Timeline: Your IT Career Progression

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  • sephiroth66sephiroth66 Registered Users Posts: 26 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Title: Desktop Administrator
    Age: 23
    Duration: 1 years
    How: Found on Craigslist
    Company size: ~250
    Description: Basic desktop support for local credit union. Previously worked for Geek Squad out of high school for 4.5 years. 
    Certs: none
    Education: HS Diploma
    Start Pay: 32k **(Variable bonus, up to 10% of salary annually - same for all 8 years at this company)
    End Pay: 34k**

    Title: Desktop Systems Administrator 
    Age: 24
    Duration: 3 years
    How: (same company as above)
    Company size: ~250
    Description: Mixed duties between user management and desktop support. 
    Certs: none
    Education: HS Diploma
    Start Pay: 40k **
    End Pay: 48k **

    Title: Sr. Systems Administrator 
    Age: 27
    Duration: 1.5 years
    How: (same company as above)
    Company size: ~250
    Description: AD management, exchange, GPO, application and SEIM support.
    Certs: none
    Education: HS Diploma
    Start Pay: 48k **
    End Pay: 56k **

    Title: Network Systems Administrator 
    Age: 28
    Duration: 1.5 years
    How:(same company as above)
    Company size: ~250
    Description: Same as above with added firewall and switch management.
    Certs: VCA-DBT
    Education: HS Diploma
    Start Pay: 56k **
    End Pay: 59k **

    Title: Information Security Manager
    Age: 30
    Duration: 1 years
    How:(same company as above)
    Company size: ~250
    Description: Architected first ever cybersecurity program for the company, security awareness, vulnerability management, etc. Took on many of the security duties of our CIO. Team lead for infosec and security liaison for corporate IT/IS initiatives. 
    Certs: VCA-DBT
    Education: HS Diploma
    Start Pay: 66k **
    End Pay: 72k **

    Title: Information Security Engineer
    Age: 31
    Duration: 6 months (Current)
    How: Indeed/Zip Recruiter
    Company size: ~160
    Description: Manage SOCaaS for company, configuration and management of EDR/PAM/IAM/Vulnerability management etc. 
    Certs: VCA-DBT, Network Admin (college cert)
    Education: HS Diploma, AAS Cybersecurity
    Start Pay: 125k (+ 4k bonus for 2022)
    End Pay: 

    Certs: VCA-DBT, Network Certificate (LAN Systems - Network Administration)
    2021 Goals: Sec+ SY0-601, AAS (Cybersecurity Specialization)
    2022 Goals: CISSP
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  • TechGromitTechGromit Member Posts: 2,156 ■■■■■■■■■□
    I've been recently demoted... I think. Company split, I'm now doing just Networking and Firewalls now, nothing Cyber related. Before i was preforming both duties. Same pay and title, just different responsibilities. 
    Still searching for the corner in a round room.
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  • JDMurrayJDMurray Admin Posts: 13,101 Admin
    Do you see your preferred career path as NetOps/Eng or cybersecurity?
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  • E Double UE Double U Member Posts: 2,239 ■■■■■■■■■■
    TechGromit said:
    I've been recently demoted... I think. Company split, I'm now doing just Networking and Firewalls now, nothing Cyber related. Before i was preforming both duties. Same pay and title, just different responsibilities. 
    Seems more like the organization finally implemented segregation of duties.
    Alphabet soup from (ISC)2, ISACA, GIAC, EC-Council, Microsoft, ITIL, Cisco, Scrum, CompTIA, AWS
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  • Deáthmáge85Deáthmáge85 Member Posts: 36 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Title: IT Coordinator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked  at a local newspaper, 1st IT job
    Company size: 50
    Age: 24
    Duration: 4 months
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: none
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 25k

    Title: IT Manager
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in a corrugation factory, was the chief IT professional. I learn all of my base IT work from this job, I learned networking, storage, server, desktop support, Terminal Services, Sonicwall firewalls, and VMware 4.1
    Company size: 3000
    Age: 25-29
    Duration: 4 years
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 40k

    Title: System Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in a vacuum factory, was the chief IT professional. I learn all of my advanced VMware experience here.
    Company size: 60
    Age: 29-31
    Duration: 2 years
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 50k

