the formal critical thinking skills) and then obtain certs with what you'd like to focus in. And while you're going to school, try finding an internship or entry IT job to give you experience with how everything comes together in a business (it's a bit different from the Marine Corps comm shop).

I got started in cyber security consulting with a Bachelor's in criminal justice, and a mentor willing to take a chance on me to help me grow with the business. We've hired veterans for cyber security positions based on their upside, trainability, and willingness to fight through adversity - not always their technical knowledge (or lack thereof). Usually one of the biggest factors for working on my teams is not deterring clients and getting along with the rest of the project team (soft skills).

Reach out directly if you'd like to chat. Good luck, and SF.

Adam

Advisor

Reid Lohr Greenville, SC

Micheal,
Your question is very insightful and as you can see, the answers are varied. The typical answer/response is to be your bachelors degree with specialization in cyber security or a related program.
However, a recent study on the subject cited the contrary (sorry, but I forgot the author & name of the article). The bottom line was that if you are strictly interested in cyber - then the bachelors degree serves no advantage and could actually be a detriment. The field and industry is changing so fast that employers (including the USG) is actually looking for folks with a 18-24 month technical degree on the subject. The article actually mentioned the 1800 cyber related jobs in the Baltimore/DC area which employers are having difficulty filling.
In support of that - I was recently discussing a similar subject with the Provost of two community / technical colleges in different parts of the country who basically supported the same. Additionally, the Dept of Labor is refining a mentorship program which emphasis the highly specialized 2-year degree to help address the current and future employment gaps in the high demand technical jobs.
The universal feeling was that folks with a 4-year degree were actually behind the curve when seeking employment.
Your call, but if this is what you want- I would advise get your 18-24 month cyber security degree/certification from a recognized institution; then go on to get your Bachelor's after you get employed or are ready.
Just my thoughts based on info and feedback.

Best of luck on the decision.
reid

Advisor

Doug Bohrer Northbrook, IL

Based on what I see in my job right now, my advice to you is to get the AA degree and get in on this field while it's hot. It's very hot right now, and as demand rises, recruiters and managers get more flexible on requirements like BA degrees. They just want someone NOW who can do the work. You can get further education through company tuition reembursement while you are working. I know lots of people who have done that. Also, a lot of companies, including the one I work for, are actively recruiting veterans.

There has been an almost unbelievable change in corporate management awareness of cyber security issues in the last 12 months. I am currently a Risk Management and Compliance Champion for a data warehouse area of a large financial services company. It's my observation that the Office of Personnel Management hack, which stole 20 million personnel records, was one hack too many. I had a some restricted private information projects that I wanted to do that had been slowed down due to lack of resources. The company spent a lot of effort on the perimeter, implementing 2 factor login and other "outside the wire" protection. Suddenly last June my management wanted to know how quickly I could get all of my stuff done, and also asked me to list any other ideas I had to improve security inside the system. Right now there is a corporate wide investigation of where Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Personal Health Information (PHI) and Personal Credit Information (PCI) is stored. Senior management (the brass) has announced a massive effort to protect all of this restricted private information going forward. All of my observations on holes and suggestions for solutions are being collected in a corporate wide tool. They have gotten deadly serious really fast.

This change in business climate is why I think you should enter the job market sooner, with an AA, rather than later, with a BA.

Advisor

Christopher Ahlberg Holtsville, NY

Great advice above here. My thoughts (I run a cyber security company and have hired quite a few veterans).

a) In your last year in service, learn as much as you ever can. If you can get an
assignment in information/cyber security in the USMC, of course be all over that. Might even
be worth staying an extra year for that. Remember that both hard core security
is helpful - but other skills can be very helpful too. Intelligence is a great area
to bring along. Threat intelligence is a huge area in cyber.

b) Start learning, now! Cyber security is a remarkably practical area - many more people
with various sort of "cobbled together" resumes than in other parts of IT I would say.
Get your certifications right now. Start hacking (!) yourself [within legal limits]. Learn everything there is to learn. Read every information security blog there is. Get all over it.

c) Education is always great of course (I have a phd... spent too many years in school :) - but no reason to wait. Get into this, get practical - and then study night time for your bachelors degree.

