Don't Be Me. (My Career Regrets as a Cyber Security Professional)

[@JoshMadakor]

🔒Hands-On Cybersecurity / SOC Analyst Training (REAL EXPERIENCE)🔒 joshmadakor.tech/cyber

[@sailormars20]

I’m finishing my cybersecurity program and am so overwhelmed. There is so much to learn. I’m new to IT so everything is super new. Please study networking before getting into cybersecurity. Networking is the base of everything.

[@haleyg1661]

How are you feeling about it now?

[@saraa.l.g3259]

Where can i learn networking

[@ToneVidaaaaaa]

Exactly! When I finished my bachelors in Cybersecurity I got my ccna and became a network engineer. Being a network engineer helped me learn networking in depth which has really helped me in my current position as a security engineer.

[@DexterDouglas-z1r]

@@haleyg1661 R.I.P. and F and 07 (saluting)

[@spacegerrit9499]

34 and just started my cyber security career. Have been a primary school teacher for a few years 》quit and started working for an IT servicedesk 》 Became a System admin in oct 》 Became a security officer a few weeks ago when the others guys found a new job. I immediately jumped on it. I dont regret a thing - even my teacher career gave me a lot of interesting soft skills. Im now working on my certs. After that there comes a point where I can pick a job, instead of the other way around.

[@mpkp2011]

I think having soft skills from jobs outside of tech is especially important as you said. People skills, presentation skills, and especially being able to play office politics all play a big roll on moving up in your desired career. Good luck and thanks for sharing!

[@johnnywhiteshoe]

teacher > hospitality > warehouse > cyber lol i'm excited to gain a little more agency over my career path

[@stormchaser419]

I'm leaving teaching and getting into this career with a help desk job as my goal. Could you maybe give me some tips as to how to get that first IT help desk job given I have no degree in IT because my degrees are in Education and Business. Maybe resume tips also? Cold calling companies as my people skills are strong? A little lost for now but very determined to get into this field of cybersecurity with my math and science analytical skills hopefully a plus from my teaching those subjects.

[@spacegerrit9499]

Look for traineeships instead of full fledged job-openings. You want to get a position in a Servicedesk (somewhat different from a helpdesk, but not that much). From there you can be a Sysadmin in no-time. It's basically the starting position of every IT carreer. I had a lot of trouble wrapping my head around how the hell I was going to get a job in the private sector when all I had was a degree in educating. THATS what traineeships are for. Companies are drooling to get teachers, they are highly educated and have a lot of social skills other IT people miss. They want you, dont you worry about that part. They keyword is Servicedesk - thats where it all starts. I'm a System administrator and Cyber Security officer, and I started at a Servicedesk level about 3 years ago. 3, not 10, not 15. And that is WITH covid years, so do the math. I had 0 degrees in computing. But I have a lot of experience with pc's simply because i'm a gamer. Thats more than enough. Then again; I know people who are now working in full Cyber Security company that started out as a museum guide or literally worked at a McDonalds. It also doesnt matter if you're male, female, transgender or whatever. No one gives a crap. Multiple transgender people work at our company in managerial positions. I coworker of mine is trans and just became the head of her own servicedesk team. You'll learn everything that feels daunting in the beginning, trust me. I now laugh when I remember worrying about what the hell Active Directory or Remote Desktop was. Don't be nervous when you meet people who know more than you do, just let that happen. It doesn't mean much. Once you've found a traineeship you're probably gonna get hired, most people do, just make sure you're open, ready to learn and have some gameplan. For example: I wanted to work in Cyber Security, and so I told everyone that was my goal and why. You can make up something and change it along the way, it doesnt matter. Just make sure you sound like someone who knows what they want. Recruiters love that, because it means they have something stable sitting across from them, someone with a plan. Too many Servicedeskers have no plan. That doesnt mean they wont get hired, it just means they will get a year contract, and then another year contract, and then another. Until they figure out what they want. Most traineeships on a servicedesk have like a monthlong bootcamp, after which they select the people who can stay. (they want everyone, but if you're not good at talking to people, or dont listen to advice, or are lazy, or any other negative train, you're out and have to find another one). If you're not selected: suck it up, find another one and do thing different there. Once you're selected they're gonna give you a yearlong contract, after a year that contract WILL get renewed (unless you punched your boss in the face) but if it's gonna be a fulltime contract depends. I got lucky and got a fulltime contract, but not everyone gets that. The key here is to show that extra spirit. I had to drive hours before I got into the office, plus I knew what I wanted, that stuff helps. You're going to have a lower salary in the beginning, but that's not a worry. You'll get other perks. Getting your certificates while working is all paid by the company. Plus your salary will rise. In education it starts out higher average, but changes little. In IT that's different, it might start low but rises all the time. Remember, they WANT you, and thats not some sales pitch. IT companies are desperate to hire new people to fill up the bottom of the ladder. People leave IT companies all the time to work in Defense or in a specialisation or anthing like that. So they need a stream of new people. Wanting it is half of the work, just send a company an email, a nice resume where you focus on your people skills and dont be scared about telling people if you're a gamer and into RPG's (That will fit right into their profile) and wait for the reply. (You dont have to lie if you're not, but some people leave that stuff out and then they walk into the office and everyone is talking about dungeons and dragons and setting up sessions for fridayevening). At my place my recruiter started out saying he liked Baldurs Gate. Dont think the private sector is all scary with suits and ties. It isn't, not with a lot of IT companies, not at the ground level. I feel more secure in the private sector than in the public sector, trust me. Don't make the mistake I did by sending out resumes for cyber security positions or senior SYSadmin positions, that's not gonna work. Also, best is to contact companies directly. Headhunters get paid for placing someone, not placing someone because they think it's the right spot. I litterally googled Traineeship IT (with my region) and a whole list showed up. Congrats on this move. You're not gonna regret it. Let me know how it worked out. My life as an educator is really some weird thing I did in the past, and I cant understand all those nights staring at the ceiling thinking about quitting but not knowing how and then what? First thing you're gonna realise in your Servicedesk position is this: "Why the F did I not do this earlier?!" PS: Don't be afraid to take calls of clients. It's scary in the beginning but once you've done it a few times its like your grandma calling. There's always someone to help you and you can always call someone back. But DONT not take the calls, you're mentors during bootcamp will know. Just take every call you can take, you're still in bootcamp, just be nice to these people and make sure you show your soft skills (social skills). A solution is secondary. (most of the times they all call for the same stuff "My Outlook isn't opening, there's a light shining under my mouse, How do I connect my homeprinter to the laptop, the calendar on my phone isnt syncing to my laptop, and the greatest of all: "WHATS MY PASSWORD?"