    Title: Director of Technical Services
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in a national MSP at a startup branch. Pioneered and learned the ropes of the MSP space along with Autotask, Kaseya, & Connectwise as my core MSP services. Built out over 45 different infrastructure, ranging from 100 user greenfield deployments all the way up to a dozen or so 1000 user infrastructures. MY bread-n-butter was deploying full VMware 5.5-6.5 Essentials plus 3 host setup backed by Equalogic and QNAP storage arrays with Dell & Netgear 10G networking alongside Sophos and Sonicwall firewalls support Server 2012 and 2016 server networks
    Company size: 2 (locally) + 15000 (nationally)
    Age: 31-34
    Duration: 4 years
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 85k

    Title: Sr. System Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in another MSP. Didn't really learn much here at this location. I actually felt after the honeymoon stage was over it a reversal in career progression. But I did my 1 year and it was during COVID and I left.
    Company size: 8
    Age: 34-35
    Duration: 1 year
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 115k

    Title: Sr. System Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Financial Services
    Company size: Classified
    Age: 36-Present
    Duration:  1 year
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified O365 Administrator Associate, Tail end of the Office 365 Enterprise Administrator
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 140k+

    Title: Sr. Cloud Engineer
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Silicon Valley High-Tech Enterprise
    Company size: Classified
    Age: 36-Present
    Duration: Present
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified O365 Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 160k+
    Certifications: A+, N+, Sec+, Storage+, CySA+, CASP+ (003 & 004), VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV/NV 6, MCSE x 2: Core Infrastructure & Productivity (2016), Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator, Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate

    Current Pursuit: Azure & O365 Renewals

    :2023 Goals: 
     Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800 & AZ-801), Microsoft Certified: Azure Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100)

    :2024 Goals:
    VCP7-DCV, CCSP, CISSP, CISM, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP

    :2025 Goals:
    Linux+, RHSA, PenTest+, C|EH, OSCP, Azure & O365 Renewals
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  • TechGromitTechGromit Member Posts: 2,156 ■■■■■■■■■□
    JDMurray said:
    Do you see your preferred career path as NetOps/Eng or cybersecurity?
    Definitely Cyber Security, I applied for an Incident Response position within my company, but I haven't heard nothing about the job since applying two months ago. 
    Still searching for the corner in a round room.
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  • TechGromitTechGromit Member Posts: 2,156 ■■■■■■■■■□
    edited April 2022
    Deáthmáge85 said:


    Title: Sr. System Administrator
    ...
    Company size: Classified


    Title: Sr. Cloud Engineer
    ..
    Company size: Classified

    Not only isn't his company listed, the company size is also classified. He's not working financial or silicon valley company, but a secret government agency of a underdetermine size. :) I could see if he worked for the company's security department, like where work, the size of our security team and how many guards are on duty per shift is highly sensitive information.
    Still searching for the corner in a round room.
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  • Deáthmáge85Deáthmáge85 Member Posts: 36 ■■■□□□□□□□
    you can only wonder and that's fine by me. :-D 
    Certifications: A+, N+, Sec+, Storage+, CySA+, CASP+ (003 & 004), VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV/NV 6, MCSE x 2: Core Infrastructure & Productivity (2016), Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator, Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate

    Current Pursuit: Azure & O365 Renewals

    :2023 Goals: 
     Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800 & AZ-801), Microsoft Certified: Azure Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100)

    :2024 Goals:
    VCP7-DCV, CCSP, CISSP, CISM, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP

    :2025 Goals:
    Linux+, RHSA, PenTest+, C|EH, OSCP, Azure & O365 Renewals
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  • DatabaseHeadDatabaseHead Member Posts: 2,760 ■■■■■■■■■■
    edited April 2022
    In regards to MS Access.....
    @DZA_
    @JDMurray

