Seth Lynch ⋅ Plano, TX Hewlett Packard ⋅ 15 years experience

Dakota,

Traditional telecom and IT are really one in the same these days. Most telecom services are software services running on IT hardware. You really don't work in Telecom, you work in wide area networking (WAN) if you work for Charter. You're already in IT.

Charter (Spectrum) is actually one of the biggest IT companies in the country. I'd suggest you look internally first. Find a manager internally that can help you understand where the Charter NOCs are located. Moving into a NOC role will get work exposed to the central networking and IT systems then go from there. I know Charter/Spectrum uses a lot of contractors in the field, so if you're a contractor, talk to the manager of your contracting company. A lot of them have contracts to fill roles in NOCs as well.

Alden Hutchison ⋅ Chicago, IL IBM ⋅ 27 years experience

Dakota,

I've been in the Cybersecurity industry for years. Security resources are scarce so many companies are now hiring people with little to no experience and training them on the job. Here is an example of an opening at IBM where you will learn on the job. There are many more like this out there.

https://referrals.ibm.com/r/AldenHutchison/job/15376731/hacker-apprentice-austin-tx/

Jeff Martin ⋅ Ashburn, VA The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ⋅ 25 years experience

I’d suggest that you network at the target company or industry. Use LinkedIn to find people already working there and reach out to them. Ask them the process they used to get hired and ask them to help you navigate the hiring process and if they are willing, ask them to submit you as a referral. These activities require much more time on your part but in my opinion would greatly increase your chances for success. Good luck!

Joy Montgomery ⋅ Pleasanton, CA ReBoot Camp ⋅ 30 years experience

Networking is key. Consider joining AFCEA. Get involved so people see what you're like to work with. The jobs could find you. Dues are affordable and there is a chapter near you. https://eriecanal.afceachapters.org/

Lee Legnon ⋅ Spokane, WA Avertium ⋅ 20 years experience

Hello Dakota,

I agree with Alden. I've been in the Cybersecurity space for 20 years and we can't find enough qualified folks. There's lots free/low cost training to be had to build on your current education. You could almost certainly land a position as a SOC Analyst most anywhere, then you could learn for a year or two. It's not the most glamourous position, but you'll learn a ton as you tend to "see it all" in a place like that. It's also a good place to get some additional training/certifications. Best of luck

June Webb ⋅ Chevy Chase, MD JWebb Inspire ⋅ 17 years experience

Dakota,

Connect with me on Linkedin and I can point you towards people in different companies and branches of IT in the DC MD and VA area.
I have collaborated with CEO’s and also coached executives in IT.
IT is a broad term so you will want to identify the exact skill that you are interested in and can sharpen your current skill in a particular department.

June Webb
linkedin.com/junewebb

Dakota McGraw ⋅ East Syracuse, NY U.S. Army National Guard, Specialist ⋅ 6 years served

Thank you all for the feedback! It has given me much more insight and thinks to look into.