cybersecurity degrees - are they worthless?

[@boshy2376]

Its been a little over a year since I've graduated from University majoring in Cyber Security. With my degree in Cyber and obtaining the Security+, I still struggle to land any interviews hundreds and hundreds of applications later. I have a fair amount of CTF and personal lab experience but no real world work experience within Security. (I never landed an internship either but I also wasn't looking as hard at the time. I personally believe this costed me big time.) Currently, I work tech support remotely for the past year or so just to make some cash while I'm out of security but I cant help but feel that my degree has absolutely no weight when it comes to security. I am slated to take the CySA+ exam November 22nd so I'm hoping after this I can finally gain some traction and break into the industry. My tip for anyone still studying in cyber: Get an internship. Do not pass up any opportunity to work while in school.

[@boshy2376]

@@efflux89 Thanks!

[@collinsinfosec]

Keep at it!

[@jasonchallis5169]

I'm just digging in, and doing research on CS. From my understanding. CS is greatly needed. Why are you struggling to land a job?

[@michaelsanchez8519]

@@jasonchallis5169 that’s a great question.

[@SunDogGod]

Did you end up getting the cert and another job?

[@christhembones8244]

As a software engineer who's worked in corporate finance and health care, I can tell you most fortune 500 companies won't sniff you if you don't have a degree. I understand having a degree doesn't always reflect real world experience and overall technical skills. However, a degree at the very least reflects goal orientation and organization time skills. There are probably more exceptions with certificates only and no degree required in medium or smaller startup companies.

[@badawesome3047]

40 YEARS AGO YOU DIDN'T NEED A COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE EITHER BUT THE LARGE COMPANIES HIRING TODAY LIST A COLLEGE DEGREE IN AT LEAST A RELATED AREA AS A REQUIREMENT.

[@MaZeR98765]

Got an associates degree(2yr). Worked help desk for a school district for literally 6months and then got a sysadmin position at an IT company. Now they're paying for me to finish a bachelor's as well as Microsoft certifications. Eventually I want to move to a security role but spending some time doing support/administration can't hurt.

[@2dahiphop]

So can you get an entry level helpdesk/support role in IT with associates in Cybersecurity? Or is an associates in IT better for that? I'd like to get my feet wet and do something similar to what you did. I'd just like to get a remote sysadmin role as well. And then maybe work towards cyber security later on.

[@BiscayneBarbie]

@@2dahiphop did you get an answer?

[@kurtpadua1920]

AAS or AS degree? I'm confused.

[@tiagodgy]

I'm pursuing a cybersecurity degree with full scholarship. I believe that the network and friends I'm making are more importante than the degree itself. The classes are always introductions to a topic, if you get interested you will need to learn by yourself. There is no way you will have the skill set needed to work after finishing if you don't go beyond class and get the most popular certifications. If you are 18 and will have to pay , you should definitively consider going for a CS degree. You can easily find a entry level job in CS and work as a developer while you get your certifications for cybersecurity. You probably won't be able to do that going for a cybersecurity degree.

[@collinsinfosec]

Good points. It all depends on how you market yourself. Many of the classmates I knew were able to get a job right out of school with a cybersecurity degree. It all depends.

[@p34ky._]

Bro I am thinking of Going for Cybersecurity Engineering but there are no Unis providing this type of course and it's only available in like one or two unis in US. Should I go for CompSci+Cybersecurity program or Cybersecurity only?

[@BotTavius87]

Degrees are worth every penny. A person with a degree and experience will almost always be more appealing to employers than someone with no degree and some experience. Stop being lazy and get your ass in school.

[@Vegasan]

Being charismatic is also a HUGE plus in interviews. If you can persuade the employer into wanting you, for whatever reason, during the interview with your finesse then it's an EZ clap.

[@EileenTheCr0w]

In some industries a degree is a sign that you lack creativity and are gullible, I'd honestly prefer to hire someone without a degree that showed they were able to learn on their own time and not trade debt for knowledge. Other industries it's basically an absolute requirement to consider someone. Degrees are not always worth it, actually most of the time they're a complete waste of time and will actually set you back compared to peers that go straight into working.

[@MBND156]

Well personally I'm not the smartest person academically, but when it comes to computers and more specifically cyber security, I feel like I have found my calling and it's the only thing I'm good at, and interested in. So studying anything else will just be useless for me tbh.

