Cyber Security & IT Pain Points: [Research Request #2]

Hello TE. It was almost 2 years ago that I was doing some research on the cyber job market for a project. I'm continuing that now after a long hiatus, new baby, etc. You can read that original thread here 'Cyber Security Hiring Challenges: [Research Request]' for context. I was basically trying to determine who the job seeker audiences are in cyber and what their major pain points were.
I'm hoping to dive deeper into the paint points to elaborate further. So without introducing too many of my own biases' into this research, I'm hoping the TE community here can help. So I ask, in your own tech/IT/cyber career:
Anything you can add is always appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
I'm hoping to dive deeper into the paint points to elaborate further. So without introducing too many of my own biases' into this research, I'm hoping the TE community here can help. So I ask, in your own tech/IT/cyber career:
- What have been the major pain points to getting where you are today in your career?
- Are you happy where are or are you looking to move/advance within the field/change jobs etc?
- If looking to advance, what are the main reasons? (salary, seek new challenges, new role/title, location change, management) - What are you thoughts on certifications, advanced degrees, etc?
- (Too many options? Too confusing? Too expensive? Unsure of value?) - What is your dream IT/Cyber job?
- What is your opinion/experience with job boards like Dice/GlassDoor, Indeed? Useful? Not relevant to your needs?
- What products do you think would help you within your career, or what products do you wish existed that would help
you excel/advance? - What is the one skill you wish you had that you feel holds you back? (example: for me, it's coding, I wish I learned code years ago)
- If a friend or family member wanted to get into IT/Cyber, whats the primary piece of advice you would give to influence their decision?
Anything you can add is always appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
浪人 MSISA:WGU
ICP-FDO ▪ CISSP ▪ ECES ▪ CHFI ▪ CNDA ▪ CEH ▪ MCSA/MCITP ▪ MCTS ▪ S+
2020 Level Up Goals: (1) DevSecOps Learning Path (2) OSCP
ICP-FDO ▪ CISSP ▪ ECES ▪ CHFI ▪ CNDA ▪ CEH ▪ MCSA/MCITP ▪ MCTS ▪ S+
2020 Level Up Goals: (1) DevSecOps Learning Path (2) OSCP
Comments
ICP-FDO ▪ CISSP ▪ ECES ▪ CHFI ▪ CNDA ▪ CEH ▪ MCSA/MCITP ▪ MCTS ▪ S+
2020 Level Up Goals: (1) DevSecOps Learning Path (2) OSCP
- If looking to advance, what are the main reasons? (salary, seek new challenges, new role/title, location change, management)
- (Too many options? Too confusing? Too expensive? Unsure of value?)
you excel/advance?
ICP-FDO ▪ CISSP ▪ ECES ▪ CHFI ▪ CNDA ▪ CEH ▪ MCSA/MCITP ▪ MCTS ▪ S+
2020 Level Up Goals: (1) DevSecOps Learning Path (2) OSCP
I have not used a job board like that since Monster and Dice back in 2005. These days, I use LinkedIn, network with peers, know the major employers in my area, and have my preferences on recruiting firms I don't mind working with.
Security Engineer/Analyst/Geek, Red & Blue Teams
OSCP, GCFA, GWAPT, CISSP, OSWP, AWS SA-A, AWS Security, Sec+, Linux+, CCNA Cyber Ops, CCSK
2021 goals: maybe AWAE or SLAE, bunch o' courses and red team labs?
2. Switching from infrastructure to security. Finding someone to give me a chance took some time. Overcame by luck when I took on information assurance as an "additional duty".
- If looking to advance, what are the main reasons? (salary, seek new challenges, new role/title, location change, management)
- (Too many options? Too confusing? Too expensive? Unsure of value?)
I believe advanced degrees are useful if pursued immediately after an undergraduate degree before starting a career. I believe an advanced degree is at best unnecessary and at worst harmful after a career has started since specific knowledge sets are requested by employers. Advanced degrees typically imply the candidate requires more pay to stay happy.
Penetration Tester of critical infrastructure industrial control systems (I don't know if this dream would be fun as a long term job though)
I have only had success by finding IT recruiters I trust, hearing about positions from people in my professional network, and promoting within organizations with which I've already built rapport.
I think my advice has not worked so far, so I'm curious what other's have to say. I've turned some people away from IT by telling them to get certified, practice in a lab, and to get their foot in the door in a help desk.