Looking for a career path

Hey guys, I understand this is my first post but after quite a bit of researching and reading, a lot of the Google links took me here. I'm only 18 years old but I have a high interest in computers/networking. For quite a while now I wanted to be a CEH but never bothered looking in to how I would go about doing that.

Last night, I decided to start somewhere and bought myself a CEH Exam study guide book online because I figured it wouldn't hurt me. My theory (without extensive research) was to self study for a few months in preparation for the CEHv8 exam; pass it, and land me a job somewhere with that cert.

Of course, I got a bit ahead of myself and realized this isn't quite realistic.

Could anyone please point me in a path I should take in order to eventually find myself my dream job as a CEH? Penetration Testing also interests me greatly and it seems that the cert CEH would help me get there.

Is it possible to find an IT job with JUST a CEH cert and no experience? The only experience I have is DDoSing my entire school district, and tinkering around with other small networking schemes here and there. I realize that information probably can't be listed on a resume and the only way I could think of as for getting experience on my hands is offering free work in turn for experience. But even then, I believe it would be difficult to find a company to even let me do that.

Like I said... If anyone could even attempt to help me out step by step as to what I should do, that would be appreciated. I understand I'm just a kid but I'm committed and this is without a doubt what I want to do with my life.

Thank you all.

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Comments

Arod95

Glad to see someone at my age here. Currently turning 18 in November and I could assure you that it would be impossible to get a job with just CEH and no experience in Pen Testing. This is my dream job as well. The only way I saw that it was possible to get into Pen Testing is first go for some networking/server certs and get a few years experience in these jobs. because I think unless you know how networks and all the technology works its gonna be hard to exploit it. So that's was my first choice. My recent choice I choose to switch to was still get a couple of years of experience while getting my.bachelors degree but then join the airforce as an officer to get this job Cyber Operations Officer: Cyberspace Operation Officer - airforce.com. If you don't want to wait they do have a enlisted job that does the same thing only difference is benefits and responsibilities most likely. If you choose the first choice and good to college I recommend getting the certs and other pen testing certs along with a degree in computer science and applied in cyber security if you can find as far as education. But as far as work you'll probably have start off as a network admin or even help desk to get your foot into the door and work your way up from there.

pinkydapimp

CEH is a great goal. What i would suggest is search the job boards for CEH and see what those jobs require. Then work to get those skills. I think you will find that 99% of them will require strong foundational IT knowledge and experience. Your best best is to start out by building that foundational knowledge and getting experience. If you can go to college, get your BS in cyber security or computer science. Otherwise, try to find an entry level IT job and maybe to school part time. Good luck.

lnsomniac

Arod95 wrote: »

Glad to see someone at my age here. Currently turning 18 in November and I could assure you that it would be impossible to get a job with just CEH and no experience in Pen Testing. This is my dream job as well. The only way I saw that it was possible to get into Pen Testing is first go for some networking/server certs and get a few years experience in these jobs. because I think unless you know how networks and all the technology works its gonna be hard to exploit it. So that's was my first choice. My recent choice I choose to switch to was still get a couple of years of experience while getting my.bachelors degree but then join the airforce as an officer to get this job Cyber Operations Officer: Cyberspace Operation Officer - airforce.com. If you don't want to wait they do have a enlisted job that does the same thing only difference is benefits and responsibilities most likely. If you choose the first choice and good to college I recommend getting the certs and other pen testing certs along with a degree in computer science and applied in cyber security if you can find as far as education. But as far as work you'll probably have start off as a network admin or even help desk to get your foot into the door and work your way up from there.

Wow, to see that you have all these certs at the age of 17 is incredible to me. I wish I would have started planning out my future earlier on in life. To be honest, I'm a minute away from joining the Army National Guard if I choose to do so. I've completed my medical processing and everything else at MEPS and all I have to do is swear in. Perhaps I should look in to a cyber security job that will help me out for the time being. Thanks for your help and good luck with your future goals.

lnsomniac

pinkydapimp wrote: »

CEH is a great goal. What i would suggest is search the job boards for CEH and see what those jobs require. Then work to get those skills. I think you will find that 99% of them will require strong foundational IT knowledge and experience. Your best best is to start out by building that foundational knowledge and getting experience. If you can go to college, get your BS in cyber security or computer science. Otherwise, try to find an entry level IT job and maybe to school part time. Good luck.

I've looked a bit in to and yes, most of them require at least a year or two of IT experience as well as a BS in some IT field. I may just look back in to joining the military to assist me with my goals. I may try to get a degree for computer sciences after I finish basics and AIT school. Hopefully after a degree and maybe a cert or two I can get the ball rolling for my career. Thank you for your help guys.