[@hadesthegood4716]

Sucks even being in my second year of my Cyber Security program, internships have been sparse to get. I'm supposedly working in January, and still haven't heard back from any internship applications I've sent out. I'm still hoping for the best regardless.

[@0xb3ludan]

I hopes you're doing good bro, keep going🔥🔥🔥

[@legacylibra7480]

I'm on the fence on starting up a degree in Cyber Security or Cloud Computing, but I do have a decent amount of experience through Helpdesk. Experience wise I basically have the equivalent of an A+ (not the updated one in 2022) and surface level understanding on Network+. I'm 26 and feel slightly old to finish college, but that piece of paper is what interviewers keep bringing up. I might need to bite the bullet again for academia. Although landing interviews isn't difficult, but a lack of a degree that keeps getting shoved in my face.

[@Not.Spooky]

I'm in the same boat

[@ToastitoBandito]

I'm 28 and going back to college myself. You're never too old to further your education. Any way to improve yourself is the right decision, in my opinion. You got this!

[@keenonleathers7215]

I'm finishing my bachelor's in cinematography and have been leaning towards going back for cyber security when I'm done. I'm 28 and I understand the feeling but there's no better time than now. 7 years from now you could be in your dream career and you'd ve thanking yourself for taking the chance

[@Ninibtchhh]

Im in the same boat

[@robzul7846]

The key problem is finding someone who will take a chance on you to get that experience. I already have a A.S. degree in IT with two certifications and I still can't land an interview.

[@GeorgiaMade404]

You need a minimum of a BS in Computer Science to get pass the application filters. Without that you’re going to struggle getting a job unless you have some type of inside connect which is the easiest way to get a job nowadays

[@_vr]

EDIT 1 Year Update: As an 1 year update on my comment, I'm now a Chief Cybersecurity at our department with a pay that reflect the position. Still no degree. I'm working in Cyber Security, and I'm an apprentice. However I'm teaching the people that is coming out of University with both Masters and Bachelors. For me I do personally think Degrees is useless since it's mainly theoretical. Degrees for me is a waste of time and only is a nice star that gives you interviews. Interviews are useless if people don't have hands-on experience and know their environments. In my humble opinion :)

[@collinsinfosec]

Good points.

[@Faircraft3]

What would be your advice for people who are interested in stepping into the field of cybersecurity?

[@Ma-Dee-Yo]

A lot of jobs you can't get a interview with out a degree

[@_vr]

@@Ma-Dee-Yo Yes, then I laugh at those HR people. Posting it on places like LinkedIn etc - Then shortly after they come asking for an interview. Or find another place to work. There is ALWAYS a place to work without a degree

[@saidibrahim5931]

especially in cyber security degree is 100% useless,because they just teach you general knowledge and a lot of software development. Just do an online course and do a lot of projects

[@HoangNguyen-jd2mr]

Agreed with him entirely, if you are young go with a degree cyber or computer science. Participate in club, it is only getting more competitive later on. Learn outside of school.

[@Gorkanaut]

Intresting point of view, I am currently going for my major certs. As I am sorta in IT (going to peoples houses to fix computers) but being degree less in this field feels very scary and like I am rolling dice to be able to get into the cyber security/pen testing field Currently 28 and dont have alot of money to go back into school so certs are the only thing i feel that can really help me. Wonder if anybody is having a similar experience as me?!

[@AlastorDarkAngel]

My job requires it for certain positions and they have a direct billing program. Im going to try.

[@Yoseph-w1v]

Honestly thank you soo much, i collected my mind watching this video. cheers

[@CaraMarie13]

My brother is looking into a degree which i prefer for him. I dont know what kind of colleges some of you have attended, but my school offered internship placement for both undergrad and grad school. It was one of the first things they told us in undergrad, get ready to start meeting with your advisor about internships towards the end of sophomore year so you can apply right at start of junior year. College is not just a degree. Its the people that you meet and the connections. Its also the classes that you take that have little to do with your actual degree. Most importantly, a bachelor's in anything lets you enroll in grad school which comes in handy if you ever want to change professions.

[@Frenzaahh]

You need to be able to work in a team, you need to be willing to learn new stuff by yourself and work on projects.

