the reality vs. expectation in cybersecurity.

[@eman0828]

The I.T as a whole industry is effected by burn out because of the constant up keep in skillsets and technology changes. Doesn't mater if you are a Software Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Sysadmin, Network Engineer... This is expected in this kind of field.

[@collinsinfosec]

Fair points here! I can only speak from a security perspective as this is the industry I am in.

[@Guilhermeabcd]

and with the AI craze and layoffs, that's getting more and more agressive. It's expected that you sacrifice your other interests and hobbies so your job can be not just your job, but your life style. There's always a sense of "i'm not doing enough, not studying enough" and this can be very draining. I'm happy that i'm learning to cope with it.

[@saby7825]

I definitely feel the burn out from it. I lost my passion for it and it sucks.

[@alastairtheduke]

I think the deep knowledge, the stuff that's never going to go away is the most important thing. The experienced pros know, that what's new today is forgotten tomorrow@@Guilhermeabcd

[@dmitryi3761]

​@saby7825 I'm the same. A few times I was seriously planning to switch career and become a builder to bring more meaning to my life I guess. Once I realised, being in IT for the past 15 years, is that anything you created can be erased in a matter of a split second.

[@joechrisman4661]

Decided to go back to school for cyber security thinking i would land an entry level job. I passed all of my classes with A's but couldn't get an interview. Was never told to try and get a job in the field while in school. I ended up getting a job in supply chain logistics and killing it because of my experience in SQL. I don't regret going learning and it kind of helped me get into what I'm doing now.

[@collinsinfosec]

What matters is that you persisted and got a position in a field you are good in!

[@Hvleos]

Im legit in this situation now... applying a mass amount and working on sec+ right now...

[@filibustergaming3848]

@@Hvleosapplied for like 6 months with some decent interviews but as the video pointed out they want someone with work experience, home lab, etc. I’m just thinking to myself why do I need all that when I can learn anything about a basic tech support job in a few weeks or a month while doing the job. Like I got MIS degree and Cybersecurity Management cert from university and that’s not enough apparently. Currently not applying because of life situation and need stability with my current unrelated to IT job. But just wondering what do I want to do, and what do I really want to learn on my own and hopefully find a job in that sector.

[@1CyberSentinel]

Homelabs and personal projects help get that foot in the door.

[@DarkBanksy]

Hey any update? Heard anything back from any of the employers? @@Hvleos

[@tracyrreed]

Thanks for being honest with the people. There are a ton of people out there selling something giving people the idea that they can easily get into security. I have 25 years of experience in the industry and it pains me to see some of the ways beginners are being misled.

[@collinsinfosec]

- "There are a ton of people out there selling something giving people the idea that they can easily get into security." I agree! There are a lot of influencers and training programs selling the dream with very expensive courses and training. I would be a hypocrite if I didn't disclose I have a small, affordable course out there myself. But I have always tried to be realistic. There's so much to this industry that I didn't realize. And I have a lot more yet to learn. It's not a one-size fit-all solution. Everyone's situation is different. I was misled. Especially about the training and industry expectations.

[@Keeeeeeeeeeev]

what would be your recommendation to get in the industry?

[@kjosephf]

@@Keeeeeeeeeeevdon’t get in

[@imnottree]

​@@kjosephflol why

[@AnthonyGee-pn5wf]

Would you hire someone who had 12 years experience but took a 12 year break from working & now wants to get back into IT but kept up their certs relevant? PMP, CISSP, A+,N+, S+, ITIL, etc...

[@Good_health220]

It isn't really about skill or degree it about who you know" facts right there another tech youtuber had said the same connections do matter in this industry.

[@LuceGrey-gg3sy]

Honestly, I paid 2k to get linked up to a good paying job . 😅

[@stanleygorge8975]

I really need a job right now , if I find a good link up , i will pay 😢

[@annabelledaniel5315]

For real , it's all about connecti now , the competition in tech jobs now is much , if yu find real source , please share 😢

[@LuceGrey-gg3sy]

He's name is CONNECT WITH JEO

[@LuceGrey-gg3sy]

He is on l.G

[@jeremiahbray2952]

Grant has done a great job of giving a fat reality check in the field of Cyber. This is a complicated field, only for those truly passionate and dedicated enough to fulfill the missing skill/talent/experience that's needed.

[@collinsinfosec]

I appreciate the words here @jeremiahbray2952 - sometimes I think the videos can come off as a bit negative and perhaps a bit "gatekeepy", trying to discourage new applicants. My intention is not to do either of these. For me, I had these expectations as a university student and I thought this industry was going to be a bit different. Maybe some will benefit from this perspective.

[@Realitygetreal]

I have been in cyber for a decade, and IT for 15 before that, and EE design engineer before that, IF YOU DONT WANT TO KEEP LEARNING YOUR ENTIRE CAREER walk away now.. YOU have to learn and adapt every single day or you are not of value to me or my team or any company!!!

[@DanielGarcia-zb7te]

@@Realitygetreal In which IT area you started before moving to cibersecurity?

[@scoobydoolostemerarios4495]

yeah this is very gatekeepy indeed. precisely why i hate most folks in my field. i have a masters in cybersecurity and most people in this field absolutely like to pretend there is an ancient secret. it is really no different from any other field, and there are so many subsections to get into. whether you want the nerdy stuff with pentesting or being an analyst, or just being higher level management or GRC. you can follow one of the widely accepted certificates and be competent fairly quickly. jeremiah... let's be honest.... you just want to pat yourself on the back here. stop gatekeeping cybersecurity! god imagine how hard it is for a woman or a person who didn't have all the opportunities in life to get started in this field with people like you. here's a reality check... you are the true reason DEI is needed :)

[@harshsharma7505]

This is correct , the daily work is mostly of triaging the incidents, closing the tickets on soar , reviewing dashboards, giving shift handovers. The burnout is real when you are the only one to tackle the red team incidents , learning new skill sets but I believe this is what we do as in Cybersecurity. We are on a thrill of not getting the company compromised. Learning new ways to defend and harden the security posture. Huge Respect to our community and I am proud to be in it.

[@saby7825]

Glad to hear it and learn the day to day. Your passion is definitely showing.

[@BenTruong]

I’ve just started working in cyber a few months now, and I can already agree with the points that you bring up in this video, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Great video Grant!

