You nailed it. If someone can't get an IT job, get ANY job in an IT company while you build your tech skills/certs/credentials on the side. (Mail clerk, custodian, whatever.) Then apply for a transfer in the same company.
I got a degree in Secure Computing and Information Assurance (minored in Computer Science). It was a degree that was manageable enough to where I could graduate with a 4.0 and work 2 jobs while studying. However, if you want the most bang for your buck across tech, I'd say to get yourself a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, despite the challenge. Some jobs ask for a degree in 'Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or related field' - so it's better to choose CS to bypass ill-informed HR/Talent Acquisition across all tech domains- at least for the government-related jobs here around Washington D.C. Other than that, if you have Security+/CISSP, security clearance, and a Fortune 500 company name on your resume, I don't think they care as much about you having the degree which you can just put "in progress" on your resume If it seems like it matters in the job description. A degree is basically a box-checker. However, for consulting-type jobs (boring) where the company has to advertise employees to clients, it probably matters more that you have a degree in tech to list next to your name.
I'm one of the only people in my team that have a degree focused in tech (Information systems). Everyone else has degrees in things like logistics, law, biology, or military background with no degree. It was interesting to step into, but I really think it helps the team dynamic having all sorts of different backgrounds of knowledge and people.
Josh, my comment is really unrelated to this video. But I'm certain I speak for many others and just want to thank you for all the quality, informative, and more importantly, inspirational videos you make. Best wishes.
I agree with this. Got a degree in CS-software engineering. But my job is network support analyst which are different subjects. In my circumstance, I think that really played a part in getting the job just because my degree was computer science related. Also for sure, you can start out at a company you want to work at, then transition into the IS/IT department which was what happened to me.
Hey Josh, great video once again. I came here to say THANK YOU. I also wanted to say that your content helped me land my first Cybersecurity role three months ago working for Leidos, doing some contract work for a prestigious agency;making more money than I expected to make starting out. Your advice helped me identify advantages I never knew I had (security clearance), but also work on the areas I was weak in like Interview skills and proof of conceptual knowledge via lab time. I got my Security+ and got to work in the labs then started interviewing whilst building my LinkedIN presence. I didn’t start getting proficient in my technical interviews until around my 10th one where I was answering 85% or so questions right (even scenarios). A very big key to my success was doing your walkthrough labs and adding them to my tech blog! Anyway, someday soon I’d like to launch a channel geared towards guiding others in the field like you do as well, the cybersec community is small but there’s plenty of room for more bright individuals with the hunger for knowledge!
Can confirm. I have a CompSci Bachelors and Masters, and literally nobody cares. The whole conversation was "You have a Masters right?" "Yeah sure do!" "Oh nice! (checks off block for salary consideration) Anyway..." Has been the same for IT, cyber, cloud, DevOps, and systems engineering jobs. That's not to say you should rush out and get a $350k basket weaving degree, but worrying about which tech degree or concentration is time you could spend doing the homework.
Ok, I came here after watching some of your videos on UA-cam. They're great! I am currently an administrator in the field of education with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. I want to change career fields and move into information technology. In addition to my full-time job, I am an evaluator for WGU part-time. So tuition is heavily discounted. Of WGUs IT degree programs, which degree do you recommend that I get to break into the IT field? Should I earn an IT degree to move into the IT field or take courses or study and earn a few certificates? My bachelor's degree is in Soil and Plant Science, Master's is in middle grade education, and Ph.D. is in educational leadership with a minor in curriculum and instruction. Thank you.
would you recommend IT Management into a Masters in Cyber Security, or a bachelors in cyber security? limited networking/encryption experience from the military. End goal would be some type of criminal investigator position with a cyber focus. would like to get a bachelors as fast as possible, but not sure if IT Management is the right move, and the MS in Cyber would be too hard without more experience in that realm.
Hey Josh, thanks for the video so helpful (and much of you content in general) I'm beginning to make my transition from a Data Entry job over into IT (hopefully security path) and I'm currently studying for the CompTia A+. I have a bachelor's in History that I didn't really make use of and was considering WGU. Based on this video I know I don't necessarily *need* to get another degree as long as my other areas show I can "talk the talk/walk the walk" so to speak. But considering my degree is completely unrelated /w no formal experience or certs in IT would it be worth it to still get a Bachelor's from WGU/other in something IT related or is that something I can worry about much later? Thanks!