C

Advisor

ROY VALE San Antonio, TX

Well, I am not an expert at cyber security - not even close, ... but I do know that education and especially specialization tied with certifications can go a long way -- I presume that with the internet and some $$, you may have some flexibility to study on your time -- Not a great answer , but you do pose a question we all battle with during our life times - Stay focused and move, just keep moving forward. Last option is to ask potential employers that same question, they may even have some recommended schools or paths to take?

Advisor

THIEN HUYNH Baldwin Park, CA

Hi Michael,

I am a USMC Veteran myself with my MOS 2831, Technical Controller. With my previous background, I had CISCO certifications from Net Plus and Security Plus and was trying to get CCNA 1-4, but time constraints from training and exercises. I recommend talking to the career center representation in the education center. They helped me dressed my resume and career experience development. In addition, location is a prime reason for employers' hiring process. I got many offers from employers located in the East Coast but I lived I in California, so it was not an option for me. Degree is great, but our training and experience can override that. It is necessary to get a Bachelors, but remember to develop your resume.

Advisor

Ted Mittelstaedt Portland, OR

Michael,

You have to be able to write code. Holes today in computer systems are of 2 types - social ones (workflow problems. lack of passwords, poor controls) or holes in the APIs. You won't be worth very much if you can't look at something like the patch that Google put in to close the FUSE vulnerability in Android and understand it. So your future degree plans have to include that - otherwise you condemn yourself to a life of scratching around on the periphery of cyber security. Don't bother trying to become an expert in closing "social holes" in computer systems because the only people who get paid for that are lawyers.

I don't see long term employment prospects for cyber security people in most businesses. Right now everyone is trying to hire cyber security people but that is going to taper off. The reason is that the industry is moving towards use of consultants and consulting firms. Most will drop $40K on an audit from a cybersecurity law firm that will be done by 2 groups of people - the lawyers and the techies with cybersecurity certificates - before they will create their own department. They use lawyers because the businesses have to quantify the dollar value of their risk because if a hole happens the business gets sued. And they use techies to actually point out the holes.

Large companies will of course always run their own cyber security departments. But, when Target got broken into how many people in Target's cyber security department do you think kept their jobs? Probably not many or maybe any. Yet, most companies will continue to engage in insecure workflow practices which are the root of many of these cracks against the advice of their security consultants and their own security departments, I see it all of the time.

Unless you want to go into cyber law, your best bet is getting a 4 year computer science degree and pumping out a couple of software packages to prove you know how to code. Then maybe get a cert in cyber security if you really want to. You will be much more employable that way.

Advisor

Nawzer Parakh New Orleans, LA

Michael,
While an associates degree may be a step forward, I have to agree with those who have advised you go further than a bachelor to a master's degree. These days a bachelors degree in this field has been described to me as "just about fit to repair people's computers". It may be expensive but this is a field well worth the investment.

Veteran

Bernie Penkin Vancouver, WA

Hello Michael,

I managed to get my BS degree after I retired from the Coast Guard. Didn't know about the importance of certification until well into the degree program. I was told by many different folks that some businesses place higher importance on the cert over education. You may want to pursue a couple of certs before getting your BS. Just a thought.

So far I have not gotten a single call back on any IT job I have applied for. I did make a few calls and even though the job did not require a cert the company hired the person with a cert over me. Good luck in what ever you do.

Bernie

Advisor

Carl Martin Salinas, CA

excellent posts! Howeve if you don't get past the interview, you are just spinning your wheels. Again, all these posts are great, but keep in mind if a hiring entity can save some money, they will. Make sure you have some idea of the kind of salary you want and be prepared to back it up. This is important for your first job. Maybe it won't be your career job, but the experience you get from it is valuable. I counsel people getting back into the workforce. I also coordinate with employers. I prefer to market the job seekers skills to the right people. Being a vet myself puts me in a unique position. Most vets are job ready. Try landing the job first, get your feet wet in the field. Ask questions, shoot for their IT departments while honing your skills. And yes, you need to keep up with others in your field because they too are competing. Good luck brother!

Advisor

Marc-Anthony Arena Rochester, NY

MIchael,
Either 2 or 4 year degree is fine. 2 will suffice, especially if you switch to a cyber security MOS, and especially if you can obtain Top Secret clearance - employers of course value that. My best buddy served in the Marines, after earning a degree in literature, and while serving, he was taught cyber security. He is now earning top dollar - I believe the most important reason for that is because he's a veteran. Best of luck - you're going to do great.