[@ibrahimshakir1392]

Congrats!

[@Cameupoffa2]

Hey man, im a canadian highschool wanting to get into cybersecurity or even just IT in general, i have a bit of experience with burp and putty and I honestly just wanted to hear what you would tell a highschool student wanting to get into cybersecurity

[@ibrahimshakir1392]

@@Cameupoffa2 Hello there, I know that your reply might not be directed to me, but I will tell you my experience... First of all I still haven't landed any job in Cybersecurity, but have always wanted to and here are some mistakes or rather some stuff that I missed since I started from the beginning... 1. I should have been more creative, not just follow what "that CTF room" is guiding me through. 2. Search for some team so we can share some ideas (you might find some people from school/university), maybe then you can have some amazing team-projects. 3. Getting at least one certificate in that field so it can help you out (WHILE) doing the stuff mentioned in 1 and 2, cause otherwise you'll end up either full of "forgettable info" or "feeling like wasting time" cause you might know that already... 4. and the last, just focus on what you're goal is, like there you can be a hacker, researcher, analyst, pen-tester, whatever, blue team, red team, yeah... if you want them all you get none of em... Final note (Do not take it as YOU SHOULD but just get the general idea): I'm currently working as a technical support specialist at an ISP...and like yk, that's unrelated, and gave me a good kick start in terms of work, so I'm constantly warning them about vulnerabilities here and there while getting in that field more (by doing some more rooms on HTB and I'm also a home-lab I am making "so simple"), also there are a lot of unexpected stuff to happen, like literally work life is very different, you also wont go to a random company and say "Hey!, I'll hack/protect/discover you, whatever", there are real world scenarios, just know that... Wish you all the best, good luck.

[@jadersanctem]

I'm learning Linux with the expectation of getting into cybersecurity, and your videos have given me so much. I appreciate that you make these honest takes and share them for free for all of us curious souls

[@CasiodorusRex]

Ummm.. you should get your CCNA first since security involves firewalls.

[@garrettalpers7943]

@@CasiodorusRexretard

[@ktfoat]

It is a very interesting industry and the advice I'd give to newcomers would be: 1. Make sure you are having fun (it's a fun job after all) 2. Stay hungry 3. Be curious about everything 4. Work on your work life balance and stress management 5. Knowing when and how to take a break 6. Find friends, colleagues who are passionate about this field. Work on things together, discuss the topic together. You'll grow together Good luck

[@inamtahir3085]

thanks your comment give me postive energy

[@alexapam2300]

Thanks sir.

[@Bangarang341]

Thank you

[@XanderMuze]

Thank you for that perspective and advice, I will keep this in a note for myself and act towards living through these steps. Intuitively, I feel that these few points are absolutely key to finding satisfaction in IT and pretty much any job title or industry.

[@explore5130]

You are a true motivation ❤❤

[@ajax9302]

Not exclusively in cyber security but the IT burn out is real. Been in it 8 years and I'm starting to wish I was cutting lawns for a living. At least I'd be outside lol.

[@dmitryi3761]

I've been in IT and cyber for 15 years, and a few times seriously thought about switching to construction since I'm pretty handy. =)

[@halfbakedproductions7887]

Been in IT (mostly security) since 2011 and spend most of my life fantasising about doing pretty well anything else. I'm so done with this, but I'm pigeonholed, so burned out I have no drive to change, and have no idea what I'd rather be doing. A classic rut.

[@Z10Nmap]

Let me start by thanking you for putting together a video such as this stating the nature of such things. I completely agree with you when you stated that if you are not learning something new every day, you feel as if you are going to get left behind or you feel inadequate. That is something that I feel as well when I wake up every day and I go to work. Its a personal struggle for sure for many people not just those in Tech. The Cybersecurity world has a lot of glamour to it and a bit of a romantic side even but the true nature is that it has a lot of information and a lot of constant work need in order to stay one, two, all the steps ahead of an attacker. Thank you for creating this and sharing this with the the ones who truly need to hear/watch it.

[@collinsinfosec]

"The Cybersecurity world has a lot of glamour to it and a bit of a romantic side even but the true nature is that it has a lot of information and a lot of constant work need in order to stay one, two, all the steps ahead of an attacker" Very well said! I agree. Happy to share.

[@nyckillaheat]

the reality is that breaking into any major industry is tough. most people are sold on this idea that just getting a degree alone or some certs means you get the job and it's all sunshine and rainbows. it's a lot of work but nothing that should turn you away if you have a passion for this side of the teach industry.

[@podgorsky]

I'm in industry for over two years as Incident Responder and I agree with most things you mentioned. Getting into this field and maintaining high level of engagement requires dedication. Navigating through different expectations (self included) is challenging and can lead to burnout periods without focus on sustainability. All my cyber people, be brave, choose conscious and be kind to yourself !

[@AnthonyGee-pn5wf]

At what point of being an incident responder would you say you hit the "Okay, this is boring now. I have stopped learning, NEXT" is it kind of like helpdesk/desktop where at some point it's just routine?

[@podgorsky]

@@AnthonyGee-pn5wf its individual but I think when you feel that your current position became just routine and there's nothing you want to explore its time to consider changes. On other hand when you constantly evolve with knowledge and skills you at some point growing out of position naturally and its time for new challenges. I heard great thinking about learning - its normal feeling to be flustrated - learning is flustration. IT helped me overcome procrastination.

[@GoodByeSkyHarborLive]

what are the fields hiring remote or hybrid. healthcare and government seems to be one that doesn't.

[@bigboydrz]

This guy almost sounds like he worked for an MSP

[@smorinator]

Sometimes i feel the hardest part of the security side of IT is not, knowing what the attacks are, how to defend against them, or even how to perform them. The hardest part is just convincing the companies and their users to go along with solutions and pay for them when necessary. You have to be more of a salesman than an IT professional. Especially because if there is a major security incident, even if you offered a solution that was rejected that would have prevented it, you're still going to be blamed for it.

[@ProdbyZyruh]

Are you fr? The disparity of information is that big?

[@saby7825]

My experience from working on and off in it support for 3 years is that i got burned out from it. It sucks to lose your passion for something. A part of me wants to stay in it, but another part of me wants to do something else. It's frustrating being stuck like this.