[@GriMMiXbeats]

Just got my certificate IV in cyber security here in Queensland Australia, noticed how difficult it is to get an entry level position, so I'm about to start a bachelor of cybersecurity

[@TorLA575]

That line when they say they are looking for people with completely different backgrounds is total utter Bull**** . They know damn well they want only experience professionals. As far as the degree its valued depending on where you live . But the people who don’t value it tend to look down on it because they don’t have a degree in the field themselves or at all.

[@collinsinfosec]

Good points.

[@SteveGillham]

It really depends on which area of Cyber you are going for. If you are trying to become a SOC Analyst/Architect/Cloud Specialist/etc, then normally Businesses want an experience professional who has previously done these roles before, after all, the Business wants someone to protect their Business, they do not want someone who is lacking experience that could put the Business at risk. If you want to be more Security Management/Audit/Compliance/Cyber Awareness, then coming from a different background is a consideration since these are perceived as less technical positions. As for the value of a degree, Even though I do not have a degree in Cyber myself (just many years experience), I do believe a degree help show a grounding in the subject, more than just performing CTF/hacking side. Like any degree, knowing the subject is completely different than the practice of the subject in the real Business world, where you have to deal with budget constraint and the level of risk a Business is willing to accept.

[@TorLA575]

@@SteveGillham I definitely respect your opinion and experience in the field as I am in school myself about to try and fully jump in the field . But it all comes down to the hiring manager and their view on degrees , it depends because there is also the politics that is at play where they don’t want someone who is more qualified then them to get in and possibly take they position ( when you just want the role not their position) so they try to downplay/undermine peoples capabilities in the field. Like in some IT reddit forms people who don’t have degrees in the field love to talk down on those with the degree saying it is to basic or broad. The thing is in every field it is like that if you were to graduate in psych or accounting its broad but that is fine because every degree is like that. That is why certifications/license are here so you could specialize in something.

[@cojo51]

Any thoughts on someone in their 30s with no degree? I have no degree but some college, primary work experience is in construction and property management, and I'm about to start my first IT job as a field service tech. Would a degree in Cyber Security benefit me much at this point?

[@chizz12]

I think having a degree would definitely help. Im 29 and in the early stages of an Associate's degree program in Cybersecurity as a part time student. I do have the goal of working towards my bachelors part time afterwards as well. Currently applying to helpdesk jobs hoping to get a foot in the door. It's never too late...my family doctor went to med school at 40 because he almost died fighting a fire(fire fighter).

[@jspur22]

No one even looks that I graduated with a degree in CIS. They just see the CISSP and recognize. That being said, most jobs for cyber "require" a specific degree for the position. Though again I don't know how much that would factor in if you had the right certs. Get a cyber job where the company will pay for you to take the tests and get certified.

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

How much exp do you have ?

[@BlackPirateKing]

Hands on training and experience is your best path

[@Ilyaswashere]

I’m getting my associates in Business and after I want to get a certificate to get some experience to enter cybersecurity and eventually start my own company. Any advice?

[@ericouhl5423]

Loving the beard man. Good advice indeed.

[@Filterfinder]

I’m a auto tech at Walmart and they are paying for me to get a cyber security associates in science degree through Perdue Global. Should I do it? I don’t really know too much about computers beyond I built my own and I can google anything that goes wrong I play video games too lol

[@donmojon9622]

So would it be possible that u could just get like an 2 yr degree in something computer related just so u could have that degree weight and get hands on experience from there?

[@Mbabbb399]

I just went back to school for comp sci and cybersecurity after taking a couple years off because of Covid I didn’t want to learn only online and I think it’s the right move it give opportunities for good internships and such I run my own business doing marketing as well and have a few softwares I’ve had developed in the time between school but I want to focus more on the tech side of things it depends on what you want but I don’t think it hurts to have at least a bachelors

[@p34ky._]

Bro I am thinking of Going for Cybersecurity Engineering but there are no Unis providing this type of course and it's only available in like one or two unis in US. Should I go for CompSci+Cybersecurity program or Cybersecurity only

[@salaheddine6148]

Wow ! The video that i was looking for... Big thanks 🙏

[@zach.intech]

Degrees only help out with the competition 😅

[@isolatedanonymous1979]

Exactly

[@zachjansheski1520]

I messed up bad then I chose cyber sec b.s as my first degree I’m almost done.. have many projects. But now I’m scared lol I’m going for my sec+ for starting out.