[@stormchaser419]

@@spacegerrit9499 Wow, thanks for the detailed response!! So helpful! I know I will not regret any of this. I'm so glad to be out of teaching as of 2 days ago. The great teacher exodus is underway and teachers are going to be flooding the market of all sorts of jobs and that is not s bad thing. We deserve to be working in better paying and more respected positions. I'm glad I have a clear goal in mind for a new career and I am feeling more motivated than ever to make this jump. I'm looking at a ton of videos on IT and Cyber work and signed up for a Coursera Google Cert in IT Help Desk the other day. Coursera seems like one of the better sites for courses. 3 months ago I was worried about being a middle aged career changer with no IT experience. I do look 10 years younger than I am and I feel very comfortable talking to a wide range of people from all backgrounds. I'm always talking to people at Starbucks, the grocery store or most anywhere because you never know who you might meet and who they know. I have already made 2 contacts at Starbucks who may help me with this transition. The internet has allowed people to do things unheard of even 15 years ago with knowledge. I will save this video and keep you updated in 6 months. You gave me lots of things to think about. Quick question. A very experienced resume writer could be helpful to spruce up my resume? Charges $650 and has samples on website with career changers and has 25 years doing resumes and certified with tons of positives on many websites. Worth it?

[@KalTech]

My regret is working a dead end Security Guard job for 7 1/2 years not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, before getting into IT. Now I work as a IT Specialist on a Federal Contract since September. The best decision I ever made was deciding last year to go to a Technical School and get certifications. I now make more money and have great benefits. Really appreciate your content. Wanting to get into Cybersecurity next. Looking at going to WGU's Cybersecurity program thanks to your recommendation.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Kaleb, thanks for watching and sharing your story. I seriously feel like I should just do what I enjoy more and more. Trying to figure that out right now. KZbin? Go back to work at a lower-level job? Both? haha. Thanks again :)

[@imanomari2041]

@Francisco Sotelo𝄞 do you mean cyber security ? (Not being physically and mentally demanding?

[@TheSplitTongue]

I really like how you structure your content. It seems more "real" in that you don't mind talking about stuff like money or mental health. A lot of IT vets will be overly nihilistic or optimistic to a fault. I feel like this is more balanced and how it actually works when you get out in the job market. Your videos have actually help me make some personal career decisions...good ones imo 🤘

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Marston, I appreciate it! That's really what I'm going for (realistic, actual person vs being a "KZbinr" lol). Glad to hear the content has had a positive impact, I appreciate you watching and taking the time to let me know/comment. Thank you!

[@portagasdace21117]

I'm in the process of getting into cyber security as a career. Leaving my current dead-end job is a must. I'm working on getting a few certifications before I start. What I'm getting from this video is that I should not let my career control me, and that I have to control my career. I'll keep this in mind as I kickstart my cyber security career eventually.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Tom. Yep, that's a fantastic takeaway. Cyber is a nice field to be working in, just make sure you are doing the things you want to do :)

[@mistreciIT]

find an entry level job in security. dont waste time waiting for certifications. they will hire you with a bachelors in anything . then go for certs.

[@logankue9627]

My only regret is going to college after high-school. That's what everyone said I should do. They also said it didn't matter what my major was as long as I get it, so I went into Communication Technology which was supposed to focus on Web design and development. I eventually graduated and got some knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript but I naive and thought I was ready for the professional world. I couldn't have been more wrong. Anyway I wished I would've known about Helpdesk jobs during or after high-school then I would've gotten into IT sooner. Instead I bounced around doing different jobs for a long time until a few years ago.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Logan, thanks for sharing your story. Pretty much described my late teens and early 20s. Especially this: _"Instead I bounced around doing different jobs for a long time until a few years ago."_ GL with the new career. Glad we got it figured out eventually at least, haha

[@AugustusAsgeir]

In similar boat went for physics at first now going for cyber-security while I'm still in my early twenties. Lookin for entry level jobs right now

[@logankue9627]

@@AugustusAsgeir you're in a good place then. Back then we didn't have mentors like Josh. KZbin is a huge difference maker.

[@AugustusAsgeir]

@@logankue9627 I appreciate that man, and you're right- you guys didn't. I do so ima do my best n take advantage

[@nihilnomine6099]

Be lucky that you are not 35 and starting a new career with no degree

[@WithSandra]

I think I'm also sort of on that wave of letting your career steer you compared to you steering your career but while you're in it, it's hard to realize that's what's happening until you're stuck in a rut for a bit and figure it out lol.

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah seriously! I got hired as a "Security Analyst" and about 1 month into my job I realized I was actually a PM lmao. It's so easy to happen. GL with yours, don't get burned out 😇👏

[@Orion_Nebula_M42]

Agreed 100%

[@ZERO_TO_IT_HERO]

Definitely have to try to control your career as opposed to it controlling you. Super easy to let your career determine your direction. Great video!

