RE: Security job for IT professional

["Randy Golly" <rcgolly () vermeertexas com>]

Congrats Kim.  I'm almost finished also.  It has been a great experience
and would recommend it over just going out and grabbing some certs.  I
think that certs come and go in favorability, and they have a valid
purpose.  But I see too many people just going after the paper without
practical experience.  Getting a graduate degree can't hurt in any
industry that you are in.  This recent news article reinforced my
thinking.
http://www.scmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsDetails&newsUID=
b9718275-5298-407b-bb6f-de9bfb24220b&newsType=Latest%20News

  I've been in IT for about 12 years now and was ready to take it to the
next level.  I got involved with the IA program, the local ISSA chapter
and through contacts in groups I interviewed for a security consultant
position with Verisign.  After a rigorous interview process, was offered
the position a few weeks ago.  Starting next week so I'm pretty excited
about getting into the infosec field full time. The MSIA program was a
big plus.
Good luck!

Thanks,
Randy Golly


-----Original Message-----
From: Kim F. Adams [mailto:KFADAMS () vbschools com] 
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 7:55 AM
To: Randy Golly; filkins () impulse net; SECURITY-BASICS () securityfocus com
Subject: RE: Security job for IT professional

Randy writes:
"Yes, I'm actually just finishing the Masters program at the University
of
Dallas.  They are one of the few programs accredited by the NSA and
Dept. of
Homeland Security that have the entire program available online at
http://www.thedallasmba.com/ia/programs.cfm. "

I'm actually getting ready to start my final class of the Masters of
Information Assurance program at Norwich University in Vermont. I found
this program through the Department of Defense site:
http://www.defenselink.mil/nii/iasp/schoolsCAEList.htm (as Randy stated,
"it lists the Centers of Academic Excellence (CAEs) in Information
Assurance"). This has primarily been an online graduate degree program
with an on-campus residency required at the end of the program. It has
been an excellent program! (It will wear your *** out....but you'll gain
a tremendous amount of knowledge in the process). I have worked in the
IT industry for about 10 years, but I wanted to focus on the security
arena. After a year of research, I decided to apply to the Norwich MSIA
program. It has been well worth the time and effort that I have devoted
to the program. If you're interested in pursuing a graduate degree in
the area of information security....check it out!
I know that James Madison U. also has a very good program. I know of a
couple of people pursuing their advanced degrees there and have been
very pleased with the program.


 

Kimberly F. Adams

Computer Resource Specialist

Landstown High School & Technology Academy

2001 Concert Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Phone:  (757) 468-3800 Ext. 1131

E-mail:  kfadams () vbschools com


-----Original Message-----
From: Randy Golly [mailto:rcgolly () vermeertexas com] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 11:03 AM
To: filkins () impulse net; SECURITY-BASICS () securityfocus com
Subject: RE: Security job for IT professional

Yes, I'm actually just finishing the Masters program at the University
of Dallas.  They are one of the few programs accredited by the NSA and
Dept. of Homeland Security that have the entire program available online
at http://www.thedallasmba.com/ia/programs.cfm.  I actually live within
15 miles of the campus, but have taken several classes online with other
IA students from around the world.  Several government/military types
taking it from overseas right now.

Check this site, http://www.defenselink.mil/nii/iasp/schoolsCAEList.htm
it lists the Centers of Academic Excellence (CAEs) in Information
Assurance Education.  The Department of Defense actually promotes an IA
scholarship that actually pays your way for tuition, plus $15k per year
as long as you repay your time back to the NSA or DoD.  Not a bad gig if
you are willing to move to DC after school.  Plus you are basically
guaranteed a job afterward graduating, and last time I checked NSA
experience goes a long way on a resume.  Good luck!

Randy Golly

-----Original Message-----
From: Barbara Filkins [mailto:filkins () impulse net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 8:44 AM
To: Randy Golly; SECURITY-BASICS () securityfocus com
Subject: RE: Security job for IT professional

Do you have examples of such programs?  Thanks!  Barb Filkins

-----Original Message-----
From: Randy Golly [mailto:rcgolly () vermeertexas com]
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2004 7:39 PM
To: SECURITY-BASICS () securityfocus com
Subject: RE: Security job for IT professional


Suggestions?  Appreciate the 6 figure income and do what you do best ;-)

... It's not having what you want, It's wanting what you've got ...
Sheryl Crow

But honestly, does he have an MBA?  There are several masters level IA
programs that prep for management level security positions.

... Randy Golly


-----Original Message-----
From: Matt Stern [mailto:sternm () comprehensive com] 
Sent: Friday, October 29, 2004 10:58 AM
To: SECURITY-BASICS () securityfocus com
Subject: Security job for IT professional

Hello all:

I have a friend who has 25 years of general experience in IT, including 
OS, networks, applications, support, etc., but not security.

He is interested in getting into the IT security field and wonders how 
to best do it, while somehow preserving (or close to) his 6 figure 
present income.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks.  I couldn't think of a way to help.

-- 
Matthew H. Stern, CCP/CDP, sternm () comprehensive com
Serving the IT industry since 1976
Comprehensive Computer Services Inc.
www.comprehensive.com
Phone: 631 755-2250, Fax 755-2254
560 Broad Hollow Road, Melville NY 11747