[@Bozowomp]

Did you figure it out?

[@ayartistry4770]

Hi I’m just about to embark on a cybersecurity career course with Google and I want to be prepared would you have suggestions of jobs one can apply for while doing the course? Any groups you would recommend joining? Thank you 10:16

[@tracyrreed]

There are not unfilled jobs in cybersecurity. Maybe there should be to protect our data but there is no money for it. Security is always considered optional and is the first thing to be cut.

[@brightdorian2890]

exactly

[@rickmartin3571]

I'm a Cyber Threat Analyst for a MSSP and I thoroughly enjoy it. Surprisingly, it's not the actual job that I enjoy the most it's the environment that I work in. I've been able to reach out to cross team members and have them train me on certain things and be apart of different projects to upskill. Looking at logs all day has gotten pretty mundane and I'm searching for more of a challenge.

[@sunset6958]

How are the coworkers in the workplace like e.g age range, ethnicities etc?

[@rickmartin3571]

@sunset6958 I'm not quite sure of the age range but if I'd take a guess based on their voices, I'd say it ranges. There are only 3 black people in the SOC and everyone else is white. Everyone is pretty helpful though, I have 0 complaints. I've probably learned the most from the white guys that were younger than me.

[@rickmartin3571]

@sunset6958 Also to mention, I work remotely.

[@devviz]

finding work in this space is hard man, would you be kind enough to help a junior out to find work?

[@rickmartin3571]

@@devviz how would I do that

[@3141xxm]

Tbh, if you want to get into cyber the easy way just join the military. Serve a few years in a cyber MOS/rate( most of which provide a pretty comfortable living- you should focus predominately on the Air Force/Space Force), soak up all free training courses/certs that are available, get a TS/SCI with a polygraph, and actually walk out with a 6 figure job lined up for a defense contactor or even a government agency. I have done this myself and know a ton of people that have followed the same route. Its much easier than trying to break into cyber with as a civilian with zero experience.

[@BandanazX]

That's the cheat code. The government contract requires the security clearance, not any cybersecurity proficiency.

[@JumpinFatJack]

Before watching this video i was thinking about paving the same route you took for myself ... im in the process of getting my comptia A+ cert ; up until i get security + before i join . Im kinda afraid that ill score low on my asvab and that wont even be a job opportunity for me . Just a little fear i have .

[@3141xxm]

@@JumpinFatJack You can always retake the asvab if you dont qualify. Theres also tons of study resources out there. Good luck!

[@Ghoseum]

hey man im a highschool junior getting my certs in both net+ and sec+, probably getting my a+ as well and really wanna do cyber as a career path. Im really thinking about joining the air force in a cybersecurity field while going to college in hopes of getting a security clearance.. do u have any advice for me? like should i stick with my plan or should i not dedicate those years to the military and instead focus specifically on other paths. I'm not necessarily lost with what I wanna do, but would like help from people with experience

[@HacknMate]

cybersecurity is a lifestyle. It's not for everyone. If you are not 100% serious with it: breath it, drink it, eat it; then it may be a little tedious for you.

[@gotthecutenessoverload1086]

It's one of those careers that WILL consume your life. I know guys in cybersec who've become shut-ins. They're making good money but have absolutely ZERO social life.

[@HacknMate]

I don't agree with the career that consumes your life. I know many people who are pretty social and cool who are long time professionals in cybersecurity ​@@gotthecutenessoverload1086

[@Skny70]

​@@gotthecutenessoverload1086 I have no idea what to do now after reading all that.

[@gotthecutenessoverload1086]

@@Skny70 there are plenty of other IT related jobs, and they pay well too. You can look into those.

[@tlalocxhuracan7880]

I get side traced easily but I always come back to this kind stuff

[@CubensisEnjoyer]

The silver lining about those entry-level jobs vs the higher paid positions is that once you finally break in, you begin to understand exactly how you can grow into those higher up positions. I'll be hitting that 1 year milestone this year and I feel like I'm basically in the same spot as you. On top of the alert fatigue, I've noticed that sometimes I'm the only one taking a critical approach to our processes. Which is good for me, but it kind of puts me in a lose-lose situation because if I identify a new issue, guess who gets assigned all the work to fix it? 🙃

[@collinsinfosec]

Well said! Try to keep up the good work 💪

[@Sonicstillpoint83]

What job titles should I be looking at for that first entry-level position to grow from? I did the whole ITF+, A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications thing, since my BA wasn’t in the tech field, so I know whether things are more vegetable or mineral, but I’m not sure where to go from here.

[@CubensisEnjoyer]

@@Sonicstillpoint83 Pretty standard answer here but I'd say go all in trying to get a SOC Analyst position. Chances might be better at a MSSP, bonus points if they provide other IT services or if they work with government clients. Those are the conditions that helped me land my job - a separate IT team means the SOC Analyst role is more focused where a beginner can succeed, and if they have an open position you know they want the role filled ASAP for clients. That's the ideal way especially because your certs are a good fit in that scenario, but apply to any SOC Analyst position. It feels much better to explore more preferable job titles once you've broken into the industry.

[@CD-rt8wj]

I would like to echo @sonicstillpoint83 's question - what was the title of your entry level position? Did you go to school for this field or did you make a change from a different industry?

[@ChompChompMeow]

Please tag me if you get an answer!@@CD-rt8wj

[@Hvleos]

Im a veteran with no cybersec experience in the military and went back to college for a cybersec degree. Its still disheartening putting in all these applications and getting rejected. Ive often thought of just reenlisting. I hated my life but at least I could afford some more consistent things...

[@BandanazX]

Re-enlist and make sure you have an active security clearance. Then the gravy train flows. Companies that demand a security clearance won't hire anyone without one. You can be a green cybersecurity job prospect, but that security clearance is what they really want.

[@atlfun08]

Jobs.gov, apply to any entry level IT. Also network at IT events, you just need 1 person to give you a chance and then your in. Best of luck!

[@ghostirq]

@@BandanazXis secret good enough or do you need TS?