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much! And yeah, I let that happen to me a lot, but NO MORE!

[@anishiagopi5219]

U r so humble soul:)Wishing you all the very best ! I been working in technology field for 7 years in Canada now.After finishing my MBA, Instead of choosing a management career I immediately decided to start with IT operations.At that time it was a sad decision.Was paid $42k and worked 19 hrs (crazy time).But I soon started taking enterprise solutioning,cloud architect,Info Sec,consulting roles and realized that’s where my strength is. I feel now I am mentally prepared for my transition into IT infrastructure management and that’s where I am heading into in next 1 year:)

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Anishia, thanks so much for watching and thank you for the kind words 🥺🥺. It sounds like you had quite the journey, I'm glad you don't have to deal with those 19-hour days anymore, no way I could do that. Also good job, it's obvious you put in a lot of time and work! Good luck with the infrastructure management, I'm sure you're going to be great 😇👏

[@Realist2001]

Regret #1: not going into cyber sooner. I got in around the age of 33. Hung around desktop support realm too long Regret #2: Taking the salary offered because of what I thought I was worth, instead of what I was actually worth. Jobs aren't going to willing giving you what you are worth, if you accept less than that. What I don't regret: #1 taking the advice of those who I trusted that help get me where I'm currently am in my career. #2 watching your videos because I've had some of the same thoughts about my future. I'm not ready to quit yet, but I know cyber isn't my forever, but instead a means to my eventual end goals

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, appreciate you watching/commenting! I appreciate your non-regret #2 lol. Super strong agree with your #1/2 regrets. Hope more people can learn from your comment. It's really important to negotiate--it's free money essentially

[@ap1000482]

what are your end goals

[@blevenzon]

The words I was looking for “Letting my career control me” that hits. Thank you Josh

[@JoshMadakor]

Haha glad you understand, but sad at the same time 😂😔. Thanks for watching :)

[@Commander6444]

On some level, it's good that we regret things. For instance, I stuffed my hand into a hot toaster when I was 3 years old. I've never made that mistake again in the 21 years since. As painful as that experience was at the time, it has served me well. ...And then there are the regrets that really weigh us down. Careers, relationships, education, finances, you name it. These regrets go past the point of being useful lessons, instead becoming the tools we use to torture ourselves in our own mental prisons. It's no way to live, and it's not certainly not fair to ourselves. We're all just trying to get by in this crazy world, and that's impossible to do without making some pretty big mistakes along the way. Give yourself a break, dear reader. You deserve it.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. You said some really impactful stuff here. Especially _"These regrets go past the point of being useful lessons, instead becoming the tools we use to torture ourselves in our own mental prisons."_ This is so true 😨. I agree, we are all just trying to get by. If I can get through life without being too miserable and manage to make some other peoples' lives slightly better, I will take that win haha. Thanks again :)

[@rezwanislam1332]

Thank you

[@friedkitchenrce]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s not easy to share this kind of info openly. Respect !

[@JoshMadakor]

Ayy no problem! I appreciate you watching!

[@dl11111]

This is very interesting description. After watching this I felt like apart from a security professional you have a comedian in yourself as well. You do jot have any promotion or any other courses apart from KZbin as I followed you when I read about you on LinkedIn. I am working in IT service Management and I like watching videos and studying more in cybersecurity though not planning to switch in this field. No regrets.. Everyone has the right to educate themselves and people like you are an inspiration. Keep it up Josh..

[@rokanox]

Got yourself another Subscriber my guy. Genuinely enjoy watching your content, you're well articulated, easy to understand and follow along with what you're saying. Keep up the good work and thanks for all your advice so far! 👍

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Tim, thanks for subbing! Super appreciate it! Glad you like the content too, I'll keep trying to improve bit by bit :P

[@cybersandoval85]

I just found your channel today. Your content is awesome. Thank you for all of this. I'm 3 years away from retiring from the Army and stoked to start a cyber career post military

[@JoshMadakor]

Heck yeah, good for you getting a head start on things! Are you gonna try to go in as a 35Q? Np for the content, I appreciate you watching :D

[@Ranqers]

Loved this video. Congrats on getting 15k subs. Looks like you’ll hit 20k in no time!

[@JoshMadakor]

Glad you liked it! And fingers crossed on the 20k. would be so dank to get it before Christmas!

[@craigheard2504]

Josh. I always rewatch this video for perspective on this entire process. Thanks for posting this. It really helps.

[@JoshMadakor]

I'm honored that you would rewatch any of my content, haha, thank you.

[@craigheard2504]

😊. Oh. Your stuff is awesome. It ages well.

[@Geomaverick124]

I think everyone has regrets in their career but I feel you did really good. Riding the wave did progress your career and you are at a point where you can go anywhere you want to now. I am pretty sure that Microsoft and the teaching gig are still open to you...as a matter of fact, you could probably do teaching and youtube at the same time or Microsoft and youtube. I feel that you are more than capable of being a software engineer. To be honest I am a bit envious and encouraged by your story...I've had so many setbacks and failures I am surprised I am still here. I look at you as a reminder that it is possible to be successful and where I could have been if I had listened to the right people.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey man, really appreciate your words of encouragement. _I feel that you are more than capable of being a software engineer._ I appreciate this. Actual Devs/SWEs are like the pinnacle to me lol. I have had a _TON_ of failures in my life and career and have given up on a LOT of things. I think they have all helped me one way or another. You are probably further along/better than you give yourself credit for. It's hard to see it when you're not looking from the outside :) Also I gotta say, your accomplishments far outweigh mine considering I haven't had to raise kids before--that is a massive, underrecognized undertaking🤯🤯

[@WithSandra]

Love these insights Josh! Definitely resonate with a lot of these lessons learned in this vid lol

[@JoshMadakor]

Glad to hear it! 😂 What did you think of the bears though?🥺

[@DePsiPher]

As a transitioning vet going into cyber I really appreciate this insight. Definitely subscribing and looking forward to more great content.