WHO is still getting A+? If you know the hardware components of a computer or have built your own basically you're past A+ When is A+ certification requirement on IT jobs? Skip it; Security +, Server +, Network +, or some more OS specific certification with Microsoft, Linux, or Cisco CCNA. Watch a UA-cam video on A+ to get the context, then go study for a requirement listed in the job post. Even as he says listing your own projects is a fantastic item on a resume. Or for example build out a sample / fictional Pen Test report and just include that with your resume. I know a guy who just included his work from a school project along with his resume and was hired on the spot. Meet the requirement (or close to it) and show me you can do it.
Thanks to one of your videos I picked the easiest WGU IT degree , I think, with the least number of certs (Data Management/Data Analytics) so I can finish faster. Trying to get an entry level IT support job right now, so I’m considering taking your course. Not sure what path to take yet though: data, cloud, or cybersecurity. I’ll figure it out as I gain experience.
Sounds good! _"I’ll figure it out as I gain experience."_ Sounds just like me, haha. you don't really know what's good until you try, so it makes sense :)
Agreed, I mean look at me, last time I was unemployed for 3yrs(wanted to be stay at home dad) but lil man was now 3 and I was ready to work again, heard CyberSecurity was hot, studied for my Sec+ for 2 months, 1st cert ever and no tech degree.. and landed a Sys Admin Security focused role.. job is cake and pays real well, but we at the 2yr mark.. now I'm hearing Cloud Security is the way to go, so here we go again..
Josh, I asked Shane this but maybe you could also touch on the subject of F.I.R.E., specifically could you touch on lean F.I.R.E. and achieving it through tech. Maybe a video collaboration is in order? Because I want the most info from the two people I trust most on UA-cam.
*This is a great video. It answered most of my questions about getting a degree and the value it will hold. I'm considering a computer science degree after getting into tech because once I'm in tech I'm sure I can figure out what role is best for me*
What about starting WGU and then after getting the a certification or two (specifically CompTIA A+), getting a entry-level job while finishing school😬?
I always recommend this to people. It's an EXCELLENT way to reduce the opportunity cost of going to school. Plus you can start to get some experience early on and get a higher paying job once you finish (or before), if you want!
Things also change alot in IT/ computers. I remember when the main languages were Assembler,Cobol, RPG11 and Pascal.Yea that's along time ago.Lol. Also l ike today,half the programmers had degrees the other half didn't.
My sister for some reason can’t comprehend why I want a CS degree but it will help me in any tech job that I may want Not gonna worry about which degree I get too much
Hey Josh, I have a question about the WGUs learning platform. In their classes, while pursuing certifications. Do they offer labs to help get hands-on experience while studying?
Hey! sometimes, it depends on the cert though. it's in WGU's best interest for you to pass the exam the first time around so they material is usually pretty good. For example, for CCNA, it looks like they use boson, which is quite good. www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/yilm1s/d114_aka_ccna/
Hey josh, I was also going to ask is there a way for me to get better with coding I was considering using coding practice websites to help me get better with my skills but as far as going through any certification training programs is there any such thing to do that? I hear Google does something like that or maybe coding bootcamps like devslopes or some other ones that are cost efficient. Figured I'd ask you if you could help me out?
Hey Krod, check out these videos for my take on it and how I have increased my skill: Truth about coding: ua-cam.com/video/L-VWTri-sL4/v-deo.html How I passed google SWE phone screen: ua-cam.com/video/wVOU-oLOGuk/v-deo.html Basically I made a few interactive web applications and drilled AlgoExpert, but the way I used AE was kind of unique (I talk about this in the video!)
I’m a mechanical engineer listen to him young people the degree is mainly just a status symbol that you can follow through on something that’s all it really is.
You've posed a great question. Degrees will matter less and less in the future. I think we will move to something else to measure competence, but I'm not sure what that thing is yet. I think degrees will always be around and will be important, but only for professions where they make sense. Just my thoughts
Hi josh. Would you say a job as an IOT technician admin counts towards it experience? I’m going to start my bachelors at WGU for Cybersecurity and information assurance and I want to become a pen tester. You think this job will help gear me toward a career in security?
That was a great explanation. I have an MA in Communication, journalism and media. I was hired for one of my first higher paying jobs in tech because of that degree. The recruiter asked me if I had a master's. I said yes but it isn't in technology. He said he didn't believe that would matter. My interview was one question that I missed, and they hired me. The same thing happened to my mother who has a master's in business education. A small technical college hired her for her degree. Also, however if a person could answer every question correctly on a technical interview they would be hired. It wouldn't matter if they had even finished grade school.
