CS Associates Degree

NewbBrandon

Hello all,

So I am getting my associates degree in Cyber Security and I was just wondering if anyone knew whether or not you could get a job with an associates with a couple of certs? I know it varies from state to state and even company to company but I am just curious.  

stryder144

I know a few people who have associate degrees and a few certs (A+/N+/S+) and have gotten hired.

nevermore

As a security manager, I would be looking at education, certification(s), and any relevant experience as a package.  Depending on the market, you could be competing with others who have their BS degree but having an AA degree in a security discipline and a couple of security certifications could help to close the gap and keep you competitive.  As you eluded, the type of position and the market will factor in as well.

NewbBrandon

stryder144 said:

I know a few people who have associate degrees and a few certs (A+/N+/S+) and have gotten hired.

Thank you for the response. You have eased my mind.

NewbBrandon

nevermore said:

As a security manager, I would be looking at education, certification(s), and any relevant experience as a package.  Depending on the market, you could be competing with others who have their BS degree but having an AA degree in a security discipline and a couple of security certifications could help to close the gap and keep you competitive.  As you eluded, the type of position and the market will factor in as well.

Thank you for your point of view. I was really worried that I would get the degree and that it would be useless.

Danielm7

Almost no degree is "useless" but understand that unless your area has somewhere that hires entry level green security folks like a SOC, or you're willing to move, it might be very difficult to get your first job in that specific field. 

Infosec_Sam

In my personal experience, an AS degree with some service desk experience was enough to land me a promotion to an IT Security Specialist at my old company. I had the ITIL cert and a CCENT as well, but those weren't quite as pertinent to the promotion as the degree. Some more relevant certs would definitely help your case if you're looking to get your foot in the door in a SOC or something similar. Like @nevermore mentioned, it's all about the whole package, and an AS degree certainly doesn't disqualify you from consideration.

Johnhe0414

In addition, there is always that bit of luck that factors in. You came to the right place at the right time, an organization looking to hire someone to fit their need/budget/time restraint and they loved your personality/work ethic/ or your passion to invest in your education.

mikey88

NewbBrandon said:

Hello all,

So I am getting my associates degree in Cyber Security and I was just wondering if anyone knew whether or not you could get a job with an associates with a couple of certs? I know it varies from state to state and even company to company but I am just curious.  

Sure you can, but don't limit yourself to just Cyber Security especially right out of college.