[@joselopezgutierrez2070]

Good morning Josh! I saw the imposter video and it changed my mind completely about work filters I need to use and which ones I should discard when I look at my career in the military. I was so blown away that I recommended it to many of my friends who are also going to be retiring soon. I am still working through those feelings still, trying to qualify my experience but find videos like this one and your opinions more valuable the more I watch your videos. Thank you for making these!

[@777Nardo]

Thumbs up for the bears, I just started a Help desk position and I didn't even consider staying in one place for too long , thanks! I can understand the regrets, it sounds good in the moment but how will we ever know if we don't take chances, I'm glad you know your worth and able to keep moving up.

[@JoshMadakor]

lmao glad you liked them bears. Thanks so much for watching and huge congrats on the job, that's dope! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Best of luck in the new role!

[@arthursuriya764]

Very good content, reflecting and regretting is a good head check as long as you keep it healthy.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Arthur, for sure, I agree! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, appreciate that! Now, I'll try to learn from this video in my future choices, haha :)

[@ric7541]

Interesting talk! I went the complete opposite and pretty much been chasing my passion my whole life but not really progressing how I wanted. I feel I have probably missed out on some great opportunities when instead I decided to take a position that I really believed in regardless of the pay. Even joining the Army as an intelligence collector/analyst when I was 20. Ended up traveling the world mostly Asia and Middle East and even ended up in Hawaii back in 2007 before deploying to Afghanistan. Hoping the passion I have in intel and digital forensics pays off now that I'm not traveling around so much.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Ric, hats-off to you for doing what you wanted. It's seriously an underrated decision/lifestyle--as long as you can pay the bills!

[@jodif4183]

Great video! I went down a very similar path! I really regret the jobs I took pay cuts for and those that I stayed at too long. I stayed at a University for 11 years, mainly for the comfort but I paid in the long run. I’ve also discovered that I like IT much better than Infosec, I feel like your A$$ is always on the line in Infosec and you have to play defense 24x7. I quit my job 6 months ago, I guess you could say I’m part of the great resignation. Now I just need to figure out what I want to do, I have found that I don’t love corporate America, I’m so over working 60+ hours a week. Anyhow, thanks so much for the vids!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Jodi, your story sounds a LOT like mine honestly. I really feel you on a lot of the points. I'm tryna figure things out too, haha. Best of luck to you, and congrats on quitting :)

[@suzylopez5323]

Hi Josh what a great video. Thank you for sharing. I’m currently in the process of possibly leaving a big space tech company and going to a more of entertainment industry. I’ve literally been thinking of the pros and cons and I’m truly afraid of regretting whatever choice I’ll make. Seeing this video truly made me feel better. Thank you.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Suzy, glad the video helped! I'm excited for you. Just think of what 80-year-old you would think :)

[@suzylopez5323]

@@JoshMadakor That’s a great way to see it! I think my future self will be proud. I got an official offer for the entertainment industry job and am extremely excited. If I ever feel afraid again I’ll rewatch this video. :)

[@Dominator046]

I'm just a youngin' in IT proper, so I have a lot left to do. I think my only regret was getting sucked into the promise of Grad School while I was an undergrad. I learned a lot of cool things, and got some unique experience, but I'm not financially better off for it. Probably the opposite. Undergrad was great though, and I was lucky enough to go to a small school that prepared me pretty well. The Grad program there wasn't bad either. I went from contracting at a place for three years (that I liked), to a job I hated (but left ASAP at around the year mark; a good call), to now a job I really enjoy and rose up in really fast. But now I have to think about my next steps. And while I don't want to hurt the team I'm on, I have to really consider when my time to move on should be.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, thanks for sharing! Thing about grad school sounds about right. I feel undergrad in tech usually does an adequate job for starting work. Best of luck with your next steps! It can be sad but exciting. It's nice if you can find something really good internally so you don't have to totally leave :p

[@ineedahero123456]

i really enjoyed this video and I have never seen one of this style before. Thanks and great job

[@khemarandinh3488]

Josh, thank you for leading the community of hopefuls. I have a video suggestion, can we shadow? lol idk if that's possible. starting a 4 year degree pathway without knowing anyone in my personal life, just internet personalities like you. You're offering a lot of insight! Keep it up.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Khemaran! Thanks for watching! I'm not really doing anything that's worth shadowing right now, lmao, just making videos and responding to comments haha. I do have a discord for patrons where I chat regularly. OR, you can just leave an unlimited number of comments on random videos and will respond to all of them. I tend to encourage people to communicate with comments so I only have to look one place :) Just make sure you are leaving new comments otherwise it's hard to filter for them. Appreciate you watching!

[@A.M.1.]

Good lord. I didnt realize you were in IT for so long.. i thought you fast tracked yourself into IT like 2 years or less ago.. your a veteran

[@JoshMadakor]

Hahaha yeah, I been in for a little bit. At least long enough to be using Windows XP lmao

[@A.M.1.]

