Getting certifications and degrees

klhatchett

Whenever I tell people that I plan on getting my Network+ and Security+ certifications within the spring/summer, I always get this look 0_o or . and they tell me those are not going to benefit me much and to only go after the CISSP because apparently that's the only thing that matters in life (sarcasm), Just wanted to know how you guys felt on the subject? Am I wasting my time or am I being smart by going after certifications, because I thought that recently a degree just isn't cutting it and certifications and mostly experience are what are landing people jobs and internships right out of college.

I am an Information Security student by the way, so I can see why they make faces at the Security+ but it wouldn't hurt to try...now would it?

NetworkVeteran

klhatchett wrote: »

Whenever I tell people that I plan on getting my Network+ and Security+ certifications within the spring/summer.. they tell me those are not going to benefit me much.. Am I wasting my time or am I being smart by going after certifications,

That entirely depends on the role and level of position you want when you graduate. I never looked at government security roles, and CompTIA was too basic for the roles I was looking at. Figure out where you want to go, and then what you need to do to get there. Your path and goals may be totally different than those of your classmates, and that's alright.

to only go after the CISSP because apparently that's the only thing that matters in life (sarcasm),

If your classmates can qualify for a CISSP, that's really wonderful for them! Do the best you can with what you have to work with, and don't sweat the rest.

klhatchett

I figured that, just tired of the looks I receive from them when I tell them my plans, makes me feel like I'm speaking another language or something, I am really looking at the certifications because since I really do not have much experience I know they are a good start to making my way to the top

NetworkVeteran

klhatchett wrote: »

I figured that, just tired of the looks I receive from them when I tell them my plans...

Have you tried telling them what you want to do, and then asking for suggestions? If they suggest the CISSP, just tell them you don't yet meet the experience requirement.

klhatchett

Yeah, I have...all I get is
"well get the CISSP"
a couple of them already have guaranteed jobs with the government once they graduate (nsf cybercorps scholarship I believe), so I see why they do not think its that necessary to get anything, I do not have the scholarship so I need to explore all my options hahaha

UnixGuy

Don't worry about your classmates, it's your career and your decision. If you can study and pass the CISSP then go for it. If you feel that you need more background (depends on your experience), then study Sec+ and Net+.

dave330i

Here's my $.02 on CompTIA certs. Skip them unless they meet a requirement (i.e. DoD 8570). If they meet a requirement, go for it because it'll be the easiest way to meet the requirement.

clarknova

I did the Security+ and enjoyed studying it. I thought I learned quite a bit, there's no point in aiming straight for the higher level certifications without having a solid foundation.

Your situation is a bit like when I told a co-worker that I was doing the CCENT exam and he suggested I go straight for the CCNP. I decided he was a bit out of touch with the necessary knowledge to pass these exams! Sure, one day I'd like to get to CCNP but to go straight in would be a waste of time and money.

eansdad

With the NSF Cybercorps scholarship it isn't a job guarantee but a requirement of service on a year for year basis depending on how many years you received the scholarship. They would still be short on the requirements for the CISSP and could only get an Associates of CISSP until they can fulfill the 5 year requirement. I would imagine that they would still be subject to DoD 8570 and would need a minimum of Sec+ for their job roles within the government.

I would say ... Go ahead and get the Net+ and Sec+ to go along with your degree, it can't hurt. I would also look into GIAC certs for the field of security that you are planning on going into. No one should ever say that you have to get a CISSP in order to get into info sec. Down the line yes but not fresh out of college.

Complete_IT_Professional

eansdad wrote: »

Go ahead and get the Net+ and Sec+ to go along with your degree, it can't hurt. I would also look into GIAC certs for the field of security that you are planning on going into. No one should ever say that you have to get a CISSP in order to get into info sec. Down the line yes but not fresh out of college.

eansdad sums it up well. I think these two certifications wont hurt. The CISSP asks for a fair bit of experience, more than the average student. It's a great certification to aim for and to have as a goal though!