[@BandanazX]

@@ghostirq Check the postings at your various contractors like Booz

[@stinkysangwoo222]

sorry if this gets asked a lot, but can cybersecurity be a realistic career without getting a degree, and just grinding for certifications and experience? like if you went in the right directions with 8 hours of grinding everyday would it be realistic to have an entry level job within three years? or would i have to go for a degree or different career path

[@eclypze_]

No lmao

[@sirdilly]

You can get a sec job without a degree. Ignore the No answer on the reply. I obtained an analyst job without 1 sec certificate, but I have a lot of experience and have grown my skillset. I do have other certifications and some coursework in security. I work in a more laid back IT environment now doing sysadmin and helpdesk work because I did not like looking at logs all day long. I dabble in security on the job, and hack at home. Remember that you don't need a degree for this field it is possible to get in without one. A degree isn't always useless, but I have good success without one. It's the time that you put in on your own is the real kicker.

[@johnmiller9931]

It's not a requirement but it definitely helps. "No lmao" is just a short way of explaining a longer answer. There will always be people that are exceptions, people that work harder than everyone else, or others who somehow just get lucky

[@collinsinfosec]

You can get into cybersecurity without a degree, as the others have highlighted, it's better to have a degree than not. But if you persist, get certifications, build a homelab, and network with others, you can absolutely get into this industry without a 4-year degree.

[@eman0828]

I work as a Sr. Field Tech and Linux Sysadmin without a degree. The I.T Field is mostly experience and skillset driven and less about academics. The courses you take in college would already be outdated by the time you graduate which is why continously learning is necessary to stay relevant in this field. Infact it was my homelab that got me jobs which is how i developed my practical hands on experience and skillsets. College didn't really teach me anything in the classroom that has very little to do with what you would use in the real world. I ended up dropping out back in 2015 and never went back. The cost of the tuition wasn't worth it as i learned more hands on with my homelab than sitting in a classroom lecture. Hell even Network Chuck and his brother both become Network Engineer without degrees.

[@BaroWolf]

I just landed an analyst position with a market leader and I think it was more timing than anything that landed me the role. There's literally hundreds of jobs advertised, but they all require years of experience, so as a student without professional experience you are going to be fighting to get your foot on the ladder. That being said, it's not impossible, just keep working towards it and take any IT job to get your experience started.

[@KasK6517]

I've been a firefighter for 7 years now and I wish I knew how much I would be struggling financially before I jumped into this career. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and no matter what I decide to do this will forever be the best job I'll ever have. Unfortunately, it doesn't pay well. I've been thinking about getting into cyber security and it stresses me out thinking I might not be able to land a job for a couple of years after I have all my certifications and entry level jobs such as front desk might not pay well either.

[@michaelanim7024]

I love your honesty you come across as a genuine person. I love that.

[@MuffFlux]

The amount of KZbinrs who are just spamming videos about "cert path x", "cert path y", "check out this new course", "buy some OMG cables" and you can be a megastar in cyber security. Apparently if you don't succeed, they say it is because you didn't work hard enough. Moral of the story: Cert Harder!... apparently. Nothing to do with a lack of fundamental knowledge, experience or people skills. Real moral of the story? You're falling for influencer hype and hustling certs for just another grindy office job.

[@LifeofTariq]

Love the take, but as someone who was born in a poor community trying to get into cybersecurity I can never be burn out of it just because the financial gain of it. Its my motivating factor for me to get more certs, more networking with people, going to tech conferences, learning something etc. Idk who can relate but thats my take on being burnt out.

[@Alex2626GS]

I completely agree. I'm a 36 year old truck driver and going to community college at night. I don't think burnout is something I have to worry about. I'm trying to get my foot in the door any way possible. I don't mind doing anything in the IT world.

[@Ed-nm3nd]

Thanks, it probably would be something I’d be willing to risk for the financial side

[@deepthakur3382]

companies should reduced the working hour of cyber security professionals

[@jdogg9053]

Getting my associates degree next semester and I’ve come to realize that there is still tons of information that I have yet to learn. I’ve also had no luck finding a internship or job in any IT related role. Although this sort of makes me want to just give up I’m going to keep on learning new material and implementing it any chance I get. Your videos are very influential and realistic compared to other channels big s/o to you for keeping it real!!

[@fcjpm1]

Im here with you man. I'm trying to refresh my knowledge in Python, learn Linux (started using it as my main system) and trying to set up a homelab server to tinker around with network configurations to learn about security. It scares me to think that I won't be able to get into the field when I graduate, but I'm also excited to keep pushing to make myself worthy of entering the field. We're all gonna make it boys

[@sandwichfellow]

Currently in my last semester of undergrad studying cybersecurity and I'm realizing that I really should've taken the time through my studies to maintain my technical skills. I've got Sec+ and currently "backtracking" to Net+ to get a decent refresher on networking. I'd say my biggest regret was not trying to get experience while in school but I'm optimistic about the getting into the field end goal rn is pivoting into cloud security.

[@rf9562]

2nd-year Computer Science student here, aiming to enter the cybersecurity world. Man, this is depressing. I appreciate your honesty, but it is just scary; that's why I grind and study a lot ??? I passed CompTIA Security+ last year, and this year I am aiming to pass BTL1 (Blue Team Level 1) to secure a job. I know that the job market currently is not favourable. Do you reckon software developers feel the same, or is it overall everyone in IT? Thank you very much for your video; some things must be said and shared for us newbies not to chase false dreams.

[@eclypze_]

I think they just care about experience overall... I'm just aiming for a normal IT job at first

[@collinsinfosec]

I hope to not discourage you on your journey! There are a lot of nuances to this industry and my hopes are to provide a more realistic approach rather than sell you a dream. These are 3 lessons I have learned along the way, they shouldn't keep you from the industry. In my opinion, it's about what you do when facing adversity, etc. I think a lot of the IT industry is feeling this right now, especially given all the "big tech" layoffs. Even though I do not think this is representative of the overall market conditions. Healthcare organizations, government, small businesses, manufacturing, all need skilled security professionals. If you apply yourself and stay persistent, I think an opportunity can arise. I have heard great things about the BTL1 certification, thinking of doing it myself to see what type of content is involved. Keep up the great work 💪

[@MuffFlux]

@@collinsinfosec I mean, you did it. So it is possible I guess. But still far from what all the media outlets, course salesmen and cyber influences will have you believe. Any advice for someone in their final year of their cyber sec degree? Anything you would do differently/focus on to optimize your chances of landing your first job after studies if you could do it all again? Building a homelab and a couple programs but am starting to think there would be a better use of my time.