@@JoshMadakor also. Where do I send resume reviews. New college grad, I just want a help desk job after I get my A+

[@malwareman9443]

@@A.M.1. I know a discord server that will critique your resume,

[@rebecadresser3249]

Hi Josh! Words cannot describe how thankful I am for your reply and input. I will take all of your advise and start with the Google IT Support certification. I wish you a very Happy New Year!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Rebeca, no problem! I'm glad the content and stuff has been useful. Best of luck with the course and very Happy New Year to you too:)

[@_Shootr]

Hey Josh, I also regretted staying 7 years on my previous company. Though I got internal opportunities but same as you mentioned I was making so little for 7 years which is the sad part. I realized being some kind of a "job hopper" is not too bad at all if you are jumping to another job thinking about personal growth and experience. I started Security as a freelancer and after I left my previous company, I am getting many calls for opportunities and sometimes they are so Senior that I get pressured so much during the interview. :)

[@JoshMadakor]

_>I started Security as a freelancer and after I left my previous company, I am getting many calls for opportunities and sometimes they are so Senior that I get pressured so much during the interview. :)_ This is so awesome. Are you in the US? How'd you start freelancing security?

[@_Shootr]

@@JoshMadakor Hi Josh, I am actually from the Philippines and is working with a client that is a Security consultant/architect. Learning a lot from him and hoping to get full-time soon. :)

[@Figure9Gaming]

The bear analogy hit me for some reason, thank you sir.

[@OhhHeMad]

Thanks for posting this. I regret not going toward development but instead riding the Devops wave.

[@PrincePalmUwU]

Agree, I went for Culinary school and thought this is something I would love to do for the rest of myself and though I worked for the field for 6 years and enjoyed it I wouldn't say it was for me unfortunately. I will say this thank goodness for those who does ''a day in a job'' for certain careers. I will say Cyber Security is getting more and more interesting for me but what turns me off is that I need to get a certificate because I have zero experience and after get a Bachelor degree in CS.

[@markpryor2062]

Great advice I will take your advice into consideration. Thanks for sharing:)

[@marlonnash8262]

I’m 35 and I REALLY regret not trying to get into IT sooner. I’ve had some pretty stressful jobs with not much pay. I’m currently in school so hopefully I can cover lost ground. Great video!!!!

[@marlonnash8262]

I’m in the IT certificate program for Devry at the moment. Taking all of the entry level courses

[@marlonnash8262]

@Aldo King man I hope so! I’m so ready for change and to put my family in a better situation. Good luck to you too!!! Keep me updated on your progress!

[@aybello282]

As a fellow Nigerian, Josh really inspires me.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hello fellow Nigerian lol. Thank you so much for the kind words. And thank you so much for watching!

[@TheRabbittz]

Just found this page. Love your content!

[@JasonSmith-fu6oi]

i started self-learning in jan 2012. i was obsessed with linux, having experience with just messing around for about 1.5 years and had some networking experience. i learned a ton of linux and programming and hacking stuff. i landed my first job making $35/hour in CA in 2014. after 4 months, i quit and started making double, then just kept moving up but cyber security has changed. im tired of it. they lowered the salaries and cost of living has gone up. the jobs themselves suck, they want you to do a million things. my last job i made $135k which is nothing in CA now. during my tenure, on my own time, i ended up learning assembly, C, C++, python, and other languages. i realized i just can't seem to do the same mundane crap at work and i hate the corporate world. if you are after money but hate working, i highly suggest programming and do your own thing, perhaps freelancing stuff where you get a couple projects. otherwise, you're just gonna keep slaving away until they fire you one day which will come sooner than you think. or they'll make you quit by assigning you more than you can handle because they don't want to pay you your salary and instead will outsource you. i may get into bug-bounty stuff, or take it to the next step, learn the kernel and compete with the big vendors out there. they all started from nothing anyway. learn how anti-virus software works and maybe write a better one. if they can do it, so can I. just have to try hard enough. if i'm going to try that hard, i'm not going to get some low paying job and slave away. and by low paying, i mean anything under $300k

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much for sharing these insights...wow

[@redsun5826]

Interesting… thank you for sharing your experiences. Definitely some stuff to think about when planning my career and which next steps to take.

[@JoshMadakor]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Best of luck with the career. It's impossible to tell the future, but I find the more info we have the better haha

[@jerrygmiterek3542]

Great video Josh, i just recently found your channel and glad I did as your videos are very educational and straight to the point. Keep up the great work.

[@shazwxr]

That high quality bear attack animation must’ve cost a fortune.

[@JoshMadakor]

lmao, it look like 30 minutes to make hahahahaha

[@joserosario623]

Great video and content in general 👍. I just retired from the military and am diving in to the civilian workforce. Your video's have given me a great insight into the IT world outside of my bubble.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, super glad the content has been helpful. Best of luck with the new phase in life. I have a few videos queued up about my "day in the life of" several of my cyber jobs. Those might be useful too :P

[@joserosario623]

@@JoshMadakor will definitely be looking out for those. Binge watching all your videos as we speak.👍

[@Jeffway24]

Loving the bear sound effects

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao thanks, scoured the internet for those lol

[@mxbx307]

I spent eight years in cybersecurity before quitting back in late September. I'm now taking a sabbatical and will be starting a whole new and different non-tech career in 2022. Feeling very liberated and excited. The cybersecurity industry just was not for me and it hurts me inside to see all this propaganda trying to force everyone into it. I also became very fed up of security people just treating everyone else as stupid and beneath them. Also, more generally, this obsession with "keeping your career moving" and there being some kind of unwritten yet mandatory requirement to keep increasing your salary every three seconds and there being some benchmark you should have reached by a certain stage... just stop that shit. Even recruiters have become abusive towards me when they saw that, saying I "clearly have no potential" and "have no business in this industry" and so on. Some people are perfectly happy where they are and you shouldn't judge.

