Masters Degree now or hold off?

Hello,
I have just finished my bachelors out of University of South Carolina's Integrated Information Technology division. I'm looking to go into Infosec / IA and I have been looking into getting my Masters degree within this field.
However, I am wondering if it would be wiser for me to hold off on my masters and attempt to get some more directly related working experience?
Also was thinking about possibly working on the masters degree part time through Capitol, Nova Southeastern, or Eastern Carolina and working full time..
Any thoughts or suggestions? Has anybody successfully completed a masters degree at any of these universities? Any information on them would be highly appreciated.
I have just finished my bachelors out of University of South Carolina's Integrated Information Technology division. I'm looking to go into Infosec / IA and I have been looking into getting my Masters degree within this field.
However, I am wondering if it would be wiser for me to hold off on my masters and attempt to get some more directly related working experience?
Also was thinking about possibly working on the masters degree part time through Capitol, Nova Southeastern, or Eastern Carolina and working full time..
Any thoughts or suggestions? Has anybody successfully completed a masters degree at any of these universities? Any information on them would be highly appreciated.
Comments
A year ago I would have suggested just moving on with school as jobs were scarce. More people are hiring, so maybe you can easily find a job now.
It's pretty rare to jump straight into security.
What are your goals? If any, what are your constraints or decision drivers?
That is, why are you considering the master's degree? You've stated the desire to move into InfoSec, but haven't said whether you're looking for career advancement/career change/salary advancement. (Some will say those are implied, but I can point out how that might not be the case.)
What are your constraints-- e.g. considerations that would affect where/when/how you pursue your degree. For example, some folks attending WGU would tell you their careers will stall unless they finish a degree yesterday. Is your budget a concern? That will affect such a decision (frankly, some master's programs are so expensive they're not worth pursuing unless you're already well off or extremely young!).
Decision drivers-- family, desired place to live/work, etc.
Knowing these things will help TE folks provide you with better input.
--Will Rogers
I highly doubt without some experience your going to land a job that gives you the work you want to do and pay wise, with a masters and no experience or certifications in that area. You would end up paying twice as much schooling, and make the same salary as a beginner with only a bachelors more than likely.
Hiring Manager check list:
1. Degree? Check!!
2. Experience? None.... hmmm
3. Certifications? none... Resume goes in File #13.
That's my out take on how it would go down.
I have looked into East Carolina and like what I have heard from the Information Security department. They also offer the program completely online, but recommend getting your CCNA before pursuing it.
http://www.tecs.ecu.edu/departments/technology_systems/graduate_programs/MS_technology_systems/information_security.html
I would recommend getting an IT job before pursuing it though. Unlike other careers ours puts more emphasis on experience than degrees.
Hold off.
Try to get in with a company who will pay for it.
Keep in mind that the loans you aquire for grad school are at a higher interest rate and must be paid over 10 years not 30 like a bachelor.
If I were you cert up a little, but get your interview skills on and land a gig who will pay for it. Much better ROI in that method.
this. +1
Recent: 11/2019 - RHCSA (RHEL 7); 2/2019 - Updated VCP to 6.5 (just a few days before VMware discontinued the re-cert policy...)
Working on: RHCE/Ansible
Future: Probably continued Red Hat Immersion, Possibly VCAP Design, or maybe a completely different path. Depends on job demands...
Having a spouse, house/mortgage, children, more responsibilities at work, etc. are all going to take time, money, and energy. You may find yourself in a position where it's not feasible to go back to school, or doing so will cause you to neglect your life and/or those around you.
One of my biggest regrets has been simply not buckling down and getting school out of the way when I was younger. I've made things much more difficult and stressful on myself, and I didn't do nearly as well as I could have under better circumstances.
Also, a masters in info sec might better prepare you for positions that are more on the business-side of things, such as risk management. However, it would probably not be the best use of your resources if you want to be a firewall engineer. You can take your continuing education a step further with a PhD and teach, do research, etc.
As you mentioned, you could alternatively start a program part-time and search for work. Even stating that you've started such a program will look good on a resume, and you can start getting work experience while still chipping away at the degree. That might be a good compromise if you really are that torn.
I think I'm going to hold off on the degree for now and see if I can get a job after my internship ends in august.
I am currently about to apply for a job as an IA Analyst position that is posted as entry level.
Also taking my network+ at the end of july and the security+ by the end of august.
Lets go cocks!
Sounds like a super plan. Good luck man
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Considering I'm only 22 and have some leads on some entry level positions that will push me forward in the IA/IS area... I'm targeting those before I even think about my Masters. The company leads I have, all have tuition assistance/reimbursement programs that would be great to use.
Certifications are already in my sights, Network+ and Security+ will be done by October. Then I will decide where I go from there but probably get my CEH, GCIA, or something of that sort unless the company I work for needs something else.
Just my $.02