WGU post-grad needs career advice...

GeoffTECH

Hey Guys!


I've recently graduated from WGU (woo!) with the IT:Security BS (which was an amazing experience!). I've also been working in the IT field for ~7 years now - from help desk -> sysadmin -> technical engineer for a larger company -> security analyst for a smaller company. I am currently working as a "security analyst"... but not in the traditional sense (simple triage tasks). There is the possibility of upward movement into a more traditional infosec position (which would be great!), but since this is a smaller company, they'd rather reward more senior members over those that may have a larger skill set. I'm definitely one of the newer analysts at the company and the role I'm on the lookout for is quickly filling up with senior members. I worry that I just won't be able to get on that team for another year or two... and I don't want to waste my time, certifications and existing knowledge on level 1 triage work.


My plan has always been to stick it out until I can get onto the team I joined the company for, essentially. It's a great company and I really love the culture and people here so I don't immediately want to resort to jumping ship. Also, infosec positions are a little dry in my area (unless you have a clearance) so if it didn't work out here I've come to accept that moving could be a very real possibility. I have several certifications, all of which are up to date, but as I'm looking for security analyst positions now... they're 1. asking for work experience which I'm just not getting here at the moment, and 2. certifications which my current job won't help pay for (and these things are pricey!). I have no problem shelling out the time and dough for what essentially gets me past HR, but I was hoping I wouldn't need to do that quite yet.


As you can see I'm in an odd spot, but if anyone else here has had a similar experience, I'd love to hear from you or from anyone that has any advice at all. I really appreciate it!


Thank you!


-Geoff