network/ security engineer at MSP vs ISP

Staunchy

Sup all,

I need some advice i recently received an offer from a MSP to go work for them as a network and security engineer where I will be working on cisco, juniper and checkpoint hardware. My current job at a MSP/ISP which I am doing mainly server and desktop support and a little network support on the ISP side of the company. My current company also said they are willing to move me to a network and security engineer position after 3 months where I will be working on MPLS, VPN, BGP and OSPF routing and fortigate firewalls.

My goal is to be a security engineer so my question is which is better option to go for in terms of focusing on security a MSP or ISP?

gbdavidx

You can go from ccent to ccna r+s or is this the new ccna? ?

maharaliel

I would prefer to continue with the current employer because the environment you are working in also is important. So, if you are ok with your job today and they admire you to the point of being promoted keep the job you are having now.

darkerz

Both options sound awesome. But only you can tell us if they are being genuine by verbally offering you *current company* future, better endeavors.

For security, the offer is better - plenty of telecoms utilize Juniper, Checkpoint & Alcatel gear. Wherever you get more InfoSec exposure on an ops level will open more doors for you.

For networking, the current position will push you into core ip route & layer 2.5 of things. It's great but you won't concern yourself much with SSL Cert offloading or the fun world of regular Audits.

White Wizard

I don't know about this.

Others that have experienced this situation or similar need to chime in but unless its in writing or you really trust whomever told you that they would promote you in 3 months, then I wouldn't count on it.

I've been burned before with "promises" so this is just my opinion, get it in writing.

Staunchy

Apparently they will put it in writing but the ISP uses HP gear as they are HP gold partner which isn't really popular in enterprise or ISP. The new company is intelys (intelys.net) they push a lot of juniper and cisco and a bit of checkpoint they focus on enterprises.

Yes the current company is a SP so in terms of routing and switching experience I will gain a lot but security wise I doubt as all they really have is 2 x fortigates in HA which they provide hosted firewall services for clients