    I've taken it off my profile from here on out.  I use to build MS Access databases back in the day and even built a couple just a recently as 3 years ago, basically to pull excel files in and process them etc...   Just some automation nonsense.   Now I just create Python scripts using Pandas and NumPy and that does the trick, of course I am still the SQL, ETL, and Pipeline guy....    Once you are in and you in!  
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  • JDMurrayJDMurray Admin Posts: 13,101 Admin
    It's actually a good idea to remove old tech from you resume in which you no longer want to work. I kept getting hits from recruiters looking for SQL DBAs and Motorola assembly language programmers, so I finally decided those topics on my resume had to go. Now-a-days, my big "no thanks" to recruiters is for .NET programmers. I still love C#, but I don't want to do it for a living. Unfortunately, it's too recent of a skill that on my resume it must stay.
    Forum Admin at www.techexams.net
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  • DatabaseHeadDatabaseHead Member Posts: 2,760 ■■■■■■■■■■
    edited April 2022
    JDMurray said:
    It's actually a good idea to remove old tech from you resume in which you no longer want to work. I kept getting hits from recruiters looking for SQL DBAs and Motorola assembly language programmers, so I finally decided those topics on my resume had to go. Now-a-days, my big "no thanks" to recruiters is for .NET programmers. I still love C#, but I don't want to do it for a living. Unfortunately, it's too recent of a skill that on my resume it must stay.
    It can be tricky that's for sure.  You don't want to be not considered for a position for withholding tech, but as you stated and even more importantly you don't want to get a position and be expected to support / develop in a certain technology you no longer want to deal in.  

    I guess if you are without a job throw it all out there, gotta work.  But if you are already in a good situation then absolutely groom that resume.  Makes sense you are keeping the C# on your resume, with it being so recent.  I personally think leaving at least one development language somewhere on your resume is a good thing.  Maybe it's just an internal biased, but I really like candidates who know how to program, even just a little.  
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  • Raya90Raya90 Member Posts: 22 ■■■□□□□□□□
    edited May 2022
    Title: IT Coordinator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Office IT/HR/Finance Support for small marketing/analytics firm (Don't ask why I was doing the HR/finance tasks..)
    Company size: <120
    Age: 27-28
    Duration: 7 months (Contract)
    How: Temp agency
    Certs: None
    Education: BA in Poli Sci
    Pay: $17hr

    Title: Helpdesk
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Helpdesk support for small Pharmaceutical company
    Company size: <500
    Age: 28
    Duration: 3 months (contract)
    How: IT temp agency
    Certs: None
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $16hr

    Title: Service Desk
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Helpdesk support for local gov. 
    Company size: <4,000
    Age: 29
    Duration: 4 months (contract)
    How: IT temp agency
    Certs: CJIS Level 4 (if this counts?)
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $16hr

    Title: Desktop support 
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Deskside support for major credit rating and analytics company.
    Company size: <10,000+
    Age: 29
    Duration: 3 months (contract)
    How: IT temp agency
    Certs: CJIS Level 4
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $28hr

    Title: Desktop support 
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Deskside support for major entertainment company.
    Company size: <10,000+
    Age: 29
    Duration: 3 months (contract to hire but pandemic threw a wrench in!)
    How: IT temp agency
    Certs: CJIS Level 4
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $28hr

    Title: Service Desk 
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Service desk for major international investment bank.
    Company size: <10,000+
    Age: 29-30
    Duration: 7 months (contract)
    How: IT temp agency
    Certs: None
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $28hr

    Title: Service desk 
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Service desk for major entertainment company.
    Company size: <30,000+
    Age: 30-31
    Duration: Fulltime, 1.5 years. 
    How: Recruiter found me on LinkedIn and offered the position.
    Certs: CEH
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $28hr (start) $32 (end)

    Title: Information Security Specialist (within the incident response and monitoring team)
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Monitor the internal network and end user activity for any abnormality or malicious events.
    Company size: <5,000+
    Age: 31
    Duration: Present 
    How: Applied via LinkedIn 
    Certs: CEH
    Education: BA Poli Sci
    Pay: $100k annually 

    Completed: CEH, MSCSIA
    Goals: CISSP, GICSP, GCIP
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  • JoveJove Member Posts: 26 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Jove said:
    Title: Web Programmer
    Hours: 20 hour/week
    Description: Web Programmer for Computer Science Department.
    Company Size: Unknown
    Age: 22-24
    Duration (2002-2005) 3 Years
    How: Applied in person.
    Certs: None
    Education: Pursed B.S. in Information Technology
    Pay: $9/hour

    Title: I.T. Technician
    Hours/wk: 40 plus on call support.
    Description: I.T. Desktop Support/IT Manager/System Administrator/Network Administrator/Security Administrator, for a Nursing Home.
    Company Size: 300 employees, (20 Servers, 200 computers)
    Age: 25-31
    Duration: (2005-2014) 9 years
    How: Volunteered for 6 months after college until I accepted a full time I.T. position.
    Certs: A+, Network+, Server+, Security+, CCENT, CCNA, CCNA Security, VMWare 5.0, MCSA: Windows Server 2012, MCSA: Windows 7, MCDST, MCP, ITILv3 Foundations.
    Education: B.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems.
    Pay: $39,000 to $48,000


