SANS work study program

[gwrd3rd at gmail.com (Ray Davidson)]

I've done work study at a few conferences. I don't have any particular tips
on applying - STI students get priority, as do current instructors who might
be training to teach the course they're facilitating. Obviously the most
popular courses with students are the most popular ones for facilitator
requests; if you're looking to do 560, expect a long wait. So be willing to
facilitate the less popular courses - it's always worth it cause you always
learn a ton, and you get to hang around a cool bunch of people.

If you get selected, be prepared to work your a$$ off - at the big
conferences there is a full day of unloading books and AV equipment and
getting set up for the big show. During the conference, be prepared to work
12 hour days. When they call for volunteers to work the nighttime sessions,
always do your share, and a little extra. And always smile, and *always* go
the extra mile for the students. As a facilitator you get access to the mp3
recordings, etc., so if you miss class you can always catch up. Facilitators
are the "face" of SANS, so they're looking for people who can take
initiative to make things right for the students.

If you manage to get your foot in the door and do your first conference, and
distinguish yourself as a hard and happy worker, you're more likely to get
asked back. But the priorities above still hold, and if they don't have at
least something like 20-30 students in a class, they don't use a facilitator
for that class. You're right; it's tough to get in, but it's about the most
fun thing I ever get to do, even with the hard work and long days.

Good luck!
Ray
--
G W Ray Davidson III, PhD
CISSP, CEH, GSLC, GSEC, GCFW, GCFA, GCIH, GCIA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/raydavidson
Twitter: @RayDavidson

SANS Atlanta - 5 courses - Atlanta GA, 17-28 August
SANS Virginia Beach - 13 courses - Virginia Beach VA, 28 August-4 September
SANS Network Security - 36 courses - San Diego CA, 14-22 September
http://www.sans.org/info/30893


On Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 5:35 AM, Duncan Alderson <
duncan.alderson at webantix.net> wrote:

> Hi Guys,
>
> Have any of you succesfully applied for the SANS work study program?
>
> I had a try last year and got rejected, I know these positions are highly
> sort after and the compititon level is going to be high. I just wanted to
> know if any of you had any tips on applying.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Duncan
>
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