[@JoshMadakor]

Damn, someone said those things to you? What the heck. I 100% agree that not everyone needs to keep "progressing". Sheesh. Sorry for what you've dealt with, but best of luck on the new journey :)

[@nunyabizness1004]

i've also let my career guide me instead of the other way around. i spent too many years in one place and decided i wanted to get into cyber so i took the literal first (and only!) security job i applied to. had no expectation of getting an offer and i was too dumb founded to say no, even though i already thought i wouldn't enjoy it. a few years later and i'm finally about to jump, new job or not, the stress is out of control. i'm watching your vids to get the confidence to apply to these jobs with seriously intimidating requirements.

[@sjporter1254]

Thank you. This video is so relatable.

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks :), and thanks for watching haha

[@sheal4797]

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! For me I think 2 things were too much time wasted on analysis paralysis choosing my degree, and then getting too comfortable in a role for almost 6y when I probably maxed out what I could learn and earn there in 3. I think people should ask themselves every 3 or 6 mo whether they should learn something new , are too comfortable etc. Non-IT but there’s a lot of general stuff that applies for most

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Shea, thanks for sharing! I 100% agree with that. Those diminishing returns on learning new stuff at work come way faster than people think :p

[@MarqDaddy]

I agree with you. I've been slowly getting into coding. I feel like software development can be a great way to go.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Marquis, that's awesome. You won't regret learning coding. I've been practicing lately too, with Algo Expert.

[@Q12-o4n]

I think you saved me from going back to my old job. I liked the work and what we were doing but you’re totally right about the culture. A lot of people have left since I worked there last but still I can feel the culture just from talking to people I used to work with.

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah, it's easy to forget the bad things or forget why you left...that is until you go back. Lol, kind of like human relationships too 💀😂

[@KiyaWarrior]

I regret dropping out of school when I was in the CompEng program. Worked a bunch of BS jobs for the past 6-7 years and now finally trying to get into IT again where I truly belong I believe.

[@colinzhong3289]

I have similar issue like yours, start 2007 staying for too long in the first job while salary increment isn't 1k in total. After realize it, i decided to move as it was outsource to a company thus career progression isn't going anywhere. Second job was a cyber security system integrator job, i left a job because an untruthful comment and reflected my KPI in just 2 years. 3rd job what i thought was a dream job, stay 7 years from a senior engineer to a senior manager. It was good and only up to last 2 years it changed. I left because bosses isn't listening and affecting the team and culture has changed. Another issue was about the long hours of work. I join a new one recently and same problem how they work long hours everyday is chasing EOD deadline to complete certain task. Now I'm regretting joining. I feel culture is too important in order for the duration. Next will be work life balance and a great boss/leader. I have a rule for myself after my first job is to never join back the same company. When i resign it always have a certain percentage for the reason of quitting is because culture. My only regret was on my 3rd job for ditching my team who is under me. What i heard after i left, isn't any better thus many also decided to quit.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Colin, thanks for sharing your story, I really enjoyed reading this. Your third job sounded really nice, I hope I can land a dream job one of these days honestly haha. Best of luck in the future, and thanks again for sharing.

[@cw433]

I just got out of the Marines this year after 13 years and I’m attending a ECPI accelerated cyber security program. I could’ve told you about that Marine gig 😂! Thanks for all the info and experience you’re sharing 🤝

[@CyberSecurityEducation]

When I was in college I did service desk for 3.5 years then graduated and did it for another 5 years before I went to a sys admin role and then eventually into a security role. My biggest regret is not transitioning to a higher level sys admin role a year after being out of college. It set me back in experiance and money by a lot.

[@JoshMadakor]

_>My biggest regret is not transitioning to a higher level sys admin role a year after being out of college._ I feel you here. it's _really_ easy to just stay in the current role. Employer loves it too, lol. Thanks for sharing :)

[@alexm7043]

do you think you could havce went from helpdesk into a security role?

[@CyberSecurityEducation]

@@alexm7043 I doubt it. I think the only way I would have got to cyber security doing that is working on my own cyber security projects and gaining cyber security skills on my own outside of the hours I was not working the helpdesk job.

[@jakes7302]

Hey Josh what is your opinion on staying at a position you genuinely enjoy vs moving onto another position? I'm in my first security position and really enjoying the job/coworkers. However because it's the entry level position I know that I'd be able to move around and make more at a much faster rate. Also thanks for making the content it's nice to have real answers and honesty from someone in the field and their experiences

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Jake! As far as staying at a job you enjoy, as long as you're aware of the salary potential and all of that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with staying at the job! Some people stay entry/mid for their whole career because they like the job/low stress/etc and it is totally valid. If money becomes a problem, you can always do things outside of work to bring in extra coins. Looking back, I might have stayed at my first job at the college and done this. My life would have been much better lol. (Hindsight Bias, I know) Thanks for the positive feedback, I really appreciate it! And thanks for watching :)

[@balimushroom8088]

I just wake up on my day off watching random KZbin video and I just learn a new word 'hindsight bias'. 🤔😁

[@JoshMadakor]

Heck yeah. Lol just googled it real fast to make sure I was correct in using it lol

[@Southernrefinish88]

this dude can give you good IT and physical fitness advice.

[@JoshMadakor]

Lol physical fitness? haha. ty for watching :)

[@Southernrefinish88]

@@JoshMadakor yeah man you look like you are in shape that’s good most IT guys are not in shape at all 😬

[@victoriaholmes675]

I took a low-paying job because I graduated during the pandemic. it was in my field of choice (journalism) but looking back it was a move probably made more out of desperation. I don't regret it necessarily, but there was a lot of growing pains

[@JoshMadakor]

Oh shoot well, hopefully you got some good experience out of it! Thanks for taking the time to share this :)

[@JoshMadakor]

🙇‍♂ - Patreon + Discord - 🙇‍♂ www.patreon.com/joshmadakor - Any support greatly appreciated!!