    Title: I.T. Technician
    Hours/wk: 40 hours (no on call support)
    Description: IT Helpdesk Support for State of Michigan
    Company Size: 300
    Age: 31-35
    Duration: (2014-2017) 2.5 years
    How: Applied online.
    Certs: A+, Network+, Server+, Security+, Linux+, CCENT, CCNA, CCNA Security, VMWare 5.0, MCSA: Windows Server 2012, MCSA: Windows 7, MCDST, MCP, ITILv3 Foundations.
    Education: Education: B.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems.
    Pay: $46,000 to $49,000


    Title: Security Engineer
    Hours/wk: 40 hours (no on call support)
    Description: I.T. Security Designer for the Department of Defense
    Company Size: ~40,000
    Age: 35-37
    How: Applied Online
    Certs: CEHv9, A+, Network+, Server+, Security+, Linux+, MCSA: Windows Server 2012, MCSA: Windows 7, MCDST, MCP, ITILv3 Foundations.
    Education: B.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems.
    Security Clearance: Yes (full scope)
    Pay: $108,000


    Title: Principal Software Engineer
    Hours/wk: 40 hours
    Description: Principal Software Engineer for DoD Contractor
    Company Size: ~45000
    Age: 41-Present
    How: Referral
    Certifications: GCIH, GCPN, GPEN, GWAPT, Security+, Cysa+, CEH, ITIL v3 Foundation
    Education: B.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems.
    Pay: $195,000 + $10,000 sign on bonus.

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  • coreyb80coreyb80 Member Posts: 647 ■■■■■□□□□□
    coreyb80 said:
    Title: Helpdesk
    Hour/wk: 40 with on call rotation
    Description: Contractor then converted to FTE
    Company size: 300
    Age: 33
    Duration: 6 years
    How: Head Hunter
    Certs: None
    Education: HS
    Pay: Started @ $45K and ended $62K

    Title: Desktop Support Engineer 
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: FTE
    Company size: 1000
    Age: 38
    Duration: Currently
    How: Head Hunter
    Certs: A+, Net+, Sec+, Proj+, CCNA
    Education: 15 credits away from Bachelors
    Pay: currently at $82K

    Once I wrap up my bachelors in the next few months it'll be time to move on to greener pastures.  Great company, but opportunities limited due to company being based in the UK

    Title: Helpdesk Manger
    Hour/wk: 40 
    Description: FTE
    Company size: 500
    Age: 42
    Duration: 7 Months
    How: Head Hunter
    Certs: CCNA
    Education: Bachelors
    Pay: $87K plus 20% bonus

    Interviewed for the helpdesk position initially and ended up being offered the managerial position.  Couldn't make a huge fuss about the pay as I have no experience. 
    WGU BS - Network Operations and Security
    Completion Date: May 2021
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  • DeezyFFDeezyFF Member Posts: 62 ■■■□□□□□□□
    edited September 2022
    Title: Signal Support Systems Specialist (Army)
    Hours/wk: too many hours
    Description: IT Support / Radio Support
    Age: 19-23
    Duration: (2008-2012)
    How: Recruited
    Certs: -
    Education: Education: High School Diploma
    Pay: $24,000 - 36,000

    Title: Systems Analyst
    Hours/wk: 40 hours (no on call support)
    Description: IT Tier 2 Support
    Company Size: 200
    Age: 23-25
    Duration: (2013-2014)
    How: Craigslist
    Certs: A+, Network+, Security+, 
    Education: High School Diploma
    Pay: $53,000-55,000

    Title: Enterprise Network Admin
    Hours/wk: 40 hours
    Description: Basically the owner of 4 corporate locations, as more of a MSP support style.
    Company Size: 1000
    Age: 25-27
    Duration: (2014-2016)
    How: Applied online.
    Certs: A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, CCENT, CCNA
    Education: High School Diploma
    Pay: $65,000-67,000

    Title: Sr. Desktop Support
    Hours/wk: 40 hours
    Description: IT Desktop Support II/III
    Company Size: 1000
    Age: 27-28
    Duration: (2016-2017)
    How: Applied online
    Certs: A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, CCENT, CCNA-Security
    Education: BS - IT Security
    Pay: $80,000-88,000