[@imanigordon6803]

@@MuffFluxif you didn’t get an internship anywhere you better be applying for one

[@trbtacmedic]

I have recently thought about how much psychology would be beneficial for cybersecurity such as criminal psychology and organizational psychology. At the same time I am about 9 months away from having my degree and will be starting my job hunt soon.

[@gqueirogabr]

I can understand the frustration of constantly having to learn but trust me on this side there are jobs where nothing changes, you don't learn anything, and at the end of the day you have nothing to show for it. That's why I'm getting into tech 😅

[@Discover-Hidden]

Bro is 9:30 still in learning phase. I would take his advice with pinch of salt 🧂. 😅

[@MrWebcammer]

Hey Grant! Great video, also loved your last one on IABs. Been subscribed for a while now, we were on similar paths when I found your channel as I went back to college from 2018-2021 and got an IT and Cybersecurity degree. Ended up in a do-it-all type of IT position in local government. This is random af but would you want to start a podcast? I think it would be cool for us to be able to talk about our real world experiences as early career IT professionals that could really help a lot of people exploring or getting into the industry. Could also talk about hot topics in IT and I think we would mesh well together. Either way, keep up the great work man and I continue to follow your journey!

[@romanlukichev4971]

Great video. For me as a person who is working at non-skilled job and learning some python programming for data science and data analysis at online university courses. I already know a lot about the tough realty that I live in. Companies are hiring people with recent experience.

[@alienJIZ1990]

I agree with your take on it. Realistic expectations are important. I've had several people ask me how to get into the space from unrelated careers and I'm self taught on everything with over a decade of professional IT experience alone and 25+ years as a passionate hobbyist tech nerd, so I have no idea how to even answer that, other than to tell them to focus on building their skill set - it's all employers care about, including me when I'm scouting for new team members. To understand security, you have to first understand how everything works before you can understand how to secure it - it's the first thing everyone should learn but the last thing to be capable of fully understanding. It's not something anyone can easily just jump into - you level up your skills over time and expect to start small, especially if you're not technically inclined and have no experience - no one's gonna pay you 80k a year if you've been working at Kohl's the past decade unless you can show you have the skills to be worth that much. Can you do the job or not? - is all that matters to employers. But once you have the skills and are armed with knowledge, you can go anywhere, certs or no certs, and just be like "K. Ask me shit doe." Answer their questions and they're gonna want you like the hot girl at the dance

[@dreamhazer342]

Hi there. What are the ways in which a university student accumulate experience during their studies? Please do give your suggestions. Thank you, Have a nice day!

[@alienJIZ1990]

​​@@dreamhazer342honestly, one of the best things you can do is start deploying Windows and Linux servers at home. You'll learn a ton about infrastructure, client/server communication, how network traffic communicates, different quirks and issues you run into, etc. Ideally you have a next gen firewall and managed switch so you can mess with VLANs (Unifi Dream Machine Pro world probably be the easiest all in one route so you don't have to piecemeal different network devices) and creating intelligent firewall allow/deny rules. Also get familiar with Hyper-V and VMware ESXi virtualization, how to back them up and restore them, and I'd get familiar with Docker as well. Maybe set up an NGINX proxy as well with certs too. Maybe also set up your own WireGuard VPN and secure it so you can securely connect when you're away from home - good for learning the difference between UDP/TCP imo. The enterprise space generally functions the same, just sometimes using different solutions than stuff you'd run at home, but the skills easily translate and employers love that, it shows you're passionate about learning. From a strictly cybersec perspective, get familiar with EDR (and understand how it differs from AV), SIEM, SOC, SOAR, vulnerability scanning, patching for CVEs, possibly pentesting or at least an understanding of it, etc. One KZbin channel I'd recommend is NetworkChuck - I don't always agree with his approaches but he's almost always on point.

[@zodiark619]

Still in my first year as a cyber security analyst and it's been non stop learning. Previously, a L2 support for 4 years, but this one year alone has shown me how little I really know. That said, it's a rewarding role since you're constantly learning day in, day out.

[@Carsia]

You post and I drop everything almost immediately to hear what you have to say. lol. Going into year 3 myself and I feel burnout often. I do security, privacy, AND compliance on my team and they all take different approaches. I have to know some of everything from securing infrastructure to knowing different laws and even project management and auditing. I run off the clock at 5 and don’t look back.

[@MuffFlux]

I realized recently that the entry level or first job difficulties makes a lot of sense actually. Cyber security students understand you need to implement the best security measures possible for a specific system based on constraints like budget etc. But fail to realize that if you had something so valuable it is worth employing and paying people specifically to protect it, would you hire the guy who has been protecting stuff for 10 years and seen it all, or a student/person with a couple of certs who has studied theoretical "book" knowledge and experimented with a couple of projects here and there? I know which I would choose if I wanted my valuables to be safe. Think of the same scenario with physical security like protecting a bank vault or high value prisoner or something if your brain can't make the jump to understanding the cyber analogy.

[@CHRIS198490]

yeah but it does not make sense have you ever heard about Junior position

[@omarbarron1767]

Decided to change careers late in life …15 years of loss prevention/investigations and now studying for my A+ and Security+. Learning a whole new skill set and looking to break into an entry level IT job. Thanks for an honest video. Lots of these boot camps just make it seem like you’ll have a job lined up after completing it and that probably isn’t the truth always.

[@Sifar_Secure]

I'm in a similar position. Gained A+, studying for sec+. I recommend getting into AWS cloud as well. I have the Practitioner cert and intend to get the Solutions Architect. Not only is AWS a popular cert to have, I find that studying helps to expand one's knowledge of enterprise level IT.

[@tripsix2186]

I'm a help desk support specialist. It is a good start to entering the field and rounding out your skills. One may have to start there and then shift to security which I hope to do. There are so many entering the field, just find a way in!

[@CasiodorusRex]

Go do something else other than IT because you will age out. No one wants a 50 year old IT guy so your career will be over sooner than later.

[@GoodByeSkyHarborLive]

@@Sifar_Secure how long did tha AWS stuff take to learn and get? the A+ and sec can be done in a few months.

