Networking or Security...

So right now my title is Systems Security Analyst and recently a Network Analyst position opened up at my work and debating on applying for it... My work right now is not very technical at all. Not much incident handling and a lot of Access Control and Auditing.

The only reason I don't jump at the Network right now is because I believe I might have the opportunity to move up a lot quicker in my current team and get to do more interesting things sooner. A person higher up on the team is most likely going to retire within 2 years. Where I have no idea about the networking team. And have a good chance I would take on some of their responsibilities. (already talked with my current manager about all this)

It would a lateral move and no difference in salary btw.

So why don't you just look for more technical jobs elsewhere you ask? My company is growing VERY fast and I LOVE the location of it. I drive 10 minutes by farm fields to go to it. ZERO TRAFFIC. Also, like the management and the hours are awesome at this place as well. I could on my hand how many times I had to still 5pm, my manager usually leaves by 4pm..

I want to know more networking but like security as well...I know this is personal question and no one is going to have the right answer "for me", but if you had a choice of Security (mostly non-technical) or a Networking role which would you choose???

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636-555-3226

Always a good thing when you know a hole is opening up in a year or two as long as you think you have a better-than-even chance of filling the void with your person.

I work in infosec, so I always steer people towards that. Networking is always a stable job at least in my area, so that would be a suitable choice, too.

If it helps, if you're getting in at the bottom of security you'll also learn networking along the way since for most IT security everything's travelling over the wire. If you go into networking, well, that doesn't usually involve security....

Security will also probably involve more homework since it covers a broader area than networking (I know, I know, networking is also very broad, I'm not knocking networking)

At the end of the day it sounds like you've got a good thing going and having a choice between two great career paths is an awesome place to be in!

danny069

It seems to me that the more technical side is what intrigues you. I would apply for it! What have you got to lose? Seems like a great environment to work in, but you need a little more of a challenge. It will make you well rounded to get into networking as well. Please keep us posted and good luck!

NetworkNewb

That kinda sums it up danny, I even told my current manager yesterday I'm just not learning much (or anything) at my current position and want to do more. Our department is just really busy right now which is making it hard. I've only been at this position for 8 months btw.

Im actually meeting with networking manager soon to talk about the position to see if it something I want to apply for (I of course haven't got the position even if I did decide I want to pursue it)

Remedymp

How long have you been in this position for? Which certs do you currently hold?

scaredoftests

What interests you? Figure that out and then go for what stirs your soul

NetworkNewb

Come on people! I asked what would you do in my post!

But my meeting with network manager went good. He actually said he almost expects people to leave the company in 2 years from that position because the Engineers don't leave often and the experience they get is that good. Got some thinking to do this weekend...

scaredoftests

Why not both? That is my answer.

I do some security where I am now, as well as networking and some DBA. I just received my ACAS certificate and doing scans that involve vulnerabilities, compliance/STIGS. So, that is pretty cool.

NetworkNewb

Remedymp wrote: »

How long have you been in this position for? Which certs do you currently hold?

8 months

the Comptia A/N/S, CCENT, CCSK. And took a SANS course a few weeks backs and should be able to add GCIH onto that. Nothin too impressive...

Remedymp

NetworkNewb wrote: »

8 months

the Comptia A/N/S, CCENT, CCSK. And took a SANS course a few weeks backs and should be able to add GCIH onto that. Nothin too impressive...

In that case, I would put at least one consistent year in a role such as yours. I would also look at sitting the CASP as it could beneficial towards your new role as a Network Analyst.

NetworkNewb

Remedymp wrote: »

In that case, I would put at least one consistent year in a role such as yours.

Well the opening probably won't be there in 4 months

I'm kinda leaning toward applying to it though. The manager went over all the technologies I would get experience using and it definitely sounds promising. It's not like I'm leaving my company for a different one.

mbarrett

NetworkNewb wrote: »

I want to know more networking but like security as well...I know this is personal question and no one is going to have the right answer "for me", but if you had a choice of Security (mostly non-technical) or a Networking role which would you choose???

I did Network Engineer, then I did Security Analyst for a few years, and then I started doing mostly firewall/IDS - best of both worlds I suppose, I find the technical side of security very interesting. I have come across very few security people with an in-depth understanding of networks, and vice-versa. On the plus side there is a lot of job potential for people who can effectively understand and do both networks and security. On the minus side, a lot of companies in smaller markets don't know what they want...

If you are planning on going for a networking role, make sure it is the right move for you...try taking a class or take the time to study for a basic cert before you jump in with both feet.