    Title: IT Manager Helpdesk
    Hours/wk: 40 hours
    Description: manager of helpdesk
    Company Size: 1000
    Age: 28-30
    Duration: (2017-2019)
    How: Promotion
    Certs: A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, CCENT, CCNA-Security, ITILv3
    Education: BS - IT Security
    Pay: $100,000-120,000

    Title: Director IT Operations
    Hours/wk: 40 hours
    Description: Director of IT operations for company
    Company Size: 1000
    Age: 30-33
    Duration: (2019-2022)
    How: Promotion
    Certs: A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, CCENT, CCNA-Security, ITILv3, VCP7-DTM, CISSP
    Education: MBA - IT Management
    Pay: $135,000-175,000
    WGU BS-IT Security: Complete
    ​:cheers:
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  • volfkhatvolfkhat Member Posts: 1,075 ■■■■■■■■□□
    DeezyFF 


    Really Amazing progression!

    I sometimes wish i still had the WILL to go back for my Masters....   but i'm just a lazy bas@tard nowadays
    :D:D
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  • DatabaseHeadDatabaseHead Member Posts: 2,760 ■■■■■■■■■■
    volfkhat said:
    DeezyFF 


    Really Amazing progression!

    I sometimes wish i still had the WILL to go back for my Masters....   but i'm just a lazy bas@tard nowadays
    :D:D
    Me too as you get old it's hard to get motivated.  I still maintain a few things in my personal time, but that's it.  To think I had so much energy 10 years ago lol.  
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  • DZA_DZA_ Member Posts: 467 ■■■■■■■□□□
    Here's with the latest update:

    Title: Service Desk Analyst
    Hour/wk: 40-60
    Description: Managed Service Provider
    Company size: 80
    Age: 22
    How: College classmate Referral
    Certs: none
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: 34k CAD

    Title: Network Consultant
    Hour/wk: 50+
    Description: Managed Service Provider
    Company size: Same Company
    Age: 24-25
    How: Promoted
    Certs: MCSE, CCA, ITIL, CCNA, CCP-N
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: Start 60k CAD

    Title: Application Delivery Consultant
    Hour/wk: 60+
    Description: Managed Service Provider
    Company size: ~Same Company
    Age: 26-27
    How: Promoted
    Certs: CISSP, CCP-N, CCP-M, MCSE
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: Start 80k+ (4K bonus every quarter) CAD

    Title: Systems Engineer
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Financial Institution (National bank)
    Company size: 85k
    Age: 27-28
    How: Applied through job posting on website
    Certs: CISSP, CISM
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: Start 83k (Possible bonus up to 35% at year end) CAD

    Title: IT Architect
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Financial Institution (National bank)
    Company size: 85k
    Age: 29-31
    How: Internal hiring to a new team
    Certs: CISSP, CISM
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: 83k and ended at 89.5

    Title: Cloud Security Architect
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Financial Institution (National bank)
    Company size: 85k
    Age: 31-32
    How: Internal hiring to a new team
    Certs: CISSP, CISM, CCSP
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: 105k CAD

    Title: Manager - Security Architecture
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Financial Institution (National bank)
    Company size: 85k
    Age: 32
    How: Internal promotion
    Certs: CISSP, CISM, CCSP, CRISC
    Education: College - Advance Diploma
    Pay: 144k CAD + varying bonus from 10-18%
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  • Deáthmáge85Deáthmáge85 Member Posts: 36 ■■■□□□□□□□
    edited January 2023
    Title: IT Coordinator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked  at a local newspaper, 1st IT job
    Company size: 50
    Age: 24
    Duration: 4 months
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: none
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 25k

    Title: IT Manager
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in a corrugation factory, was the chief IT professional. I learn all of my base IT work from this job, I learned networking, storage, server, desktop support, Terminal Services, Sonicwall firewalls, and VMware 4.1
    Company size: 3000
    Age: 25-29
    Duration: 4 years
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 40k

    Title: System Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in a vacuum factory, was the chief IT professional. I learn all of my advanced VMware experience here.
    Company size: 60
    Age: 29-31
    Duration: 2 years
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 50k

