WGU decisions - Network Admin vs. Security?

At the end of my first term in WGU, I'm debating over continuing on the road to Network Admin or switching over to the security side. Part of what has me wanting to go Security is to be able to maybe get into disaster planning/business continuity operations. That, and I've had fun already messing with my Cisco gear, which holds my interest a lot more than monkeying around with servers does. I figure if I ever wanted to get the MCITP I can get that down the road. Has anyone done the security route? Was it challenging? Does it add value to your skill set? Do you think you have become more valuable to employers/potential employers?

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Comments

Somnipotent

I choose IT Sec only because my current certs actually line up more so with the track than the IT Admin. If you've already got your CCNA, the Sec makes more sense. I'm looking at it as "which degree can I accomplish quicker" perspective. I'm in desperate need of that 4 year degree under my belt to get my foot into bigger doors.

Cpl.Klinger

I'm not necessarily in a huge hurry to finish. My plan is to be done by December next year at the latest. By that time my wife will be working as an RN so I can take a bit of a hit if necessary to get into IT. I'm seriously considering it, I just find myself more interested in the security aspects of systems and command line work than Windows.

techie2012

I just completed the Sec degree at WGU and I was pleased with the material I learned. I kind of wish they would have an emphasis on pen testing and maybe even throw in a CEH but the Sec+ and CCNA:Sec really went in depth with cryptology and secure communications. As far as risk management goes, I think the most detail was covered while studying for the Project+ and maybe MGC1 and even then wasn't all that in depth and the Project+ was more attuned to the project life cycle. I think if you are looking to go toward command line and security and away form Windows then the Sec program is for you.

Somnipotent

I'm with you, totally anti-GUI. I feel command-line is so much more "techie". Go with Security. We could be study partners

demonfurbie

IMO the standard it degree is the most cost effective

amcnow

techie2012 wrote: »

I just completed the Sec degree at WGU and I was pleased with the material I learned. I kind of wish they would have an emphasis on pen testing and maybe even throw in a CEH but the Sec+ and CCNA:Sec really went in depth with cryptology and secure communications. As far as risk management goes, I think the most detail was covered while studying for the Project+ and maybe MGC1 and even then wasn't all that in depth and the Project+ was more attuned to the project life cycle. I think if you are looking to go toward command line and security and away form Windows then the Sec program is for you.

If you ever think about going for a master's agree, then you may want to seriously consider the MSISA program. It has CEH built into its curriculum.

tpatt100

I got into Security by accident mostly due to being in the right place at the right time with the planets in proper alignment. I jumped at the chance and while I do not regret it because I doubt I would have had the chance like that again, I wish I spent more years in the network admin side. I was really getting into Windows administration and moving into Cisco a little bit before I jumped and now I wish I had a stronger network admin base to work with.

There are way more admin jobs and I think too many people see the demand/money for security which I think is true. On the other hand security as a network admin is important and I would hope more employers would find ways to empower the admins to become stronger in the security side of things rather than focus on keeping things up. This will mean more hiring of course but I find if security is more integrated into everybody's work roles and responsibilities then it becomes second nature.

I speak from my experience though. I see admins who say they practice security but there is no followed practice, no documentation, it is so haphazardly done.

Cpl.Klinger

tpatt100 wrote: »

There are way more admin jobs and I think too many people see the demand/money for security which I think is true.

I don't want to say that money is not a motivator, because I would be lying, but my motivation for this is more based on interest. Before I started doing this, when I worked for Kroger, I used to stare at the network racks and try and figure out in my mind how it all connected, how each piece of the puzzle went together. I've been working on getting my eBay Cisco routers freshened up for next term, and the best part is that they are "controlled access systems" from a state school in the south, so I have to reload things. I am beginning to like code and command line more and more because it's almost like"magic" to someone who doesn't know IT at all -- you type in the commands and the computer follows them. No point and click for the masses. Like I said, I can always do the MS route on my own, and having the CCNA and CCNA: Security would be a good jumping off point.

taternuts666

I'm actually having this EXACT same dilemma. I'm just getting ready to start on 9/1 and am currently signed up for the Network Admin program but thinking of changing to Security. I'm not really sure what to do either. I think I may end up getting my B.S in Network Admin and then the M.S in Security and Assurance.