Absolutely. Check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/ljcz_4gYGRc/v-deo.html Just compensate for the lack of degree by boosting your other "stats". Consider getting a cert or two to count toward a WGU degree later ^^
Hey Josh, Just wanted to say thank you. This video has perfectly encapsulated areas of uncertainty for me which I have been trying to visualize and plan for these past couple of months. Through family and friends I’ve been able to get glimpses into the field, but again you’re videos helped me build a much bigger picture. Also, your stats and tier lists outlook adds a much more entertaining/enjoyable perspective when it comes to self assessment. Transitioning from an unrelated specialized field to IT is pretty daunting, and at times, disheartening. However, your invaluable insight/guidance has only supplemented my goals in the best ways. You and the content you provide are helping change lives for the better. So sincerely, thank you. Grinding study mats for CCNA in February as a personal goal in feb, and then it’s onto WGU B.S IT. 🤌🏾
Hey, thanks so much! Glad you like the content and have enjoyed the stats, haha. Best of luck with CCNA, it's a bit hard but possibly the best entry-level cert--at least it was the most useful for me. Btw I'll be releasing CourseCareers interview videos of students who have gone through the course. Even if you doing use coursecareers, the graduates have been offering some useful insights into job hunting and stuff like that, might be worth viewing :P. Thanks for watching!
You nailed it. If someone can't get an IT job, get ANY job in an IT company while you build your tech skills/certs/credentials on the side. (Mail clerk, custodian, whatever.) Then apply for a transfer in the same company.
That's actually some great advice that I haven't thought of :P
🖥 Free Intro Course: Transform Yourself and Break into IT in ~3 Months 🖥
coursecareers.com/explore/it/ref/18242/
I got a degree in Secure Computing and Information Assurance (minored in Computer Science). It was a degree that was manageable enough to where I could graduate with a 4.0 and work 2 jobs while studying. However, if you want the most bang for your buck across tech, I'd say to get yourself a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, despite the challenge. Some jobs ask for a degree in 'Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or related field' - so it's better to choose CS to bypass ill-informed HR/Talent Acquisition across all tech domains- at least for the government-related jobs here around Washington D.C. Other than that, if you have Security+/CISSP, security clearance, and a Fortune 500 company name on your resume, I don't think they care as much about you having the degree which you can just put "in progress" on your resume If it seems like it matters in the job description. A degree is basically a box-checker. However, for consulting-type jobs (boring) where the company has to advertise employees to clients, it probably matters more that you have a degree in tech to list next to your name.
I'm one of the only people in my team that have a degree focused in tech (Information systems). Everyone else has degrees in things like logistics, law, biology, or military background with no degree. It was interesting to step into, but I really think it helps the team dynamic having all sorts of different backgrounds of knowledge and people.
Very cool, thanks for sharing. I enjoy these kinds of variety background teams as well, pretty cool.
Josh, my comment is really unrelated to this video. But I'm certain I speak for many others and just want to thank you for all the quality, informative, and more importantly, inspirational videos you make. Best wishes.
I agree with this. Got a degree in CS-software engineering. But my job is network support analyst which are different subjects. In my circumstance, I think that really played a part in getting the job just because my degree was computer science related. Also for sure, you can start out at a company you want to work at, then transition into the IS/IT department which was what happened to me.
Thanks so much for sharing this ☺️
Hey Josh, great video once again.
I came here to say THANK YOU.
I also wanted to say that your content helped me land my first Cybersecurity role three months ago working for Leidos, doing some contract work for a prestigious agency;making more money than I expected to make starting out. Your advice helped me identify advantages I never knew I had (security clearance), but also work on the areas I was weak in like Interview skills and proof of conceptual knowledge via lab time.
I got my Security+ and got to work in the labs then started interviewing whilst building my LinkedIN presence. I didn’t start getting proficient in my technical interviews until around my 10th one where I was answering 85% or so questions right (even scenarios).
A very big key to my success was doing your walkthrough labs and adding them to my tech blog!
Anyway, someday soon I’d like to launch a channel geared towards guiding others in the field like you do as well, the cybersec community is small but there’s plenty of room for more bright individuals with the hunger for knowledge!
Hey man, what did you use to setup your tech blog and did you have to invest any money in it?
Congrats on your course !
Thanks, I really appreciate that. it was quite a lot of prep haha
It is very insightful for you to answer this question.
Thanks haha, I appreciate that. ty for watching :)
Thanks Josh for going over this!
No problem! Thanks for joining the Discord :P
Can confirm. I have a CompSci Bachelors and Masters, and literally nobody cares. The whole conversation was "You have a Masters right?" "Yeah sure do!" "Oh nice! (checks off block for salary consideration) Anyway..." Has been the same for IT, cyber, cloud, DevOps, and systems engineering jobs. That's not to say you should rush out and get a $350k basket weaving degree, but worrying about which tech degree or concentration is time you could spend doing the homework.