[@speelangs7161]

Having 20 years in cybersecurity, I can only say.....companies or customers interest are not focused on solving security issues. They don't care. Now everybody wants to work on cyber security because its demand, but little do they know how complex, demanding, and frustrating it its to work in this industry. Cyber sec is seen as a liability.

[@Jupiterxice]

Exactly..... My last job made me rethink cybersecurity. Companies look at security like after thought. Especially big companies.

[@speelangs7161]

@@Jupiterxice Sincerely I work in cybersecurity because I were always curious and started it as a hobby and a I love it. But if you are looking for a rewarding job position.....Cybersecurity is not the place. Nobody will congratulate you for mitigating attacks which nobody will see. So, if you had experience already, maybe time to change strategy. Good luck.

[@brightdorian2890]

I think cyber security is not for everyone, you have to be very passionate about it and highly motivated. Besides, organisations, companies and individuals get it wrong when it comes to cyber security, the way employees are hired, certifications, e.t.c I just think there isn't much of a solution when it comes to cyber security

[@CHRIS198490]

Negative video do not worry about them they will find the job eventually.

[@clozki]

I think to cure of the negative aspect of cybersecurity, the best way is to work remotly while travelling with a disciplined time management, or just freelancing , this is how I reduce stress and burnout , the whole thing is about companies.

[@rickyblairv5300]

Got my Sec+ and a Secret Clearance and 4 years of IT Experience still cant break into cyber :( Almost done with my bachelors end of this year tho

[@chuksjerahmeel1355]

Thank you for this honest clip

[@collinsinfosec]

Thank you for the message!

[@brute505]

I graduate with a bachelors in cybersecurity in May, I’m starting to lose hope

[@Uhrevidost]

Why

[@dmitryi3761]

Hear me out folks. There is NO SHORTAGE of people in Cyber security. This is all big lie. I've been doing pentesting for the past 7 years, with 15 years in IT overall. I've responded to more than a thousand of carefully selected job ads for the past couple of years in US alone. And only had couple of interviews. =) And yes, I am not in US, rather NZ or EU, but how would they know for sure if they've never even asked? =)

[@foobar7705]

you should get your resume reviewed... I'd be happy to look if you want.

[@dmitryi3761]

@foobar7705 thank you for the offer. But I know what good CV should look like. I also have experience interviewing people myself. I am not in US and do not hold any visa. However, for some random reasons, most US emloyers are not aware that they can still hire an external contractor from overseas. It also feels like some job boards are filtering applications based on IP geo location.

[@theitblogdotinfo]

Love that quote "more of a talent and experience gap". Interesting you are seeing the politics side of cybersecurity after year 2. Its 100% a company culture issue. Not every company is all in with their cybersecurity program. The most valuable skill you can grow (over any technical skill) is to learn how to "sell" the needs of the Cybersecurity program BEFORE a breach.

[@ianhicks6674]

I am someone who fell for all the marketing schemes, took a bootcamp, got some certs, and somehow landed a job. However, I think actually getting an entry level job in this field is based on pure luck and connection. Once you get your foot in the door it becomes much easier to move up in title and/or salary. I will say that when I was in my entry level role the people who completed bootcamps were absolutely on the same, and in some cases higher, knowledge level when it came to cybersecurity concepts when compared to individuals who were self taught or had a bachelors in Computer Science. The people that have a better understanding will move up quickly into those 6-figure roles, but this requires continuous learning.

[@Henoik]

The issue with Cyber Security, right now, is that it's a very broad niche field (yes, I know that sounds paradoxical). Thus, what recruiters are looking for are very all-round security professionals. People who have an understanding in incident management, in GRC, in project management, in security architecture, in training and awareness, in pentesting... you get the idea.

[@CarlosGomez-cb6ir]

I'm just interested in it for my own curiosity. Don't think I will learn enough for a job. Just anything I can gain from watching videos is better then looking at FB reels

[@Ironiclobster69]

I’m actually starting a bootcamp thing that’s like 3 months long. You get 5 certifications from it. Doing this while I just make a living from home anyways so i thought why not. There are several different ways you can pay for the training and I chose for it to be deducted from future salary until paid off. They only deduct when you are making a certain amount and you are only required to pay them back if they land you a job which is cool so I said why not. Worst case is I don’t land a job and learn a bunch of stuff for free. Best case I land a job and pay them back, and if they get me a good job I’ll pay them back fast. I mainly want to try it out because I like the field and the remote work.

[@user-meeSS]

Expectation: You'll be wearing a cape, cracking codes, and saving the world from cyber attacks with a single click of your mouse! Reality: You'll be constantly updating software, running scans, and attending security meetings.

[@Stonedroller]

Thank you so much for this video! Keep them coming brotha, I love the realistic take.

[@collinsinfosec]

I appreciate the kind words here. My intention is not to come off overly pessimistic about the industry. Hopefully this provides a more transparent / realistic overview. Cybersecurity is still a great industry!

[@Stonedroller]

@@collinsinfosec I am about to graduate with a cyber security associates degree and I’m about to take my sec+ and as I look for jobs and talk with my current internship opportunity I find there is a bit of overhyped talk on jobs and pay in the cyber security industry but I’m not allowing it to keep me from perusing it even if I have to work at a entry level for a while

[@mico99odoop85]

@@Stonedrolleryou say that there is overhyped talk on pay but would you agree the pay is definitely over 80k?

[@Nickthegoatyt2]

i am a freshman in college right now and i have a it security analyst internship right now and working on a few certifications right now is there any advice you would give me?

[@BrandonRyan-q2h]

Is it beneficial to have a bachelor's degree to get into the field? Or is it more beneficial to find reputable courses to take and get certain certifications?

[@corpuzone]

Would you think it’s a better route to take Software Development vs Cybersecurity? Both of these fields are growing significantly with the latter increasing based on what I’ve researched. Though, to get your foot in the door requires projects to present to potential employers as your “hands on “ experience. The degree and or certificate can help, but need to showcase your ability to either code or know the intricacies of either of these two career paths.