    Title: Director of Technical Services
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in a national MSP at a startup branch. Pioneered and learned the ropes of the MSP space along with Autotask, Kaseya, & Connectwise as my core MSP services. Built out over 45 different infrastructure, ranging from 100 user greenfield deployments all the way up to a dozen or so 1000 user infrastructures. MY bread-n-butter was deploying full VMware 5.5-6.5 Essentials plus 3 host setup backed by Equalogic and QNAP storage arrays with Dell & Netgear 10G networking alongside Sophos and Sonicwall firewalls support Server 2012 and 2016 server networks
    Company size: 2 (locally) + 15000 (nationally)
    Age: 31-34
    Duration: 4 years
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 85k

    Title: Sr. System Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Worked in another MSP. Didn't really learn much here at this location. I actually felt after the honeymoon stage was over it a reversal in career progression. But I did my 1 year and it was during COVID and I left.
    Company size: 8
    Age: 34-35
    Duration: 1 year
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 115k

    Title: Sr. System Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Financial Services
    Company size: Classified
    Age: 36-Present
    Duration:  1 year
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified O365 Administrator Associate, Tail end of the Office 365 Enterprise Administrator
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 140k+

    Title: Cloud Engineer
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Silicon Valley High-Tech Enterprise - NetApp
    Company size: High
    Age: 36-37
    Duration: 7 months
    How: Applied and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified O365 Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 160k+

    Title: Sr. Security Engineer
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: undisclosed
    Company size: undisclosed
    Age: 37-Present
    Duration: Present
    How: Referral and interviewed
    Certs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CCENT, VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV 6, VCP-NV 6, CySA+, CASP+, Server+, MCSA 2016, MCSE 2016: Server Infrastructure, MCSE 2016: Productivity, Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified O365 Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst, Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
    Education: AAS in Computer Information Systems
    Pay: 200k++
    Certifications: A+, N+, Sec+, Storage+, CySA+, CASP+ (003 & 004), VCP-DCV 5, VCP-DCV/NV 6, MCSE x 2: Core Infrastructure & Productivity (2016), Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator, Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate

    Current Pursuit: Azure & O365 Renewals

    :2023 Goals: 
     Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800 & AZ-801), Microsoft Certified: Azure Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100)

    :2024 Goals:
    VCP7-DCV, CCSP, CISSP, CISM, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP

    :2025 Goals:
    Linux+, RHSA, PenTest+, C|EH, OSCP, Azure & O365 Renewals
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  • JoJoCal19JoJoCal19 Mod Posts: 2,835 Mod
    edited January 2023
    Wow it's been 2 months shy of 6 years since my last update. Have had a couple more positions in that timeframe.

    Title: PC Specialist/Network Administrator
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: JOAT for a small envelope manufacturer
    Company size: 250
    Age: 23
    Duration: 14 months
    How: Internal applicant
    Certs: None
    Education: AS Computer Networking
    Pay: 32k

    Title: Sr. Technical Support Specialist
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Second level desktop support for large American bank/financial firm
    Company size: 100K+
    Age: 24
    Duration: 20 months
    How: Employee referral
    Certs: None
    Education: AS Computer Networking
    Pay: 50k

    Title: Sys/Data Security Analyst II
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Security access control and IAM for the same Financial firm
    Company size: 100K+
    Age: 26
    Duration: 20 months
    How: Internal applicant
    Certs: None, but got Network+, Security+, CISSP, and ITIL F while in this position.
    Education: AS Computer Networking. Completed my BS in Business Administration while in this position.
    Pay: 57k

    Title: AVP - Information Security Risk Management
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Information security risk management and GRC for large American global financial firm.
    Company size: 100K+
    Age: 32
    Duration: 8 months
    How: Company recruiter
    Certs: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL F
    Education: BS in Business Administration
    Pay: 72k

    Title: Sr. IT Security Engineer
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Security engineering, project management, incident response, etc for a governmental firm.
    Company size: 1500
    Age: 32
    Duration: 1.5 years
    How: External recruiter
    Certs: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL F
    Education: BS in Business Administration
    Pay: 85k

    Title: AVP - Cybersecurity Problem Manager
    Hour/wk: 40
    Description: Security problem management (full lifecycle), project management for large German financial firm.
    Company size: 100k+
    Age: 33
    Duration: 11 months
    How: Recruited by former colleague
    Certs: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL F
    Education: BS in Business Administration, completed MSISA while in this position.
    Pay: 102k + bonus

    Title: Sr Manager - Information Security Risk Management
    Hour/wk: 40 - fully remote
    Description: Information security risk management, audit, compliance, governance, project management for full-service IT consulting firm.
    Company size: 100k+
    Age: 34
    Duration: 1 year 5 months
    How: Company recruiter
    Certs: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL F, GSEC, GCIA
    Education: BS in Business Administration, MSISA
    Pay: 120k + bonus