Advisor

Gary Ross West Palm Beach, FL

Hello Michael & Happy St. Patrick's Day!
In this day and age, an Associate Degree from a Tech School does not carry much weight. I would recommend you pursuing your Bachelors Degree at a University (not a for-profit university like Keiser or University of Phoenix). With your Military background and a 4 year degree, you will, be in a very powerful position. Employers will want to meet with you.
Gary

Advisor

Linda Carroll Broomfield, CO

Michael,
In reviewing everyone's answers, there is good advice (and bias). As an employer let me add:
1. You may be able to start with an Associates and certs, but you will need that BS/BA to remain competitive in your career. If you select a technical (only) program make certain your program credits are transferrable to a university or don't do it.
2. Many employers have a tuition reimbursement plan (usually it is reimbursed with the achievement of passing the classes with a certain grade) - so if you choose an AA plus certs, you could continue your education while employed and they will share in the cost. Research this when you select your employer.
3. Microsoft has a special software training program for vets, and they hire directly from their program (I don't work there, so I don't know if this includes cyber security, but you should be able to check).

Good luck, Linda

Advisor

Mark Hannah Incline Village, NV

Michael connect with me on LinkedIn, search Mark Hannah CEO, Marine, Microsoft to connect. Per Security+ and CISSP there are many areas to gain knowledge in and there are ranked businesses/universities that have tailored degrees. Personally, my bank and many state forms do not ask if I have a degree...it isn't like it was 20 years ago so beware most advisors here are giving great advice but its what that they learned in the 70's and 80's and not relevant today or the next ten years. If your goal is to work at a particular employer then going through the typical HR department route and meeting their degree requirements must be met like the millions of other applicants on the planet. Being a Marine leader, you're not a follower or a sheep and from experience being a wolf you will excel and be more successful, in every way, on the entrepreneur roadmap. Again, a degree doesn't have the weight it used to in terms of value for two primary reasons, its ~$80,000+ for a STEM degree in the U.S. yet in comparison to an individual who is not a U.S. Citizen IN MOST CASES, their degree costs half and/or was bought on a black market from a diploma mill yet interestingly HR doesn't care or checks. From personal experience I invoiced at $100/hr ($200,000 yr) before having a degree with just enlisted military experience, saving my clients millions in costs or increased and validated with data massive revenue and I'm more than happy to share my story 1-on-1 with a fellow Veteran offline. Lastly, easiest thing to do is go to Indeed.com and search CISSP or Security+ then review all the education requirements for both full-time and contractors. DO NOT give your resume to a staffing firm as most are operating as resume farms to plagiarize your experience...I'm working with LinkedIn on providing a secure service to avoid IP theft from resumes. Cheers.

Advisor

Mark Hannah Incline Village, NV

John Green thank you for living in today's world! Here is the question Michael? Did Bill Gates have a four year degree, Zuckerberg, etc. NO! These big tech companies love baby-boomer failed advice and enjoy not having competition, so sure become another in-debt Bachelor Degree holder earning peanuts. The bottom line dollar signs of your projects is what matters, not hiring qualified candidates, degree or not.

If you didn't pay near ~$100,000 for a 4-year degree with or without GI Bill its quite rude to solicit to someone to follow your footsteps -the banks love you for your marketing you should ask for corporate sponsorship.

Michael, as fellow Marine let me inform you of the next five years. Zuckerberg, Gates, Ellison, and Chambers have bribed/lobbied D.C. to uncap Visa cheap labor constraints, which means you're are TOO expensive to hire as they have level-set H1B wages at say $80k. Mathematically to add to John's comment, how do you pay your student loan debt among other costs, particularly if you won't even get hired?

THIS is the most important thing to know that nobody in this thread seems to see, to avoid the costs and trouble of 90% H1B IT departments, Zuckerberg and Gates are pushing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in a BIG way, heck Samsun is giving knowledge workers the shackles for free with a new phone. Why? in a Virtual Reality, like Second Life per se, knowledge workers from living rooms around the WORLD can collaborate and have meetings as if they were in Seattle or Palo Alto. AND? this new workforce is void of Visa costs, caps, lobbying, degree pedigree, and worst level-sets knowledge workers wages globally -think of tax implications too.

