RE: To go to University - For the CISSP etc. - Good idea/Bad idea???

["David Prince" <DavidP () tbsmobility com>]

Hy,

I also found it difficult to get accepted at a University close to me for the same reasons. However, I found that 
gaining a few industry recognized certifications such as the MCSE and CCNP got me into University no problem, and also 
allowed me to skip several modules, as the Degree I was looking to attain is heavily based around Networking, Computer 
Architecture, and Programming. So perhaps doing this may increase your changes too. 

 

Kind Regards,

David Prince

-----Original Message-----
From: listbounce () securityfocus com [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com] On Behalf Of Hy Zaret
Sent: 07 August 2009 04:52
To: pen-test () securityfocus com
Subject: Re: To go to University - For the CISSP etc. - Good idea/Bad idea???

Thanks everyone for your prompt replies.

Really appreciate your affirmation of my decision.

I'm considering The Bachelor of Computing (Networks)... what are your
thoughts on this?

I'd be majoring in Security of course...

Unfortunately, due to my relatively young age, and lack of either the
IB, HSC or SAT, may make this difficult.

I am however trying to get in other ways, eg; by doing a 6-month
course at a Technical College, or by working for at least a year, (8
months off that...). Although sitting the STAT may enable
enrollment...

What are your thoughts on my course selection, and the ways I'm trying
to enter? If you know of any other ways I can enter University to do
the aforementioned course, please inform me of it.

Sam Oke:
Thanks, see you there! ;)

Tomi Tuominien:
That's the year I was born!!! Finland? You're reminding me of Monty
Python now!!! Answer: [A:\... or B:\]

Palaniyappan:
A few, did a bit of hacking in High School, but have only recently
started to learn how that was possible!

Ahmad Taha Zaki:
Do you think for someone non-mathematically minded that Computer
Science would be the right course for me? Or do you believe, as I
currently do, that The Bachelor of Computer (Networks) would be my
best bet?

Shailesh Rangari:
Thanks for your reply. Hadn't thought to contact our Defence
Department... that's a good idea! Well I left school at 16 to pursue
more specialised education.
I studied IT - Networking at Technical College, which is where I
decided to enter the 'world of IT Security'!
But yes, I do have all those certifications, the 3 Cisco ones I did at
technical college, the others I've done through self-study.
Security+ was particularly interesting/difficult. I enjoyed studying
for it, as I learned a lot of new things! I thought I was good at
security, but I hadn't even heard of some of the concepts!!!
Hmm... well I think I'll leave that last comment for after Uni [if I
get accepted], where I'll start a new post here on the different
mailing-lists.

Abel Adushaev:
Hmm... wasn't aware of that. Well I'll create another topic sometime
in the future 'Which certification should I go for next?', but that
won't be for a while, as I still have to get my MCSA & MCSE. Perhaps a
CCNA as well... as Uni!!! [if I get accepted]

Wolfiroc:
I don't understand.... to be in Politics you need a CISSP?

RaptorX:
Thanks! Hopefully I'll get accepted into the course I want! I used to
target the teachers at Technical College, the Security & Linux ones
:P. Good fun!

Noah Chesterman:
For whatever reason, I've noticed that Uni degrees are more respected
then Certifications. Uni graduates, from what I've heard, have an
easier time of finding jobs.

James Copeland:
Thanks! I agree, it woudl make the job interview a hell of a lot easier!

Matthew Wollenweber:
I have considered Computer Science. It seems to be a very good course,
I have a friend in 1st year. My other friends [in my age-group] are
also considering entering Computer Science at University, once they've
finished school. Unfortunately for me, I'm not very good at Maths, or
Science. I'm slowly teaching myself programming though, and if I got
accepted into a Computer Science course, I'd accept! The only thing
is, I'm unsure of how well I'd go... Yes, most I'd have to pickup
osmosisly [if that's a word!], however some formal education may be
helpful, if I end up not being good in the Security field, or if I'd
want to enter more the Mangerial side. For the moment, I'm looking for
a purely technical field. I do have a lot to consider!!!  Hmm...
system administration in the Universities IT Department... sounds
interesting!

Adriel T. Desautels:
He doesn't need WINE either!

David Klein:
What do you do?

Adam K:
I play basketball, if that's of any help!!! :D
Not just social connections, business connections as well! (or so I've heard)

Thanks once again for all the replies.

Hy Zaret

On Fri, Aug 7, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Adam K<triplefortissimo () gmail com> wrote:
> Right, Gates doesn't have a degree, but his career path is an exception.
>
> I liken him to a baseball player... Ball players that get drafted
> early (standout players with skills and sometimes luck) usually don't
> get to finish their degree. Those drafted later (not standout players)
> have time to finish their degree.
>
>
> I have never met an individual that regrets their time spent in
> college or their work toward a degree. I know countless people that
> regret not getting a degree. Not too mention you typically make social
> connections that will last a lifetime.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 5:32 PM, Adriel T. Desautels
> <ad_lists () netragard com> wrote:
> > Bill gates doesn't have a degree.
> >
> > On Aug 6, 2009, at 3:11 PM, James Copeland wrote:
> >
> > > What I have found is that school is the way to go.  People will look
> > > at you with your certifications but without the college degree to
> > > "back them up" that is all that they will do.  Another good reason for
> > > college is that some employers will bump that pay up for just having a
> > > degree, no matter even if it is underwater basket weaving.  Good luck.
> > >
> > > Jimmy
> > >
> > > On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 03:26, Hy Zaret<hyzaret () gmail com> wrote:
> > > > Greetings & Salutations to all!
> > > >
> > > > I've been training myself for a while, and have recently came to the
> > > > conclusion that University would be my best choice.
> > > >
> > > > The main reasons I made this decision are;
> > > > * Social reasons
> > > > * Educational advantages
> > > > * Takes years off the experience needed to take the CISSP
> > > >
> > > > I'm writing on these mailing-lists for two reasons;
> > > > * To find out what you think of my choice (not locked in yet!!!)
> > > > * For advice on which course to go for (Sydney, NSW, Australia)
> > > >
> > > > I am wishing sometime in the future to begin a career in IT Security.
> > > >
> > > > Although being under 18, I have still found time to achieve various
> > > > certifications; including CompTIA's Security+, three Cisco
> > > > certifications & a Microsoft accreditation.
> > > >
> > > > Also, for the last 4 months I've been working full-time on the 1st
> > > > Level of an IT Helpdesk.
> > > >
> > > > Am very open to ideas, so would be interested in reading & answering
> > > > your replies!
> > > >
> > > > Thank you for reading this,
> > > >
> > > > Hy Zaret
> > > >
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> >
> >
> >
> >        Adriel T. Desautels
> >        ad_lists () netragard com
> >        --------------------------------------
> >
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> >
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> >
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> > and CEPT certs require a full practical examination in order to become certified.
> > http://www.iacertification.org
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
This list is sponsored by: Information Assurance Certification Review Board

Prove to peers and potential employers without a doubt that you can actually do a proper penetration test. IACRB CPT 
and CEPT certs require a full practical examination in order to become certified. 

http://www.iacertification.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
This list is sponsored by: Information Assurance Certification Review Board

Prove to peers and potential employers without a doubt that you can actually do a proper penetration test. IACRB CPT 
and CEPT certs require a full practical examination in order to become certified.

http://www.iacertification.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------