[@Zara_Luna]

New Subscriber to your channel. I look forward to watching your previous videos to catch up. Keep up the great work on your channel

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Natasha, thanks so much for watching and subbing! It's much appreciated :)

[@davidd8892]

the bear earned a thumbs up and sub all day even before any context. great vid also :D

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao, thanks so much for liking/subbing, I really appreciate it. The bears took forever to do, but I laughed a lot making this video, haha

[@davidd8892]

@@JoshMadakor it was well worth it! hook line and sinker!

[@dadewar]

I sort of regret getting to comfortable in a role that I did for 15 years at various companies Desktop Engineering . After 7 years at my current job I switched to IT Security Ops. A lot to learn but really starting to enjoy this job

[@JoshMadakor]

Heck yeah, and I totally feel you about getting comfy. I guess I'm OK to get comfy as long as I have something else on the side, haha

[@rebecadresser3249]

Thank you for all this amazing information. I’ve been watching your videos and learning so much. I’m at a crossroad in my career and looking into cybersecurity. I’ve been in nursing for over 20 years and looking for a change. Any insight or suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Rebeca! I really appreciate you watching and glad the content has been useful. As far as insights/suggestions, I would recommend to maybe start out with the Google IT Support Professional certification (test is not proctored, so low stress) to see if you enjoy it. If you do, consider implementing one of these lists and just start job hunting :) How to get into cyber from zero (checklist): kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2mWcoZ9o8SJldU How to get a job in IT (checklist): kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6XLnKp4fr-jnpY How I would apply to jobs as a new person: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Ckqnt4qbZgi5o The sooner you start working the better, since experience is paramount in tech. Once you start working, you'll have a better idea of what you like and what you don't like. If you wanna maximize your coins, keep learning and don't stay in the same position for too long before jumping. Here are a couple more videos that might be helpful: How to find entry-level remote jobs (INDEED): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnOcoYN3Z9qlorM How to find entry-level remote jobs (LINKEDIN): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZywhZ2kjdt6isk Best of luck!! If you need to reply, just create a brand new comment instead of replying here. It will get buried if you reply to this one lol. Thanks again :)

[@evanwiley2597]

That bear clip was on point. Third person reviewer hindsight bias I would’ve given the stick figure some bear spray… 🤣

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao, thank you for saying this. Also, bear spray is no joke, I have a fat canister of it in my car 😂

[@Wyrd916]

I kind of wish I would have done more research into what field to go into in the military. I don’t regret joining, but as much as help desk is good experience, I could have gone to a better version of the same job, in all honesty.

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah but shoot, you don't know what you don't know. At least you had the guts to join haha. I'm one of those people who "almost joined!" but just couldn't do it in the end :o(

[@marcosj809]

Love your videos man

[@JoshMadakor]

Really appreciate it!!

[@mellol1628]

I worked a job with a “work hard play hard culture” as a net engineer. I eventually got promoted to a net manager. I did it for almost 2 years and quit. I hated every min of it. Even tho I made a pretty good pay of about 95k+bonuses I couldn’t stand it. I took a pay cut at around 80k to go back to net engineering . Its not perfect but so much better flexibility and work life balance. At one point I planned to job hop every so many years until I maxed my earning potential. But I’m at the point now that I think it’s better for me to stay at my current job and instead use the free time to create side income.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Marcus, that's a super good plan you have. Like when you get content, use that extra time and energy for something on the side. 10/10! Ty for sharing!

[@toddboucher3302]

Years ago I passed my CCNA matter fact it was like 2012 and when I was offered a bunch of jobs I didn’t take him because I was making more in my current role I have and it made me and then I got a family and I just started paying bills and I never went back into that space and now I’m looking for other things to do as I’m older and I would’ve really did. I took an entry-level pay job for maybe $15,000 less a year in the end it would assume with me really good but I didn’t. Oh and so well that gives me more drive to not do that again as now I’m getting ready to try to move in the cloud security and I gotta make sure I don’t do something like that again great video

[@justinrivas79]

I want to make all your videos go straight to the algorithm so it can enlighten others about what you taught me today.

[@SuikodenGR]

my regret is not able to realize what I wanted to do as a career till near my mid to late 30s and been working as a Building Service Worker. Have no RL IT experience other then getting my BA in Cyber Security. Currently now working to improve my C#, C++ and C Programming before I can work my way to PowerShell, Python and Javascript and finally work on Security+.

[@JoshMadakor]

Sounds good! you could just dive deep on one of the languages and forego the others for now. Then maybe you can save some time and hop into Sec+ sooner. That's what I'd do anyway hehe. Best of luck though, and thanks for watching :)

[@SuikodenGR]

@@JoshMadakor Oh! thnx for the Tip! I just learned not too long ago C# is one of the newest language after C++. I'll have to at least learn C#, Python and Javascript at the very least. :) Thank you again!

[@hofertyp]

Respect, leaving a relatively good paid job to "teach" more people on KZbin. Meanwhile i'm working for half the money as a risk manager. But i assume things are different between EU and USA :)

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much, really appreciate that! S-sorry about the salary disparity, it doesn’t make sense. Japan pays tech kinda low too :\

[@h1th3r3]

Dope animation skills bro 😆

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao, haha. It took way too long to do though. Had to rip the bear sounds from a KZbin video too 🐻😂

[@user-ds2fs3qg7r]

17 year old watching this wanting to get into the field of cybersecurity, cheers for the insight.

[@feiwong70]

Thanks for disclosing salaries which I think they should be taken into consideration where those jobs were as well.

[@JoshMadakor]

No problem! I feel it's good information to have and I hope it gets more normalized to talk about.

