Before anyone says anything, let me introduce myself. My name is Adam, I work for one of the worlds largest financial firms in an "Information Systems Management Role". It is a team of entry level kids that mostly have business degrees (like myself) and I have been able to stand out and move up due to my technical aptitude and my abilities. I suppose these abilities that set me apart are 1) The fact that I give a damn, 2) I taught myself how to write SQL code, and have gotten very exceptional using SQL Server as my RDBMS 3) I have a very firm grasp of Relational Database Theory. All of these skills I have either taught myself along the way or I learned during my (literally 1) undergrad courses in MIS. My undergrad degrees (I have two from Miami University in Ohio- shitty school IMO, but looks great on paper)
Anyways, I am 26, and the MIS role I am in now has made me realize that I want to push/pull/drag my career as far to the technical side of Computer Science as I possibly can. I am currently taking online classes from a local university (Wright State if you care to know) toward and Undergrad degree in CS. I have the option of skipping this degree entirely and transitioning (like a boss) to Wright State's brand new "Cybersecurity" Masters program, once I have completed all the core requirements for their CS undergrad degree.
I see this as a good opportunity. The downside is that not all of the program is offered online, and it may require me to leave my job. This sucks obviously, because I don't fancy going into debt to get a masters and then trying to find a job all over again.
I am also not entirely sure that I want to get a degree in Cybersecurtiy. From what I have read on this board the market seems like slim pickings, compared to the market for software developers.
Which leads me to my next segway<----(don't know how to spell this, and don't care), I like software development. I like to break down code, write code, etc. I am learning Java, and will get my OCAJP after my first and second undergrad java courses. I also know SQL. I am probably considered "intermediate" in SQL and "Beginner" in Java. I also have experience using Visual Basic, but any monkey who can write Java can probably figure out VB, and VB isn't exactly in demand (please correct me if I am wrong and there is a huuuuge VB programmer market out their hidden from the world like Hogwarts).
So I am torn. If I continue the path I am on, and get this M.S. in Cybersecurity, I would want to do Pen-Testing. I have been into it since I was a kid, and I enjoy it. However, I could go back to school online at Dakota State (
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Programs and Majors, Dakota State University, Madison SD) for their undergrad in CS, and just use the creds I have already earn and finish up another undergrad. After the B.S. in Comp Science is complete, I would get my Java certification and a SQL cert and dive into the Software Engineering/Database engineering (Database Engineering is like software engineering in a wheel chair IMO) market.
So, I am looking to the fine members of this forum to help dissect my decision. Feel free to make any comments or assumptions, I won't be offended. I am most interested in the market for penetration testing vs. the market for Software Engineers. It seems that the demand for Pen Testers is much smaller (based purely on a few Indeed.com searches) but that pen testers commend a stupidly high salary. (correct me if I am wrong). On the other hand, the demand for software engineers is pretty stupidly high. The average starting salary is 40,000+ in Columbus Ohio (where I live) and that is more than I make now.
I am honestly leaning a bit more on the Keep My Job/Get 3RD undergrad and go write software for the rest of my life, rather than... quit job get MS/Cybersecurity and try to move into pen testing (after slaving away to get an OSCP cert).
So yeah, looking for some educated opinions. I am also considering going back in time with my Delorean and shooting myself in the head the day I decided to get a degree in marketing and International Business.