    January 2023 Update:

    Title: Sr Security Solutions Engineer
    Hour/wk: 40 - fully remote
    Description: Senior sales engineer for a very well known security software vendor
    Company size: ~2000
    Age: 36
    Duration: 2 yrs
    How: Internal referral
    Certs: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL F, GSEC, GCIA, CISM, CISA, CRISC
    Education: BS in Business Administration, MSISA, MS Cybersecurity
    Pay: 120k + $30k commission/bonus target (met)

    Title: Cloud Security - Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (Hired in as a Cloud Security Architect, however job duties have changed)
    Hour/wk: 40 - fully remote
    Description: Handle VA scans and PT report delivery to MSS customers
    Company size: 100k+
    Age: 38
    Duration: Current
    How: Internal referral
    Certs: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL F, GSEC, GCIA, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CCSP, CCSK, AWS-CCP, AWS-CSAA
    Education: BS in Business Administration, MSISA, MS Cybersecurity
    Pay: 190k + $57k commission/bonus target (exceeded each year), 1000 RSU



    I'm kind of stuck in my current role. That lifestyle creep plus my RSUs keep me trapped for now. As well as the fact that my job is deliverable based and I work when/where/how I want as long as quarterly deliverables are met. So in trying to apply the 80/20 rule I find myself doing 10-15 hours of actual work each week. My job is pretty easy however I hate the work that I do (analyzing quarterly vuln scan reports and delivering to customers, analyzing pentest reports and delivering to customers as well as assisting with remediations). I've been contacted for some amazing opportunities however either the pay is too much of a paycut, or for the roles for similar or even more pay, my workload would increase atleast four-fold and involve travel and other headaches. At my age (40) and point in my career, I want flexibility in how I arrange my day.  


    Have: CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, eJPT, GCIA, GSEC, CCSP, CCSK, AWS CSAA, AWS CCP, OCI Foundations Associate, ITIL-F, MS Cyber Security - USF, BSBA - UF, MSISA - WGU
    Currently Working On: Python, OSCP Prep
    Next Up:​ OSCP
    Studying:​ Code Academy (Python), Bash Scripting, Virtual Hacking Lab Coursework
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  • UnixGuyUnixGuy Mod Posts: 4,570 Mod
    JoJoCal19 said:


    ... I work when/where/how I want as long as quarterly deliverables are met. ...I find myself doing 10-15 hours of actual work each week. 




    Looks like a pretty sweet role to me, you can do whatever you want in your free time. Well done mate
    Certs: GSTRT, GPEN, GCFA, CISM, CRISC, RHCE

    Learn GRC! GRC Mastery : https://grcmastery.com 

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  • Moon ChildMoon Child Member Posts: 198 ■■■□□□□□□□
    edited May 1
    Bachelors Computer Information Systems w/ A+
    PHP Programmer
    pay 40k/ yr

    Masters Education w/ teaching license
    Teacher /  Self Employed Computer side jobs
    pay 30k /yr teacher + 10k computer side jobs
    2 Jobs combined income = 40k/yr

    A+, N+, S+, MCTS, ITIL, Apple
    Security Officer Night shift/ Day shift Teachers Aid & SUB & computer side jobs
    pay 30k yr security + 20k Sub Teaching & teachers aid & side jobs
    2 Jobs combined income = 50kyr

    Truck driving school
    CDL Truck Driver 50k yr

    laptop technician / Self employed computer side jobs
    30k/ laptop tech + 10k computer side jobs
    2 jobs combined income = 40k+ yr

    Helpdesk Tech / Off days Substitute teacher and side jobs
    40 - 60k / yr helpdesk + 15K Substitute Teaching & side jobs
    2 Jobs combined income = 55k - 75k/ yr.

    Here is a rough sketch of my computer career mixed in with other jobs. I often work a 2nd job for extra cash. Longterm goal earn CCNA and move out of helpdesk into a Network technician/ Jr Net Admin role at same pay scale or a little more. Combining my Network job with a 2nd job have my total combined income to be over 100k a year. I enjoy working a 2nd job and side jobs to increase that annual salary :)
    ... the world seems full of good men--even if there are monsters in it. - Bram Stoker, Dracula
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