Re: [PEN-TEST] college or not ?

[David Alexander <dalexander () TRISKELE CO UK>]

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 our
> field? What about
> > in 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