So how to transition? hmm bet the universities can't tell you as they don't know, corporate? nope, maybe entrepreneurs like those who start companies everyday without a degree, the silicon valley way I guess you'd say. Do four-year universities teach how to be an entrepreneur? not really, why? because like universities today who can't decipher an MOS and help you on a resume, most professors need to walk the walk before they talk the talk. Here's my two cents, if you can avoid or mitigate costs for a four year degree, go for it and ensure you go to a brick and mortar for some classes to build professional relationships- I'v done both online and physical schools and there's pro's and con's, professor industry connections are valuable. Certifications are great too but be cognizant to inform the instructor how to distinguish your education against IP theft from India and/or rubber stamped certifications bought on the cheap (Americans can't buy these BTW). The greatest thing you can do for the next economic labor force is hands-on application with a local artisan touch, so learn at the bookstore and freelance your skills for low rates, documenting everything valuable that you provide your customers. Then simply incorporate your business and market your portfolio, your distinct brand, and even get corporate sponsorship to flip the bill for Marketing... Be very informed that anything training or education is a highly lucrative Business and the GI Bill is seen as a blank check to pay for it -this site is used for solicitation too. Again, note you are a huge target for money to pay for education and training so please be very mindful of where and what you our tax dollars pay for. Validation, in the information age there is omnipresent knowledge that truly is power when utilized properly so know its ok to break from old ways that are truly irrelevant for the next decade. I'm working on a nonprofit that targets people with AAs and certs to be marketable and compete with H1Bs to employers in order to bring back the middle-class, which is not easy because of this education debacle fed by old ways and corrupt off-shore corporate strategy. Please feel free to connect on LinkedIn, Semper Fi.

Advisor

George Valencia Elk Grove, CA

Sergeant Sullivan,

Experience trumps education every time, but an education is a long term plan.

The industry is hurting for cyber warriors and is not going to fill those slots anytime soon. In addition, any job you get now will increase your current salary from the military. I am a big proponent for the Reserves to maintain military experience and potentially cyber experience that aligns with your civilian career plans. Certifications are somewhat of a help, but again experience is key. It might be better to use the experience you have to get into the area you want as entry or mid-level and make a list of the benefits you would like (i.e. paid education) and use both GI Bill and education reimbursement to later achieve education goals for advancement.

Bottom line - get out there and get the job now and then fulfill your education goals where needed. The challenge will be to organize and develop your resume to reflect existing cyber experience to obtain that first job.

Godspeed and Semper Fi

Advisor

Madalyn Mercado New Rochelle, NY

Yes, your advisor/friend is absolutely right - employers prefer to see a 4-year degree as oppose to a 2-year technical school. As you have probably been advised, your bachelor degree from accredited school can be used for so many other avenues.

Good luck

Advisor

Daniel Selli Arlington, VA

If all you have is an associates, I would recommend pursuing additional IT certifications that can bolster your resume to try and even the playing field a bit.

Unfortunately, many professionals have a minimum of a bachelors degree so it may be hard to compete. So, I have to agree with everyone else...pursue your bachelors degree! The GI bill is an amazing resource. If you attend an in-state school, the GI bill will likely cover all of the expenses. If you opt for the private school route, you can apply for the Yellow Ribbon program that will help to pay for the rest of the expenses. Not to mention you'll receive BAH (E-5 equivalent + dependents) which is amazing.

Feel free to private message me if you have any questions...I EAS'd in October 2015.

Dan

Advisor

Beth Oneill Lombard, IL

Michael,
Need plus fit plus chemistry equals a job offer. You can start now by reading job listings. Employers look at education, experience and transferable skill, perhaps received from your military service. I think the certifications received from a community college vocationally focused would work. Here in DuPage, College of DuPage offers a program in cyber security and ethical hacking. but while you're getting education, it sure wouldn't hurt to get a part time job in some area of cyber security, perhaps a geek squad. You can check out
COD at www.cod.edu. I don't know if they offer distance,but I think DeVry does for sure.

IT professionals have to make a life long commitment to learning as technology is always changing.
Beth ONeill

Good luck and thank you for your brave service.

Advisor

Kristin Garcia Norman, OK

Hi Michael,
I used to work for Western Governors University (wgu.edu) and you may want to look into their IT Bachelor's Degree since many of the exams you take for your classes are also the certifications employers are looking for in your industry. It's a non-profit competency based online program. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about they school.

