Career Dilemma

Madmd5

Hi all,

As the title states, I need career advice. A brief background on me to help you guys see where I'm coming from. I'm currently employed as a deskside support intern at a large law firm. This is a two year internship that started September 2013. I also had another internship in field support work in Summer 2013 with another company. I really enjoy working at my current employer. It is a challenging environment with plenty to learn and helpful coworkers. The last 9 months here have definitely helped me in my IT career. Here is the dilemma: This morning I was searching on Indeed in my area and I noticed a job that peaked my interest. The job position is for an Associate Information Security Analyst. From the job duties and responsibilities, it sounds like an entry level job in security, which I realize is fairly rare. Security is where I ultimately want to end up in my career progression which is why this is a tough decision for me. I enjoy doing deskside support work, but I also realize I don't want to do this forever. My plan was to move up in my current employer and eventually work my way into security. I have inquired to my managers about gaining more responsibilities and perhaps shadowing the security team, but so far, nothing has happened with that. I have spoken with the security guys here (there are two of them on the team) and they said the usual way is to first gain experience in a NOC environment and then move into security down the road. The only thing is, if this is truly a way for me to break into the security field sooner, would it be worth taking a shot at an interview? I also don't want to get on the bad side of my current employer because I do enjoy working here and I can see myself here for while. I do still have another year scheduled in my internship but if this is a better career move for me, should I take it? I guess what I'm asking is this: do all of you feel I should remain in my internship for another year doing deskside support work? Or should I take a shot and at least interview for the security analyst position and see where it goes from there? Any help or input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

mrhaun03

I'd go for the interview and see what happens. You don't have to tell your current employer that you're interviewing elsewhere. It's an internship so I'd imagine they're prepared for you to leave for something permanent.

darkerosxx

Under average circumstances, interviewing for a position at a different company isn't going to hurt your current position. If this is the case here, which is what it sounds like, and the position is a move forward in the direction you wish to go, why not go for it? If nothing else, you gain experience interviewing.

As for moving if you get offered the job, if you find that it's truly a move forward once you have more details associated with the offer, thank your current employer profusely for the opportunity and experience, and move forward. You've been there long enough that it won't look bad on a resume, considering the move is to a more permanent role.

Good luck!

JoJoCal19

No harm in interviewing at all. Just make sure if you fill out an application, or do it online, to state not to contact current employer unless an offer is going to be made.