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I am considering switching gears and entering the InfoSec/ Cybersecurity field. I would be starting from scratch, and there are A LOT of different certifications and education options. What is the best, most direct path to gainful employment in this field?

Veteran

Zachary Ashcraft Stafford, VA

Any clarification on whether certifications or going back to school for a degree, would be greatly appreciated. Anything else you may have to offer I would gladly accept!

22 June 2020 5 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Karen Lau Bedford, NY

I'm not sure if you took any action since your posting or where you are located. But there are 10 major universities that are hosting a program that my colleague helped write here at IBM. It’s specifically tailored to Cyber Skills and getting Veterans and transitioning military real skills in that space. https://uwf.edu/centers/center-for-cybersecurity/uwf-cyberskills2work/ - Hope this helps.

Advisor

Robert Jurasek Hollywood, FL

Dear Zachary,

The field of cybersecurity interests me, but it is not my area of expertise.

There is one website that may help you sort through the various options: https://www.cybrary.it/.
Also, I found an old article, "Zero to Employed in 3 Months" that might be of interest to you:
https://go.cybrary.it/ZSD6X01mY0000h0k930VIBO. Granted, the article is almost two years old, but it serves as an example of what one person accomplished in a short period of time.

Besides cybersecurity, you may want to consider Aviation Safety Inspector. In USAJOBS.gov, simply enter 1825 as the "Keyword" and click Search. This is an example of an entry level position: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/571419400. The position has a promotion potential of FG (GS)- 14.

If you decide to apply, please let me know, and I will assist you.

Good luck with your transition and thank you for your Service!

Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek

Advisor

Brock Renshaw Tampa, FL

Hi Zach

I am a tad ahead of you in that journey.

I’ve been able to discern several paths.

Please send me your resume to: brock.renshaw@citi.com.

We can setup some time to talk about the field to help distill what elements interest you. Each path has some unique requirements. And it’s not a one size fits all field.

Thanks much for the opportunity to help out.

Brock

Advisor

Brock Renshaw Tampa, FL

Hi Zach

I am a tad ahead of you in that journey.

I’ve been able to discern several paths.

Please send me your resume to: brock.renshaw@citi.com.

We can setup some time to talk about the field to help distill what elements interest you. Each path has some unique requirements. And it’s not a one size fits all field.

Thanks much for the opportunity to help out.

Brock

Advisor

John Volpe Seaford, NY

Zackary:

Cybersecurity is obviously one of the fastest growing specialties in business and government agencies. I’d strongly recommend you network with cybersecurity specialists within the military and civilian worlds. Suggest checking out www. cybersecurityventures.com for a list and description of cybersecurity industry association. You can contact one or more of the listed companies there for educational and career guidance .

Also, doing a search on veterans with cybersecurity expertise yielded a number of sites offering suggestions to vets interested in cybersecurity. See “ Helping Veterans Start a Career in Cybersecurity “

Good luck.

John

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