Advisor

John Nance Murfreesboro, TN

There are a lot of companies out there that will hire with a technical degree or even based on military training, HOWEVER not pursuing a BS degree will limit your upward mobility in the future. You will be at a distinct disadvantage for promotions if you are competing against those with degrees. My suggestions to others that have been in your shoes is go for the full BS degree to start with from a reputable (accredited) institution. This will best position you for a good starting job and for future opportunities. If funding is an issue then plan B is to get the technical (associate) degree and get your foot in the door with a strong company, but continue to pursue your BS. Many times associate degree credits can be applied toward your BS, AND if you choose carefully your employer may have tuition assistance that can help you with the expense. No matter what, getting your foot in the door is the main goal and a major advantage.

Good luck & God bless you for your service.

Advisor

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. San Diego, CA

Hands down - go for the full four year degree from a major university. You will blow away the competition that only has a two year degree. Once you finish with a two year degree and start working in the field it is very difficult to go back to college. Better to jump in and do it when you have the chance. and not believe that "later on" you can go back to school.

Advisor

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. San Diego, CA

Hands down - go for the full four year degree from a major university. You will blow away the competition that only has a two year degree. Once you finish with a two year degree and start working in the field it is very difficult to go back to college. Better to jump in and do it when you have the chance. and not believe that "later on" you can go back to school.

Advisor

Jeff Shoemaker Lake In The Hills, IL

Michael,
You'll gain more knowledge in IT and other skills from a Bachelor degree but geting a ind. Cyber Security certification, e.g. A+ provides even more value.

Veteran

Terria Wheeler Norcross, GA

Hello Michael,

Consider researching employers right now who are hiring Veterans in cyber security field today by the zip code you wish to live in. You may ask how?

www.careeronestop.org will alow you to do a Veteran search or a regular job search but from four different job sources. Just type in Cyber Security/zip code within the last 3 days.. Read the job requirements as far as which degree employers are looking for and once you've seen a common requirement then go get that degree!

Advisor

Louis Schwarz Somerville, NJ

Hi Mike,
I recommend you get the CISCO Security certificate as John Green suggested, while you are still in the marines. It will give you an opportunity to see if it what you want. A 4 year degree is for your future, you need more credentials than a certificate to have a career in IT security. IT security or security using IT, is a new area that will grow quickly, be ready to get in(certificate) and stay in (degree).
Good luck!!

Advisor

Pat Skelly Raleigh, NC

Hi Michael, thank you for your service. My son-in-law is currently a Naval Officer and he was stationed in San Diego on the Stockdale for 3 years. He has also served in Okinawa and is now serving at the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

I agree with Glen and Deb. Yes the others all make good points though. I am a University Recruiting Program Manager with IBM. Last year I attended the Women in Cyber Security Conference last year in Atlanta. I learned allot from the conference. The most important thing I learned was that the unemployment rate is 0% for Cyber Security. At this point in your life if you have the GI bill paying for your education, you can make so much more money having a 4 year degree and it will also make you more marketable where you can write your own ticket. I have 24 years out of my 41 years with IBM in Recruiting.

Advisor

Deb Yeagle Tampa, FL

Michael-
Thanks for your service!
I agree with Glen - get your four year degree! In my 30+ year career, I have seen very few IT positions in the IA/Cybersecurity field that allow two year degrees. With a 4 year degree, you demonstrate that you have developed critical thinking skills, which are very important in this field. Certifications are essential as well, and a must if you are working on DoD networks.
Good luck and enjoy your educational journey! You should have no problem landing a career in cyber, and with a four year degree you will be able to demand a higher salary!
Thanks again!
Deb

Advisor

Glen Alleman Longmont, CO

Michael, I consulted with our Cyber guys and their answer was of you have the time get the 4 year degree and focus on computer science with that degree. That way you have a basis to do other things in the software world as well as just cyber. There are certifications as well, once you get your degree. In the SD area there are several universities that offer CS and Security focus programs.
This is a Master program https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-cyber-security-operations-and-leadership/ But I'm sure the counselors there can advise you.
For just a technician approach http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/cisco/ may be a place to look into. My sister lives in Vista and could introduce you to the counselors there.
Both approaches depend on your academic interest and time line for work.
I don't know what the GI Bill pays these days - It funded a Masters program in the late 70's But I'd suggest getting as much educations as you can stand.
Keep in touch, and I'll forward my sisters contact information

Here's some background on the field as well http://www.rand.org/pubs/testimonies/CT453.html?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=rand_social

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.