Very, very well said. and gj with the CS degrees :)
Lots of good information here. Got a lot to think about after this one🤔
Hey Josh,
Another great video.
Can you create a video outlining the roadmap to becoming a Sys Admin?
I will add this to my list of videos :)
@@JoshMadakor thank you, sir.
Ok, I came here after watching some of your videos on UA-cam. They're great! I am currently an administrator in the field of education with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. I want to change career fields and move into information technology. In addition to my full-time job, I am an evaluator for WGU part-time. So tuition is heavily discounted. Of WGUs IT degree programs, which degree do you recommend that I get to break into the IT field? Should I earn an IT degree to move into the IT field or take courses or study and earn a few certificates? My bachelor's degree is in Soil and Plant Science, Master's is in middle grade education, and Ph.D. is in educational leadership with a minor in curriculum and instruction. Thank you.
would you recommend IT Management into a Masters in Cyber Security, or a bachelors in cyber security? limited networking/encryption experience from the military. End goal would be some type of criminal investigator position with a cyber focus. would like to get a bachelors as fast as possible, but not sure if IT Management is the right move, and the MS in Cyber would be too hard without more experience in that realm.
Hey Josh, thanks for the video so helpful (and much of you content in general)
I'm beginning to make my transition from a Data Entry job over into IT (hopefully security path) and I'm currently studying for the CompTia A+. I have a bachelor's in History that I didn't really make use of and was considering WGU.
Based on this video I know I don't necessarily *need* to get another degree as long as my other areas show I can "talk the talk/walk the walk" so to speak. But considering my degree is completely unrelated /w no formal experience or certs in IT would it be worth it to still get a Bachelor's from WGU/other in something IT related or is that something I can worry about much later?
Thanks!
WHO is still getting A+? If you know the hardware components of a computer or have built your own basically you're past A+ When is A+ certification requirement on IT jobs? Skip it; Security +, Server +, Network +, or some more OS specific certification with Microsoft, Linux, or Cisco CCNA. Watch a UA-cam video on A+ to get the context, then go study for a requirement listed in the job post. Even as he says listing your own projects is a fantastic item on a resume. Or for example build out a sample / fictional Pen Test report and just include that with your resume. I know a guy who just included his work from a school project along with his resume and was hired on the spot. Meet the requirement (or close to it) and show me you can do it.
Thanks to one of your videos I picked the easiest WGU IT degree , I think, with the least number of certs (Data Management/Data Analytics) so I can finish faster. Trying to get an entry level IT support job right now, so I’m considering taking your course. Not sure what path to take yet though: data, cloud, or cybersecurity. I’ll figure it out as I gain experience.
Sounds good!
_"I’ll figure it out as I gain experience."_
Sounds just like me, haha. you don't really know what's good until you try, so it makes sense :)
I thought IT management was the easiest degree?
Agreed, I mean look at me, last time I was unemployed for 3yrs(wanted to be stay at home dad) but lil man was now 3 and I was ready to work again, heard CyberSecurity was hot, studied for my Sec+ for 2 months, 1st cert ever and no tech degree.. and landed a Sys Admin Security focused role.. job is cake and pays real well, but we at the 2yr mark.. now I'm hearing Cloud Security is the way to go, so here we go again..
Should be pretty easy for you to break in with your cert and experience. Congrats to you on the hard work and getting a job :)
Josh, I asked Shane this but maybe you could also touch on the subject of F.I.R.E., specifically could you touch on lean F.I.R.E. and achieving it through tech.
Maybe a video collaboration is in order? Because I want the most info from the two people I trust most on UA-cam.
Thanks so much! I'll add this to my list of requests/TODOs :)
Me about to go to WGU watching this 😳
*This is a great video. It answered most of my questions about getting a degree and the value it will hold. I'm considering a computer science degree after getting into tech because once I'm in tech I'm sure I can figure out what role is best for me*
Not a bad plan! CS degree def offers the best foundation and I'm so glad I got mine.
What about starting WGU and then after getting the a certification or two (specifically CompTIA A+), getting a entry-level job while finishing school😬?
Wondering as well!!
I always recommend this to people. It's an EXCELLENT way to reduce the opportunity cost of going to school. Plus you can start to get some experience early on and get a higher paying job once you finish (or before), if you want!
Highly recommended haha
Things also change alot in IT/ computers.
I remember when the main languages were Assembler,Cobol, RPG11 and Pascal.Yea that's along time ago.Lol.
Also l ike today,half the programmers had degrees the other half didn't.