[@Vorto]

I am just getting into it and so far I love it. Sometimes it can get overwhelming but I've always loved to learn new things and be that guy that Is always finding a program or a better way to be efficient. I get board i love solve problems. I also quit and all my cards are on the table. I'm hoping once I gain a little bit more experience I hope I can find an entry level job. 😅

[@csl9495]

Theres so many youtubers that act like tech is soo cool. But yet after one year theyve quit and theyre trying to make a career of youtube lol. Youre one of the few whos really saying how frustrating it can be

[@franknoneofya9585]

Have about 23 years in IT, trying to get into Cyber, mostly because i got tired of doing operational work. First and foremost, learn how to build relationships. Segmentation is real and you have to be able to communicate and leverage the relationships you build, as you may not have required access to do a ton of functions a task may require. Learn something you love, master it and dont try to know it all. Be resourceful, god only knows how many articles, how many forums, how many 3rd party support calls Ive had to make. Learn to take breaks when your body is asking you to, you cant enjoy the experience if youre not also enjoying your life.

[@4115steve]

Certifications almost feel like a money grab, the more people that fail and retake the more money they make. I'm learning computer science and web development on youtube so I can depend on bug bounties for income. Bug bounties don't care about certifications or degrees.

[@foxy_shorts24]

Thank you for sharing the information and the experience you went through

[@collinsinfosec]

Happy to share. This is just my experience. Everyone has a unique perspective, it's good to ask around as well.

[@johnportugal5589]

I think security fails as a whole because security is rooted in the mindset that once you get in, you're done and no longer need to learn. It's also rooted with the mentality that you're going to be doing crazy things like "hacking." At least that's the way all the other channels convey this field to be. In addition, these gimmicky channels often sell you the idea that cybersecurity is an easy field to get into simply because of the demand that exists. When in reality, it's like you said, there is a lack of talent which is a contributor to the rise in positions available. It's very unfortunate to see how misleading those youtube channels are and truly appreciate how real you keep the information.

[@jacobpeguero4115]

if there's huge job growth and so many thousands of cybersecurity jobs unfilled but graduates are having a hard time getting those jobs and you need years of experience, then the first is a lie. my opinion is that the educational industry is overselling these degrees and certificates. There is a nursing shortage as well and people have no issues finding a job upon graduation.

[@doomerdaniel]

Same for us web devs

[@taylorharris9609]

I started my first job in cybersecurity a little over a year ago, after about 3 1/2 years in support and I have to admit that I got a little burned out after about 6 months. Mainly, I think I went a little "too hard" my first several months and was literally doing nothing but "cybsersecurity related" activities (finishing school, HTB, reading, podcasts, other things). I definitely found that you need a balance like any other job and it's okay to not further your knowledge every second you're not working. After I found a balance, I've definitely been more at ease and enjoy the space more.

[@A_L90]

@4:03 The true expectation is that you do everything. They need you to do everything, instead of focusing on what you studied for. From what I found is that many companies would rather off-set cost to an outside cyber security vendor with insurance, rather having a cyber security analyst team (some corporations have both). But, as many companies are already suffering to what's happening to them, like Ransomware, they are finding out that it is costing them more, rather than recruiting. But by then, it is already too late. This would be the only time where I would say that government needs to intervene with a heavy hand. These corporations are playing with peoples PII and other sensitive information.

[@jaredlytle808]

I'm trying to get into cyber security, but I never had an experiences of basic of I.T since they never had one in the first place. So it's gonna be very hard for me to adapt to certain things since it 's not too friendly for beginners.

[@charlita25]

Bro everything is harder than it actually looks. All of this 💩 is an illusion 😫😵‍💫

[@hacklikeAgbaby]

whats your point ? it has to be like that..... I have mine, had to drop out because for this CYBER SECURITY field, takes 80% of my time, even tho still learnimg,,

[@augustoliver2779]

Work, honestly, feels less fulfilling than it should. It’s not that I’m lazy-I just can’t picture a positive outcome for myself. Corporate America has so many flaws. We’re being asked to do more and more, yet no one seems to be talking about the thousands of tech layoffs happening while these companies remain profitable and their stock prices reach record highs. Am I the only one who feels this way, or are there others who see the same disconnect?

[@cartma24]

Maan, you are spot on what I am feeling. This is reality. I have been working as a non-experienced cybersecurity analyst and all 3 point are exactly what I have been realizing, it is a lovely career but you can not stop learning, there is just so much to learn.

[@it_security_courses_online]

Cyber is definitely a constantly changing field

[@Ragha-bm8wh]

Bro why is this depressing 😢

[@credpath0567]

as someone who’s looking to get into Cyber can anyone who has a job in it tell me if they still have time for hobbies such as meeting up with friends or playing new story games when they come out?

[@nandhini1912]

I'm a college freshman from India who's really passionate about this field. I really had this doubt about the entry level opportunities and this kind of helped me. I'm currently doing computer science engineering specializing in cybersecurity. So can I conclude that taking a job in the tech field (like generally) initially and gaining experience is much much better than running for a job in cybersecurity? Given that I don't have chances for getting into the field directly and I need a job because for financial issues plus my college offers amazing placements. I know it might seem too early to think about a job but I feel it's important for me to know something. I should be getting ready with certs and projects all the while too if I'm right. Thank you for the info!

[@mikecr3297]

My story time. 4 yrs of college in cyber security, 3.8 gpa. Network +, Security +. Now I'm working a McDonald's. Jk, but I'm actually working as an ocean export specialist. And still cant put my foot in the IT career.

[@jeffnaval4894]

Same. Been working as an importer for 10years and want to get into cyber security.

[@jacobshinabarger9426]

Try working the grill at McDonalds for two years and then come back to me with your opinion on burnout brother lol. I can't even get a help desk job let alone a networking or security job. Keep at it my friend.

[@LOSisBEAST2]

To help with overload/learning is to do it at work if possible and once you're off....DONT THINK ABOUT IT. Sure I'll read an article here and there but being able to close my laptop and go on with my day/life is great and needed to be fresh.

[@nightwing09x]

Been trying to break into it for 2 years now. Stuck on Hell Desk, which is also repetitive. I have no illusions about the grass being greener on the other side, but getting a company to take a chance on you so you can at least earn experience in the field to put on a resume is daunting. Not much else can be done about the situation other than continuing to upskill outside of work. Great video btw.

[@blackwhitegrey001]

I’m in the same position. The only recommendation I have to is to either get certifications that are recognized by companies or government. Learn coding and start projects on your own. Just grind it out until you get an interview for an entry level. Once you get the foot in the door, do everything to absorb as much information as possible.

