18 and Forward Thinking

Hi, I'm going to be starting a career in Cyber Security, I have the aim of eventually ending up in management. I'm very much into both technology and business.

I plan to gain the following certifications whilst being a student who will be starting a three year Bsc Computer Science degree next year.

A+
Network+
Security+
Prince2 Foundation
ITIL v3 Foundation

I've set the objective to study for these so that I would've completed them by the end of my degree.

My University ranking is mediocre, I'm unsure about how much of a problem this will be when applying for a Postgraduates degree (Cybersecurity & Management) at one of the top ten universities in the UK coming from a mediocre one. If I get the 2:1 requirement would I be likely to get in?

How much of an advantage as a new graduate looking for a job would I have?

Thanks

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Comments

urstuffplz1

Hi Goldenberry,

Firstly, welcome to the forum. It's an awesome place to be and it's full of insane knowledge, wisdom and advice that will be invaluable for the future.

I'm from the UK myself and I am currently coming to the end of my first year doing a FdSc (foundation degree) in Computing, Networking and Software Development. You've mentioned you would like to go into cyber security in the longer run, what's made you choose a course such as Computer Science over something like the following at Plymouth University? https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bsc-computer-and-information-security If you were to progress onto PG study after your BSc, a 2.1 or 1st is usually what the "top" universities require. I would not be put off by a university with a lesser ranking or lower entry criteria either. The most important aspect is you find a course that is a perfect fit for you, regardless of where or what they want.

The certification pathway you've put up is a strong foundation for anyone starting within the IT field as it covers a vast amount of the foundations needed to fill in a lot of gaps that new engineers have within the industry. I know a vast majority on this forum definitely recommend the A+, N+ and S+ as you're initial building blocks. Personally, I have not done them, but I gained the experience via previous employment. However, having the certification is going to give an employer a good account of yourself, it would help tremendously.

If you want to, feel free to PM me privately or ask me anything you want.

aderon

Personally, I think the CCENT is more valuable than a Network+ as far as actual learning is concerned. Plus, you can transition it later to a CCNA if you would like to. The Net+ does have better name recognition though.

Also, I don't think the A+ holds any real educational value. You will most likely know the majority of it and the rest you will probably never use again. I feel like that cert was designed for people with literally ZERO knowledge of anything computer related. Like if my grandma wanted to start an IT career, I would suggest she pursue the A+.

The Security+ is a pretty solid certification that provides a good stepping stone to other studies in that area.

I haven't taken the other two, but I do see ITIL v3 mentioned constantly on job hiring sites.

I'm also trying to get into Cyber Security (pen testing though, not management). If I were to start my path all over again I would have gotten a CCNA first, started studying linux and python scripting (Perhaps getting an RHCSA instead of Linux+) after that, and THEN moved onto the Security+ followed by an OSCP. I'd probably suggest a CISSP over an OSCP though if your goal is to land in management.

Good luck by the way, just keep your motivation up and stay determined and you'll have a bright future ahead of you

Goldenberry

urstuffplz1 wrote: »

Hi Goldenberry,

Firstly, welcome to the forum. It's an awesome place to be and it's full of insane knowledge, wisdom and advice that will be invaluable for the future.

I'm from the UK myself and I am currently coming to the end of my first year doing a FdSc (foundation degree) in Computing, Networking and Software Development. You've mentioned you would like to go into cyber security in the longer run, what's made you choose a course such as Computer Science over something like the following at Plymouth University? https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bsc-computer-and-information-security If you were to progress onto PG study after your BSc, a 2.1 or 1st is usually what the "top" universities require. I would not be put off by a university with a lesser ranking or lower entry criteria either. The most important aspect is you find a course that is a perfect fit for you, regardless of where or what they want.

The certification pathway you've put up is a strong foundation for anyone starting within the IT field as it covers a vast amount of the foundations needed to fill in a lot of gaps that new engineers have within the industry. I know a vast majority on this forum definitely recommend the A+, N+ and S+ as you're initial building blocks. Personally, I have not done them, but I gained the experience via previous employment. However, having the certification is going to give an employer a good account of yourself, it would help tremendously.

If you want to, feel free to PM me privately or ask me anything you want.

Thanks for the advice, I chose Computer Science instead because I view CyberSecurity as specialisation. I believe doing an undergraduates in CyberSecurity is like skipping medical school to become a surgeon. In addition Bsc Computer Science is more widely recognised on job applications wheras Bsc Cybersecurity is new.

Kreken

I agree with Aderon, skip A+ and Net+. Every CS program has at least one class on Operating systems/hardware and networking class. I don't have Sec+ nor the last two so can't comment.

I would probably just concentrate on my studies at uni. When applying into top tier school for MS, I would argue that your GPA matters more than an entry level certification.

si20

I'm in a good position to answer this, before I do, can I just ask: What university is it? And what kind of material did you cover?

Goldenberry

si20 wrote: »

I'm in a good position to answer this, before I do, can I just ask: What university is it? And what kind of material did you cover?

I'll have to decide between Salford University or Lancaster University. I'm most likely to choose Salford because it's closer, the modules in the course appear better and security is covered.

Computer Science BSc (Hons) | Undergraduate | University of Salford, Manchester

Goldenberry

Kreken wrote: »

I agree with Aderon, skip A+ and Net+. Every CS program has at least one class on Operating systems/hardware and networking class. I don't have Sec+ nor the last two so can't comment.

I would probably just concentrate on my studies at uni. When applying into top tier school for MS, I would argue that your GPA matters more than an entry level certification.

I'm going to get A+ and Network+ by the end of this summer. Not only will they fill up any gaps I may have but when it comes to applying for a job or Msc they'll be able to trace my determination back to an early stage.

Besides, in the following months by the time I come to study the related modules at uni in I'll already have an advantage and get a higher mark.
Here we don't have GPA, all you need is a 2:1 and a good personal statement, work experience would make you stand out further.

si20

Goldenberry wrote: »

I'll have to decide between Salford University or Lancaster University. I'm most likely to choose Salford because it's closer, the modules in the course appear better and security is covered.

Computer Science BSc (Hons) | Undergraduate | University of Salford, Manchester

I've just looked at the BSc Computer Science link you provided and I saw only one security module. Is there any reason you're not doing an entire BSc that focuses on Computer Security? I'm not sure whether one module will really cut the mustard.

Goldenberry

si20 wrote: »

I've just looked at the BSc Computer Science link you provided and I saw only one security module. Is there any reason you're not doing an entire BSc that focuses on Computer Security? I'm not sure whether one module will really cut the mustard.

Bsc Cybersecurity degrees are relatively new, nowhere near mentioned as much as CS in job applications. It's specialised too early, too risky. Once course I looked just followed a CCNA syllabus. To me it looks like a scheme to quickly fill up the shortage in the market.

I want to study Computer Science and learn all the aspects such as programming and algorithms which I also hold interest in before I apply for a Msc in Security. By the time I apply for a job I'll have Msc in Security with a Bsc in CS followed by several IT certs. Shouldn't that disintegrate the mustard?