I've attended a few transition fairs and have heard more than one hiring manager or HR person say that most positions these days are obtained by networking. I am looking to expand my network (Linkedin Ted Holmes) as well as find organizations in the Austin and Waco area that want to hire veterans. I am an SFC 25E ( Spectrum Manager) but have been performing IT project management skills for most of my 20-year career. I have a bachelor in business administration and an MA in Management and Leadership ( Executive Leadership). I also have a security clearance and a handful of IT certifications (security+, ITIL, and CCENT). I have been trained in PM, but haven't been certified. I also know that I probably will have to come into an organization and work my way up, but I don't think that my experience and education should require me to start at the very bottom. Would any advisors or veterans be willing to make these connections?
Answers
Agree with John. Go to PMI.org and attend local chapter meeting for starters...
Hi Tedrick,
I agree with these two responses. I've been in security for 15 years and it's a fantastic career to be in, especially from the perspectives of growth, salary, and job options. I don't think with your experience you would need to start at the bottom, but you would be best served to get some experience.
I recommend finding local security events in your area and just introduce yourself to attendees. Security people tend to be friendly.
Look up ISSA for a local chapter. Go on Meetup, there usually are lots of local security and technology events. Eventbrite can have some too. Many are free. If there is a conference or event coming to Austin that costs a lot, they're always looking for volunteers and it's also a great way to meet people!
You will have to do some legwork and put effort into it, but your efforts will pay off.
Hi Tedrick,
I would suggest that you find local clubs to expand your network. You could also consider volunteering at schools and colleges where they could use your skills. This would help connect you with others.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Jerry
Hi Ted -
Recommend you focus on key-critical skills. PM or PMI certification is of little use. If you want to be in constant demand, you need some verifiable skills in Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence.
Don't bother getting general degrees. MBAs MA or any generalist degree will only get you a generalist salary (low). You need a specialized degree to get a specialized (high) salary.
Check Robert Half salary guide to see what I am talking about.
https://www.roberthalf.com/salary-guide
For example, a generalist Project Manager tops out at $156k but an Application Development Project Manager tops out at $205k. See pages 15 and 16 of the 2018 IT Salary Guide. So - do you want to be a generalist ? No. But to be something other than general requires key-critical skills. And (security+, ITIL, and CCENT) are not those.
http://www.umuc.edu/academic-programs/cyber-security/index.cfm
I recommend you quit spinning your wheels on MBA or MA degree and do something more useful like key-critical Cybersecurity. Think about all the security breaches that have happened over the last several years.
Good luck.
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