[@nightwing09x]

@@blackwhitegrey001 good advice but there is no need to “absorb all the info” companies don’t hire ppl to train them be qualified enough to do the job from the start

[@nun_uh]

​@@nightwing09xthere are Google courses which you can complete that you can put on your resume

[@Pixlcaster]

Like if you thought Fabrizio Romano was into cybersecurity after seeing this video thumbnail

[@sobanosilva8585]

I keep in mind that what recruiters look for is not indicative of what jobs are available at entry level. SO I think it's possibly that as "new" as cyber security is now - there are many companies that will build a cyber team and willing to hire you as a newbie

[@nosubtv4242]

Good video, i am 41 and worked in sales in my career. I want a career change and cyber was one of the IT jobs i would like to see through to retirement. Is this going to even be possible? Are there other routes to go down which gets me to earning over 60k?

[@KristinaSmiley]

Zero experience, just started taking classes. I love it. So interesting. I get I am most likely not going to come out making those monetary goals. But I will be looking for internships. I hope this is going to go the way I want it to.

[@sdvcs-o2v]

my progress courbe in fonction of time would look like, from 0 to 100 in the first month and decreasing dramatically for the rest of the time, and staying constant afterwards, well the truth is that you need a good budget to finance your courses and flex the learning curve and the whole day time, for 10 years then and then you can be a professional, the journey is insanely boring and consummative, the time of breaching is as rare as a golden fish in the ocean, you'll compare yourself to other then mostly quit. harsh reality better be a software engineer

[@4115steve]

I find it funny how people sponsor the google cert as something alone that will get you a job. It's a good course for beginners, but I doubt it got many people jobs.

[@ajramirez77]

Yeah, I used it to build a cyber security knowledge foundation. It was one of many tools I used to pass Sec+ on the first try. I ended up landing a job because of Sec+

[@collinsinfosec]

I agree! It's not a one-size, fit-all solution. The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a good start, but will not get you a cybersecurity job in all cases. Full disclosure, I have been sponsored by Coursera in the past. I do believe in Coursera and what they have to offer, you just have to have a "lens" when it comes to the marketing. These sponsors have been helpful for me in investing back into the channel.

[@4115steve]

yeah, I thought I remembered you mentioning it. You didn't over sell the google cert. I saw a lot of other people making it out like it was all you needed to get into cyber security. You didn't take advantage of people, you were honest and being helpful. Sorry I wasn't trying to point you out, the google cert was a good example because of how viral it went@@collinsinfosec

[@McHazeOne]

Im in the middle of Google Cert (im planing to switch career) but Im not lying to myself just this cert gonna give me a job. I enjoy it even its a lot of new information there for me. this cert already start to shape in my head a potential career path in cybersecurity 🤞🏻

[@4115steve]

@@McHazeOne it’s still a great place to start, I watched the all the google cert videos and they had great info for beginners.

[@Tokga-m5r]

With the advancement of ai cybersecurity is not the same we now have ai programming and ai ethical hacking assistant ,thinking about how to solve machine code using a machine should be easy to do now there’s nothing to complex now just your ability to understand

[@verasalem5071]

#3 is common for IT in general. At one of my job, alot of people were new to IT (1-3 years) and I can tell they were suffering from burnout. Once you hit the 5 year mark in IT you are a lifer and that's really when you can get the high paying jobs

[@pablitocodes]

After 10 yoe as a swe I finally got a job in cyber security 😂😂

[@MartyGrass-mc2]

I think you look like a very young and clever person to enough time and skills to change your career easly, with same daily effort carry you to burn out.

[@1CyberSentinel]

I agree with everything you said Especially the skills gap. They key is if your company is not huge with lots f different types of cyber professinoals you have to real continue to learn and study outside of your job laerning new things. If you dont do that you will stagnate and have a hard time moving up. Interviewing alot of candidates for mid to senior positions alot are too tool oriented without fully understanding the fundamentals of logs, what a compromised device would potentially look (lateral movement, exfiltration, kerberos attacks, etc..) If you have a solid understand of those things without using qradar or crowdstrike I think quite a few hiring managers would take anyone for junior- mid positions.

[@sin7wu]

Ive done it for 15 years. I'm burnt out but I have bills to pay hahaha.

[@dmitryi3761]

I feel your pain mate. What also drives me nuts is that I don't feel fulfilled anymore. I get more fulfillment from doing carpentry than from working in cybersecurity. This way, I can actually see, feel, and use what I've created with my hands. And guess what, I'm doing another cyber sec cert at the moment ffs.

[@n1c704]

I’ve been in it for a few years but always a student.

[@skootah323]

Trying to get into cyber security, any suggestions?

[@collinsinfosec]

I suggest starting out with the fundamentals of I.T. You can learn these through the CompTIA A+ certification objectives. You don't have to take the certification in my opinion. A video will be out soon about getting started in 2024.

[@Pixl8dwhmsy]

@@collinsinfoseclooking forward to it 😊🎉

[@MynameisntEricK]

Here's one of the main problems that people have in tech as a whole. For some reason, most logical tech people don't understand the value in the internships they worked at sophomore, and junior year. Most people think that the degree itself will land a job, which is incorrect in pretty much all industries, albeit more-so in tech. Everyone knows that you can land the CS degree, but that doens't mean you can create software, let alone work in an organization. You need a true portfolio of finished products completed on top of having large names that you've worked for as an intern. Even Human Resources... You need to have interned for an organization or two before you really land any actual offers. This is the real world where education matters less than experience. Tech is very logical, which is why there's such a "shock" factor. As far as constant learning, that's a good thing... That's actually what allows you to grow vs stay stuck in one role. Most people can't continue to learn as they don't feel as though it's worth it, which is where those pushing themselves can strive to move up within an organization. Have the mindset that you're going to be obtaining a new degree every 6-8 years. That level of thinking will allow you to continue beyond the "I got ma dugreee!!!" mindset. Yes, you have your CS degree, but how about also going for business.... Most people in tech are unable to connect the two, so when you have that ability, you stand out. Summary: Intern, it's expected. Already have finished products, it's expected. Always be learning, it's expected.

[@methuseus]

This applies to many IT positions, or even many skilled, non sales positions. Definitely how hard it is to break in, but also the hurdles to accomplish anything as a junior associate.