This question is more than open to anyone who can offer any and all advice:
Long story short, I am curious about pursuing a degree in information / network security and forensics. I'm currently 27 with a BA in political science working full time as a paramedic in the NY metro area. Because I am not particularly qualified to seek even an entry level position in this industry, I have begun researching graduate level programs and seeking certifications like A+, Network+, and Security+.
I have no formal / real computer science background other than having built a number of gaming rigs over the years, trouble shooting my own rigs / family computer and wife's, and a q basic class I took in middle school.
I know i'm likely at a big disadvantage compared to just about everyone here regarding breaking into the security / networking industry. Is seeking a graduate level degree in internet technology or information systems with a focus in security worth it? Or, should I tackle some more of e basic certifications before taking the plunge into a masters level course? Or am I too far up the creek altogether?
Thanks for for taking the time and effort to read and reply (if you chose to).
In one last act of desperation I'm going to bump this post. I'm really looking for some guidance from those on the TS team who can offer it. It seems like a halfway decent inbox.exe appropriate question to me :/.
I'd also like to see some professional input on this question, like RTB I'm in the same position, a 26 year old looking for a complete career change. I currently work in insurance but I HATE it and I have a strong interest in becoming a Hardware Engineer. I have started the necessary steps to taking my CompTIA A+ (booked in this Sat) in a bid to get some acknowledgement from prospective employers. I'm currently I'm being told I won't have a chance at landing a job without experience but need said job to gain experience o_O The qualification I hope will at the very least get me to interviews etc.
Shadowing and volunteer work I know would be great so RTB that might be an option for you depending on other commitments but unfortunately for me with the job, house, wife and 2 young kids there's just not enough time :(
Would be great if anyone else had some other advice or success stories to share.
I'm not on the TS team but i am a current Networking and sys admin major. and if you want to get into Network Security you have to change your mind set a little. Networking isn't computers per say. Sure it is a part of it but the real major fundamental part of networking is routers and switches. Honestly i could care less about a computer when im networking because all im worried about is configuring my routers and switches with the appropriate protocols so traffic move smoothly with little down time. To be in Network Security you need to know networking...(you're probably like no sh!t dude) but hear me out, the difference between my networking and sys admin major and network security is literally 2 classes. so i can have both majors if i wanted to. Advise if you want to see if it is something you are interested in. Go online and starting learning binary. Learn it really really well, then from there study subnetting, then VLSM (variable length sub netting). If you are intrigued with that well you basically conqured %45 of cisco's routing class. I hope this helps
I work in the IT industry at the moment however no in the IT security sector as yet. A good starting point for any IT career however would benefit from CompTIA, Cisco etc. Cisco being almost minimum understanding for anything to do with networking. Microsoft certifications would help a lot with employment too however I have not got these yet and have no need at this stage. A good IT starting point as much as people hate it can be helpdesk which may be easy to get into with ITIL qualifications and basic computer knowledge. That way you can start off and work your way up in terms of general computer troubleshooting and experience. You may be able to study the advanced courses and certifications at your workplace (like me) or do them as night courses (like I do) whilst working in helpdesk.
EDIT: SO long as you have the willingness to learn then you will be able to succeed with ease. Cisco I found a little tough at first but once you get into the groove of how they teach/assess you it can be easier. NOTE: The new cisco course is apparently spreads out the hard Cisco knowledge from Cisco CCNA parts 3 and 4 down to 1 and 2 which may balance things out a little bit.
I am willing to answer any other questions you may have however I live in Australia so specifics such as where to study are not something I would know.
I think that InAUGral hit it pretty well. If you want in to IT and make a decent wage prepare for a long road, you'll need a couple CompTia certs just to get in to help desk, and then spend a couple years there before you can move on to a tier II type position. If you want to do any sort of administration you will at least need an AS, but even then you will be limited to Jr level positions without the BS (YMMV, but this is the way it's been headed for a long time).
I would say plan for the long term and keep your eye on the prize. You've also got to treat it like a passion or you won't have the stamina to make it since the train-up period for IT is really intense compared to say being a electrical engineer. You've basically got to train yourself while working at a lower level position to become hire-able, compared to other science degrees where you get the degree first, then get hired and trained on the job. Most of this is due to the fact that school curriculum can't keep up with the technology being utilized in the field, hence most schools are somewhat lacking and will require some grunt work on your part to fill in the gaps.