Network Admin/IT Security entry level

Hello,

I passed my N+ back in Jan 9, 2015. I am looking for entry level IT Security/Network admin job. I am attending study group and preparing for my CISSP exam and hoping I can take that in this coming Fall. I am located in Shakopee, MN. Desired job location will be around 20 miles radius. Does anyone has suggestions on where I should look?

Thank you!

PH

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fuz1on

phtan wrote: »

I passed my N+ back in Jan 9, 2015. I am looking for entry level IT Security/Network admin job. I am attending study group and preparing for my CISSP exam and hoping I can take that in this coming Fall.

I think it's going to be pretty tough for you to get an entry-level position in Security or networking. Network+ only provides foundational knowledge and those jobs require lots of experience and certifications (CCNA, MCSE and Security+ at the minimum). Also, the requirements to even sit for the CISSP is 5 solid years in security and they're pretty strict about it. I'd suggest trying for a Tier 1-2 Helpdesk position to get your foot in the door while concurrently going for Security+ as it will expand your networking knowledge to the best practices in large enterprise environments. Also, passing it also counts for 1 full year off of the requirement which is huge. Think about it...if you get into a good company and continue to work hard - they'll have no choice to move you up to Tier 3 or even Network Analyst/NOC Engineer.

Good luck!

phtan

Actually I checked and found out that without 5 years experience, I can become CISSP associate instead of CISSP. I have my Bachelor in Business Computer Information Systems and I have my certification in Health IT back in July 2014. I had a short internship helping clinic with their privacy and security. I am not sure that make any difference.

anuragaks10

phtan wrote: »

Actually I checked and found out that without 5 years experience, I can become CISSP associate instead of CISSP. I have my Bachelor in Business Computer Information Systems and I have my certification in Health IT back in July 2014. I had a short internship helping clinic with their privacy and security. I am not sure that make any difference.

Yeah, you are right that you can become an Associate of ISC². But keep in mind that upon clearing it you'll have at the most of 7 years to gain that 5 years exp. required for CISSP eligibility (4 years if you manage to get other certs, I think). So, it's really your choice but many people, including myself, will recommend to tackle certs in a more 'linear' fashion. CISSP is a hard exam and an expensive one too. Maybe go for Security+ next, then CCENT/CCNA and so on.
Oh and if you take Security+ and CCNA, you can get the highest level of CIW which is CIW | Web Security Professionals Establish Strong Security Strategies provided you just pass the associate exam. Even if you take just one other cert from this list http://www.ciwcertified.com/_resources/web_security_series.pdf, you are still rewarded with the 'Specialist' level.

Cheers!