Penetration Testing mailing list archives
Re: [PEN-TEST] college or not ?
From: David Alexander <dalexander () TRISKELE CO UK>
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2000 12:22:55 -0000
I sort of sat on both stools at once. I studied for an MSc. in Computing with the (UK) Open University which you do by correspondence and study in your own time, with exams at regular intervals. I got a degree while holding down a full-time job in IT and having had 6 years full-time experience before I started. In my view the experience was a big help, and the study was a big help too. I was able to apply my studies to my work and use my work as case studies on the course - a really great arrangement. just my 2c. David Alexander Project Manager & Information Security Consultant Qualified BS7799 Lead Auditor Triskele Ltd. Office 01491 833280 Mobile 0780 308 3130
-----Original Message----- From: Gregory McCann [mailto:greg () CAMBRIA COM] Sent: 08 November 2000 05:49 To: PEN-TEST () SECURITYFOCUS COM Subject: Re: [PEN-TEST] Education. Formal or not? Dear ph00dy, I'm not a full-time security professional, but I'm in a closely related field doing system administration and e-commerce development for a number of clients. I quit college about 13 years ago when one of my professors recommended me for a programming job (dBase) and everything has been on-the-job training since then. You mentioned that everything you learn in school is 2-3 years behind. That's typical. It probably stays that way until you get into post-graduate work (which I never did). Then you might actually end up being *ahead* of the curve. I have mixed feelings about not having a degree. On the one hand, I have done well without it and I have enjoyed the challenge. On the other hand, a lot of doors are much easier to get through if you do have that piece of paper. Most corporate hiring managers are college graduates themselves and they must have that "stamp of approval" on everyone who comes through their door. To get by without a degree you have to be independent, well above average, and very hard-working. But there is a lot of satisfaction in being able to succeed that way. Greg On 11/7/2000 at 10:00 PM ph00dy wrote:My questions are: 1.Is college a waste of time for pen-test/auditing/risk assessment professionals? 2.If so how does one prove what they know to a perspective employer? 3.What is the practical value of a college degree in ourfield? What aboutin the long run?______________ Gregory McCann http://www.calypteanna.com "Acquire the spirit of peace and thousands around you will be saved." - Saint Seraphim of Sarov
David Alexander Project Manager & Information Security Consultant Qualified BS7799 Lead Auditor Triskele Ltd. Office 01491 833280 Mobile 0780 308 3130
Current thread:
- Re: [PEN-TEST] college or not ? David Alexander (Nov 09)