Hello! I’m hoping to get in to the Cybersecurity field but I don’t know where to start. There are so many cybersecurity boot camps out there and the look shady and they are super expensive. I’ve also looked in getting my Masters in Cybersecurity but I don’t want to create debt. I just don’t know what to do and where to start. Also, there are so many certifications out there ad I do t know which one to invest time and money into. Im also in search of a mentor in the field already and who can point me in the right direction. Any help or advice would greatly be appreciated!
Answers
Myles,
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) just launched a cyber security career reboot program. Take a look at the job posting at the link below. Hope more companies start doing things like this. A 6 month paid program that provides exposure to the cyber security world. Not sure of the location requirements, but I am sure if you apply, you will learn more from the recruiters.
https://careers.hpe.com/us/en/job/HPE1US1144456EXTERNALENUS/Cyber-Security-Career-Reboot-Program-US
Hi Myles,
Thanks for your amazing service! The good news is that there are a lot of opportunities to get into Cybersecurity for veterans and minorities. I would not rush out and apply to masters programs until you have taken a look at what is available. The simple truth is getting hands-on experience in cyber trumps a masters degree simply because demand is so great. Take a look at these three programs. All get you hands on work.
1) https://www.fortinet.com/training/veterans-program
2) https://www.sans.org/scholarship-academies/vetsuccess/
3) https://www.cyversity.org/
All three of these programs include filling your training gaps and getting you out into hands-on internships and jobs. I have done extensive work with cyversity and it is a great organization. Please feel free to contact me will.munroe63@gmail.com
My best regards
Bill
Hello Myles.
I had a friend that was in IT cybersecurity for many years, and a few months ago, I asked him how to get into cybersecurity, with no experience.
He suggested, get some training in general IT, and IT support and start with that sort of position. Once inside the company, you may be the one to handle whatever security needs the company has. At any rate, you will get IT experience and network with lots of people. That should get you into a good position to move more specifically into cybersecurity.
He also suggests, if you can take classes(IT or cybersecurity) at a local college, local businesses may tap the college for students with your interest. I.E. networking via the school.
It sounds like you already have some good ideas. If you can start on a Masters in cybersecurity, it seems like that would be a great path to take. You may be able to take a few classes and get a job in cybersecurity, depending on demand. Then your employer might pay for the rest of the degree...or it might not even be needed.
Sorry I cant mentor for that field.
Many thanks for your service Myles!
I've added links to information & videos under these sections of my EE webpage that might be useful to you:
http://eehot.com/ee.html#networking - 1 yr. free LinkedIn Premium for veterans
http://eehot.com/ee.html#infosec
http://eehot.com/ee.html#datascience
http://eehot.com/ee.html#languages
http://eehot.com/ee.html#gjobs
http://eehot.com/ee.html#jobs
http://eehot.com/ee.html#mentoring
http://eehot.com/ee.html#resumes
http://eehot.com/ee.html#cool
http://eehot.com/ee.html#va - page down to see GIBIll & Education
http://eehot.com/ee.html#training
http://eehot.com/ee.html#schools
Commercial Job search "IT or Cybersecurity trainee" your location
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=IT+or+Cybersecurity+trainee&l=Seattle%2C+WA&from=searchOnHP&vjk=bd76a6aa4770e9af
Fed. Gov search "Information Technology" entry level - location unspecified
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/690547600
Your Answer
Please log in to answer this question.