Re: Re: RE: MS in information security

[student () uncc edu]

I agree with you about knowledge, but do not forget the importance of teachability. Sure someone can have expert 
knowledge in an area and live on that knowledge, but what happens when it becomes stale or proven wrong. When looking 
at a piece of paper (i.e. resume) how do YOU distinguish knowledge versus teachability?

Personally, when I reviewed resumes, I looked at education first then looked toward certifications. While technical 
degrees were important, especially at the graduate level, I looked for liberal arts degrees more. I found most success 
with those who studied the classical languages and mythology. They had developed a methodology that translated well to 
troubleshooting. All I had to do was give them the technical aptitude which most picked up in weeks not months. I also 
looked for AA degrees when I had immediate needs because I found they could hit the ground running faster than BSCS 
graduates. They just tended to burnout faster. 

Just a note on PhD holders. My success with these candidates has been mixed. If you get one that understands how little 
anyone knows, it’s great. However, one that thinks they have arrived and know all can be a cancerous pain to be 
avoided. When considering a PhD applicant, interview carefully. There are potentially great rewards with these 
candidates. 

On to the certification only applicants... Again, I see these for immediate needs. But, even then my success has been 
limited. Many times, I find cert-only folks turn out to be paper pushers without any real knowledge. A key question I 
ask these folks is when they passed the first exam and when they passed the last exam. 

- CB

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