Yeah, that's pretty cool. Things are def changing for the better :)
My sister for some reason can’t comprehend why I want a CS degree but it will help me in any tech job that I may want Not gonna worry about which degree I get too much
Lol why does your sister care so much? haha
Hey Josh, I have a question about the WGUs learning platform. In their classes, while pursuing certifications. Do they offer labs to help get hands-on experience while studying?
Hey! sometimes, it depends on the cert though. it's in WGU's best interest for you to pass the exam the first time around so they material is usually pretty good. For example, for CCNA, it looks like they use boson, which is quite good. www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/yilm1s/d114_aka_ccna/
Hey josh, I was also going to ask is there a way for me to get better with coding I was considering using coding practice websites to help me get better with my skills but as far as going through any certification training programs is there any such thing to do that? I hear Google does something like that or maybe coding bootcamps like devslopes or some other ones that are cost efficient. Figured I'd ask you if you could help me out?
Hey Krod, check out these videos for my take on it and how I have increased my skill:
Truth about coding: ua-cam.com/video/L-VWTri-sL4/v-deo.html
How I passed google SWE phone screen: ua-cam.com/video/wVOU-oLOGuk/v-deo.html
Basically I made a few interactive web applications and drilled AlgoExpert, but the way I used AE was kind of unique (I talk about this in the video!)
@@JoshMadakor got it appreciate it Josh
I’m a mechanical engineer listen to him young people the degree is mainly just a status symbol that you can follow through on something that’s all it really is.
If what you get a degree in doesn’t matter, why does a degree matter at all?
You've posed a great question. Degrees will matter less and less in the future. I think we will move to something else to measure competence, but I'm not sure what that thing is yet. I think degrees will always be around and will be important, but only for professions where they make sense. Just my thoughts
Hi josh. Would you say a job as an IOT technician admin counts towards it experience? I’m going to start my bachelors at WGU for Cybersecurity and information assurance and I want to become a pen tester. You think this job will help gear me toward a career in security?
Is the IT general degree you speak of the one in the business section or IT section
IT section! It’s just called “Information Technology” haha
That was a great explanation. I have an MA in Communication, journalism and media. I was hired for one of my first higher paying jobs in tech because of that degree. The recruiter asked me if I had a master's. I said yes but it isn't in technology. He said he didn't believe that would matter. My interview was one question that I missed, and they hired me. The same thing happened to my mother who has a master's in business education. A small technical college hired her for her degree. Also, however if a person could answer every question correctly on a technical interview they would be hired. It wouldn't matter if they had even finished grade school.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I chuckled at _"He said he didn't believe that would matter._" haha, very real
@@JoshMadakor 😂 Real stuff!
Tbh Media degrees aligns with tech pretty well. So you deserve the position
Hey Josh, is it possible to get into Cybersecurity or SOC Analyst role without a bachelor's ?
Absolutely. Check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/ljcz_4gYGRc/v-deo.html
Just compensate for the lack of degree by boosting your other "stats". Consider getting a cert or two to count toward a WGU degree later ^^
@@JoshMadakor Will you be doing any resume review again soon? I'm having a hard time getting into Cyber/ SOC analyst position.
How do you get two remote jobs? Is being overemployed acceptable
Hey! I actually made a video about this, check it out ^^ ua-cam.com/video/ZvDxH7tDOTQ/v-deo.html
Would you say the it degree is easier than the cyber one?
I would say so, yes. Check this out: ua-cam.com/video/HEQbB_e8UMA/v-deo.html
Just get Security+ cert
That will certainly help. My favorite cert ^^
Hey Josh,
Just wanted to say thank you. This video has perfectly encapsulated areas of uncertainty for me which I have been trying to visualize and plan for these past couple of months. Through family and friends I’ve been able to get glimpses into the field, but again you’re videos helped me build a much bigger picture. Also, your stats and tier lists outlook adds a much more entertaining/enjoyable perspective when it comes to self assessment.
Transitioning from an unrelated specialized field to IT is pretty daunting, and at times, disheartening. However, your invaluable insight/guidance has only supplemented my goals in the best ways. You and the content you provide are helping change lives for the better. So sincerely, thank you.
Grinding study mats for CCNA in February as a personal goal in feb, and then it’s onto WGU B.S IT. 🤌🏾
Hey, thanks so much! Glad you like the content and have enjoyed the stats, haha. Best of luck with CCNA, it's a bit hard but possibly the best entry-level cert--at least it was the most useful for me. Btw I'll be releasing CourseCareers interview videos of students who have gone through the course. Even if you doing use coursecareers, the graduates have been offering some useful insights into job hunting and stuff like that, might be worth viewing :P.
Thanks for watching!