[@iceland3457]

Hello Grant! I would like to ask - what programming language would you advise to learn first, for the profession of cybersecurity engineering? Thank you

[@collinsinfosec]

I always recommend Python, but there are many out there, bash and powershell (as scripting langauges), Go, C

[@Dnariobeats1289]

Yes a degree is worth it ! If you don’t have one

[@victorharris746]

Big strategic mistake not pursuing the college degree. Experience is great but having a degree will provide bona fide at the higher echelons of industry.

[@midknightmiddleman5887]

The degree is ok to grab attention, but once you have the employer’s attention, your degree will be virtually useless from then on. The course curriculum for most universities in this major does a bad job in preparing you for a career. Too much theory and too much touching on many different areas of cyber but not going deep enough An example, in one of my courses, we received an access code for Cybrary. This was for an intro course only, we didn’t go too much in depth. When we finished the semester, we were then encouraged to learn more from that platform. Had I known my curriculum was going to be like that, I would’ve never gone to university, or at least I would’ve gotten into a different major like Accounting or Finance

[@JaanKashmiri]

Question to you Grant: If you could go back in time, would you still choose the path of CyberSecurity ?

[@collinsinfosec]

Hi Jaan, I would, yes. It's an industry with lots of opportunity.

[@JaanKashmiri]

@@collinsinfosec Thank you for your answer.

[@Dnariobeats1289]

Tell people about the security clearance

[@nighthunterian684]

I am trying to learn Cybersecurity, how should i start outside of the classroom?

[@l0g1cseer47]

That's is why medical and academia must be supervised and managed by Independent department of defense to improve digital independent and private motivation and faster adaptation programs.. Nice one!

[@PVredeemed]

I’m currently doing my associate degree in computer science at a community college. I plan on transferring to a university to do bachelors in Cybersecurity after I get my associates. Is there anything wrong with taking this route or should I go for a computer science BS? (I don’t enjoy coding a lot but i still want to work in IT, this is why i chose to do BS in cybersecurity)

[@CodyKeller]

Have you considered a business degree?

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

The comp sci degree will always be more flexible, and a cybersec analyst who can program is more valuable than one who can’t. BUT, what matters more is getting a cyber internship

[@p34ky._]

Bro I am thinking of Going for Cybersecurity Engineering but there are no Unis providing this type of course and it's only available in like one or two unis in US. Should I go for CompSci+Cybersecurity program or Cybersecurity only

[@sxntana-lz5nn]

@@takethepillingodwetrust1510what if coding is too difficult for me do I just get my degree in Cyber Sec like a BS or something ?

[@sxntana-lz5nn]

@@takethepillingodwetrust1510or do I bite the bullet and get a math tutor for the some of the classes .

[@wengyin3365]

I think EE more easier to get Cybersecurity career...

[@zk321]

jheeez da beard came in

[@collinsinfosec]

No shave November ;)

[@JamesJoseph-pl3ci]

Hi I studied computer Engineering Thinking of going for masterß in cybersecurity Also have certification on CCNA and Network Essentials. But, i still have interest in hardware. Currently taking cyber + cerf What can you advise me with

[@jakeswick1843]

Hey there! If you are willing, I'd love to chat with you about the state of cybersecurity degrees in universities. I just recently graduated from a smaller college with a degree in cybersecurity and it was definitely... Different. Don't get me wrong I definitely had some important classes, but 90% of it was definitely up in the air. Let me know if you're open to a conversation!

[@BiscayneBarbie]

Sounds like Miami MDC program

[@clonehd6510]

Would it be more useful to get a MIS degree?

[@rainiskey]

Do not do something because of how you will be perceived doing it. Go to college and learn the things that make you happy. A career is not a job, a career is your mark on the earth. A lot of people are riding a hype train - thinking they can make a lot of money in cyber security by studying for 6 months. They tell themselves “I use computers, this should be easy”. For us who have been studying computers and the industry - we understand the more we learn, the less we know. A degree shows that you care about the subject. If you’re looking for a job, like reading alerts all day - don’t get a degree. If you’re looking for a lifelong search and mission to understand computers and to protect your nation - college will only help. God Bless the USA

[@tacticalribeye9583]

Great comment

[@johnczech7074]

Dude! Awesome beard!! Thanks for the great content! As always!

