Jay Lightfoot ⋅ Herndon, VA ⋅ 20 years experience

Crystal,

You are looking in the right field - cyber security is very hot right now and should continue to be. Key question: what do you WANT to do? Do you want to work for a big company as a contractor back to the government and stay in Norfolk? Move somewhere smaller and be the security officer for a small company... or something else? This answer should guide your path for the next 12 months.

And yes, I do think some sort of current certification will help you although, again, depends upon your goals and desires.

As a side note - a friend of mine is deputy director for cyber security at a large gov civilian agency - if you wish I will introduce you to him and see what his thoughts are (I will reach out to you via linkedin and we can push this conversation forward there if you wish).

Craig Bush ⋅ Boston, MA IBM ⋅ 11 years experience

Accenture has a huge office in Reston. I know because I went there for my in-processing. My "desk mate" during this period was an Air Force master sergeant who was going to help Accenture's aerospace and security consulting. She specialized in satellites and worked with the NSA.

Anyway, check them out. I think you'd be a great fit and I could look at your resume if you are interested. My email is craig.bush@gmail.com

Cheers, Craig

Crystal Armstrong ⋅ Manvel, TX U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 27 years served

Jeff,

Thanks for the feedback. I do appreciate the information regarding the DoD contractors organizations that are hiring. I will research the information you provided and I'm praying to have a great job that I will truly enjoy everyday.

Kindest regards,

Crystal

Jeff Shoemaker ⋅ Lake In The Hills, IL Colorado Technical University ⋅ 20 years experience

Crystal leverage your service experience by seeking employment with DOD contractors such as Raytheon and L-3. Your knowledge of military operations, policy and procedures and technical platforms will be an asset to these companies with government contracts on several levels such data assurance and security, as well as helping them meet veteran hiring quotas to conform to contract obligations. Also many companies in the private sector such as Guidance Software that makes eDiscovery software and White Hat that makes application security products and delivers managed services are hiring entry level staff and training them in their proprietary methodologies.

Jeff Shoemaker ⋅ Lake In The Hills, IL Colorado Technical University ⋅ 20 years experience

Crystal leverage your service experience by seeking employment with DOD contractors such as Raytheon and L-3. Your knowledge of military operations, policy and procedures and technical platforms will be an asset to these companies with government contracts on several levels such data assurance and security, as well as helping them meet veteran hiring quotas to conform to contract obligations. Also many companies in the private sector such as Guidance Software that makes eDiscovery software and White Hat that makes application security products and delivers managed services are hiring entry level staff and training them in their proprietary methodologies.

Crystal Armstrong ⋅ Manvel, TX U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 27 years served

Craig,

Thank you for the Accenture information and many of the reviews from current/past employers rate it at an overall 80% for job satisfaction and work environment.

It is definitely a good time to reach out to the headhunter community and see what opportunities are available for me in the VA area.

I will do more on LinkedIn to joint more groups as well and I appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts.

Kindest regard,

Crystal

Craig Bush ⋅ Boston, MA IBM ⋅ 11 years experience

Crystal,

Accenture is hiring people like you, as are many others. The consulting firms look more for experience than certs IMO.

Also, there are several headhunters that specialize in that field. LinkedIn is a good place to join groups where they can find you. I'd start there.

Craig

Crystal Armstrong ⋅ Manvel, TX U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 27 years served

Randy,

Thanks so much and I will definitely take your advice and re-shape my resume.

I appreciate the advice.

Crystal

Randy Kahn ⋅ Los Angeles, CA First Data Direct Banking ⋅ 35 years experience

I agree with Jay; this is a hot area. The key is not your certification, in my opinion, it's what you want. You need to figure that out. There are lots of openings, especially for ex-military--not only private, the government is also ramping up hiring. Ask yourself:

Who am I? What kind of environment do I like to work in? What type of people to I like to work with? What do I want (insofar as you can see now) for the rest of my life? You might try taking a Strong Vocational Interest Survey and or the Myers-Briggs personality test.

Once you've set a target area, put together a very strong resume. Focus on what you offer and what you accomplished (NOT your duties) in your positions. Be confident about what you offer, NOT apologetic about what you don't have.

And good luck!

Crystal Armstrong ⋅ Manvel, TX U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 27 years served

Jay,

Thanks so much and I sent you a message via linkedin in regards to your feedback.

Enjoy your day!

Crystal