Re: Need for college, verses formal training and certifications, in the security field.

[Michael Dickey <lonervamp () gmail com>]

Both types of experience will be helpful, with a slight emphasis on
practical experience. Definitely go after a security+ and if you have the
free time, try to snag any security or even any tech support/technical sort
of part-time job. That job can not only help get you some hands-on tech
experience and resume bullets, but some extra spending money to have a good
time in school and afford some gear or travel money to cons or party money
to hang out with local security geeks.

As far as mentors, you're starting in a good place on this mailing list!
Might want to include what school you go to, or whereabouts ya live. :)

Lastly, and maybe more importantly, enjoy your time in school. Have fun,
take it easy, and work on  your goals when you can.


On Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 10:36 PM, Brandon McGinty <brandon.mcginty () gmail com
> wrote:

> List,
> I am currently a sophomore in college.
> I have been studying firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS),
> systems hardening, Cisco security (though I do not yet have equipment to
> test this), and general network, server, and workstation security.
> I am wondering what your collective thoughts are, in regards to
> university experience, verses practical experience in the security field.
> While university courses certainly give one a more broad understanding
> of the world, there is a good deal of preparation before one can take
> any security classes.
> I'm wondering if there are other possibilities that would help me gain
> employment, or at least a foot in the door.
> I am in a position where it would be possible to study, and become
> certified in several of the current programs, Security+,
> CISA, GIAC, and CISSP, to name a few.
> I have also considered trying to find some security professionals to act
> as mentors, but I am not sure where to start, or if that would be
> beneficial.
> What are your thoughts?
>
> Thanks,
> Brandon McGinty
>
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