[@2dahiphop]

This may be a weird question but can you get an IT job with a degree in cybersecurity? What if I don't necessarily want a cybersecurity job but more so a network or sysadmin job will that help. Or should I go for a degree in IT instead. Even though it's not really need based on what folks say with certs.

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

U should prob do an IT, MIS/IS, or CS

[@GodZain101]

whats a good monitor for college studen with a laptop

[@alijaved3964]

Do consider topics like artificial intelligence,,,explain for layman etc

[@kintsdg2834]

I am starting cyber security as of 2 weeks ago. I love it, however i wanna get a head start for and start studying a coding language, is there a certain code you think it worth me doing?

[@couragethecomputernerd]

c++ and python

[@nlproductions9215]

object orientated languages, backend languages

[@tylerb3911]

I will be starting up a BAS in Cyber Operations in the Spring of 23, and i will be hoping to get the DOD scholarship, where apparently you get a $20,000 dollar stipend for college, and you are also guaranteed a job within the DOD. I know it probably won't be literally handed to me, but from what i have seen and heard, you need to do more outside of your degree and have examples of your work to showcase. So thank you for the video on a simple cyber attack video. I also have an Associate degree in Computer Programming so thats a plus i think amirite?

[@mycloudsecurityjourney]

Hi this is very interesting video, I have accounting degree long time ago and now I am switching my career into Cloud engineering through a bootcamp, I have interest in cloud security, should I get cyber security degree to pursue my career? because I saw most of cyber security roles require a degree. Thanks 😊

[@ZenityStudios]

How’s it going so fsr

[@mycloudsecurityjourney]

@@ZenityStudios I didn't enroll for cyber security degree and focus on certification

[@xleon26x]

Do you recommend cybersecurity career?

[@jojofresh1019]

So do you want your college professors not have degrees ? Or educators not having degree? So what the purpose of even telling your kid to go to school.😊

[@royalclub6022]

Make video on parrot os

[@majonas3292]

Yes, they are. Skill issue

[@MarJones-f5w]

This seems like a lot just to not even be guaranteed a job

[@Wolfx-4]

Sir make cybersecurity course😊

[@jairamsaketi2140]

Bro my phone got factory reset by warranty repair service . Now I want it back plz .I tried dr.fone, wandershare , Droidkit data recovery software etc. I you guild me plz. Software or anything else without rooting my device . Mainly do I get my data back after resetting phone.

[@ayodejiabiodun2087]

i am sorry the way he answred the question made me laugh😂

[@themob100]

This dude had lost it. People look up the job postings. Any technology role go and get the degree

[@ChloeKaruehanon]

Hi Grant, do you think someone with no IT experience at all can make it to graduation of a bachelor pf Cyber Security. Also do you think it‘s too late to start a degree major in Cyber Security at the age 30?

[@collinsinfosec]

Hi! Absolutely, you can graduate with a degree in cybersecurity without any prior experience, this is what the curriculums are made for. I do not think it's too late, you are still at a relatively good age to have a degree.

[@CodyKeller]

I'd pick up a business degree. All the technical skills can be learned outside the classroom. The networking, clubs, and encouraged entreprenueship from business schools is invaluable. Add-on learning how to run your own business or understanding all concepts of a business including (the most valuable skill: communication) I believe provides a better background than a technical degree.

[@LoveFactorySweatShop]

Really bad advice. A Comp Sci degree is still the best degree.

[@denzel367]

Just be better,then everyone will want you.

[@alijaved3964]

Really helpful,,,,love from pakistan

[@JRocLaHey]

goat

[@ygjt76v0-----]

Degrees always worthed

[@rushinrulet6025]

you are far away from being a ''script kiddy'' bro..

[@y44ctt]

They are worthless

[@swissadventure1824]

I'm currently studying cyber security (Bsc) and had no problem finding a job. Lit. wrote 1 application and got an offer as an intern. My studying colleagues had the same experience. The only thing we have in common, is showing that we're also spending time on learning things besides de curriculum like tryhackme, ctfs,... I think it depends on the country you live in and your personal preference.

[@sxntana-lz5nn]

Where you from ? It seems Computer Science degrees rule over everything else here in the USA . I don’t have my associates in network, enterprising because computer science is a little challenging for me