[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

I totally understand the recruiters thing. All of their email titles say 'urgent' well on who's end? I am not driven by their deadlines. Also if you feel like not becoming a Microsoft full-time employee is a regret, reach back out of the company for a referral or at least a reference. I mean you have left on good terms.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Carla, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! Appreciate it. I might reach out to them again for sure! I just want to see how KZbin goes for the time being :) Maybe I can survive with this! We'll see :). I really like being able to reach a lot of people though, it's really nice.

[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

@@JoshMadakor Thanks for commenting especially about doing KZbin. You've jogged my memory about Kevin who was a former Microsoft employee who did KZbin while employed there and then left. Here is his channel for inspiration: kzbin.info/door/fJT_eYDTmDE-ovKaxVE1ig Keep up the good work!

[@artistryartistry7239]

Thanks for the great video. Subscribed. Can you speak on whether frequently changing jobs is ok in the IT field? I see from your resume that you've had quite a few positions and that didn't seem to hurt your career at all! Do employers see people who change jobs often as ship jumpers?

[@JoshMadakor]

_> Do employers see people who change jobs often as ship jumpers?_ People who have an old mindset think like this. Anyone under 40 probably doesn't lol. I don't really feel it has hurt me at all. It has given me a LOT of experience in a lot of different areas :>

[@trahviztv7117]

I just finished my associates in business got my job booking for the space force in cyber security,,, really trying to figure the route I should go for education while serving in cyber. This video was informative thank you!

[@Pilph1966]

This was pretty cool to see. I started at an msp 5 years ago after retiring from the military. I was advancing pretty quickly, then took a boring job somewhere else for more pay. What happened? I came back to the same msp for the same money I was making at the boring job. I have since advanced even more. Will I stay there? Maybe, I really like most of the people and the culture. I know I could make double the money somewhere else, but I am not going to give into FOMO. I am just trying to really decide where I should go from where I am.

[@JoshMadakor]

I totally understand you going back. I literally just did the same thing haha. Went back to the same team at the same company :). If you want more coins, you could always just continue to stay there and do some side hustles (create courses, start youtube, etc.) Thanks for commenting :)

[@aamirprincedjearam8817]

The animations are dope haha!

[@JoshMadakor]

Edit: Don't inspect at 0:56 Lmao, they are so bad. Hahaha. Thank you :D

[@aamirprincedjearam8817]

@@JoshMadakor Bruuuh

[@ShadheenIslam]

finally someone who clears out black and white without talking vague

[@realityescape9255]

Loved the video. I am currently a IT Helpdesk level 1 tech. Trying to break into Cybersecurity. Where should I start in terms of certifications? I only have a diploma in computer systems technician.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, thanks! Appreciate you watching! As far as certs, I would recommend CompTIA Security+ then consider getting TCM Security's PNPT cert. Also, check out this video if you haven't already: How to get into cyber from zero (checklist): kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2mWcoZ9o8SJldU

[@MD-tr6sh]

LOL the animation bro!! 🤣 Funny thing, took me half of my military career to realize that I no longer enjoyed the bullshit and babysitting. Now that I'm out I'm following my passion, a bit too late? It's never too late to do what you heart desires.

[@JoshMadakor]

Heck yeah never too late, and I'm glad you appreciate the animation. Lmao, it took way too long for what it was 😭😂

[@MD-tr6sh]

@@JoshMadakor I can tell you had a great visual idea, and ended up as something else. Hey, at least you created your own content, something to be proud of.

[@bsherman4353]

I actually cracked up when I heard “ I did the best thing I could which was like quit immediately “ 😂🤣 I feel that .

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao haha

[@TMartins379]

I regret working for the state government (Virginia) job for 10 years. Everyone there stayed there under the disguise of good benefits and job security. Wrong. We were paid pennies on a dollar. I left to work for a major consulting firm and my life has never been the same. The benefits are even better. I got 8 weeks of paternity leave after the birth of my daughter. I didn’t even know they had such a thing. Go for your dreams people and don’t let the powers that be tell you they are the best you can do. Don’t be afraid to take the bull by the horn.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Tony! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your story. I really appreciate it. I will grab the bull by his horn :)

[@skankhunt-zh1mo]

you should make a video on what career route you would have taken that has the highest earning potential

[@JoshMadakor]

I will do this! I might make a short on it as well. We'll see, haha

[@skankhunt-zh1mo]

@@JoshMadakor Thank you! that video is exactly what I'm looking for

[@CybrOpp]

Are you able to make a video on internships? Best way to find an cybersecurity related internship for an introvert and so forth. Love the content btw!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Anthony! I actually no idea how to find internships, but I can do some research and make a video that hopefully has some value haha. Thanks for watching :)

[@CybrOpp]

Just an introvert sophomore college student trying to figure it out haha. Thank you in advance Josh!@@JoshMadakor

[@denisleonard1565]

Hi Josh! Could you share the experience on "How to go back to your previous company (King County)". The tips and trick, what should you do step by step if you want to go back to previous company, were you being technical interviewed like the first time you apply, should you direct approach the company recruiter, should you direct approach the boss(hiring manager), should you ask your ex-colleague, etc.

[@usmankazmi5329]

Great video Josh! Just started working as a Desktop Support but planning to give myself six months to learn Cyber/Python. Do you reckon it would look good on my resume to land any junior level cyber role?

[@r4jivaim]

Hey, great vid as always, very informative and useful especially for someone who hasn't entered the field yet. I have a couple of questions: I'm planning on pursuing a BS, where do you recommend I get my degree from: UC Berkeley or Georgia Tech? I've heard GaTech is a more cybersecurity-focused school, but Berkeley might give me a more well-rounded education. What do you recommend? Also, how do I know if cybersecurity is for me?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, thanks for commenting. Lol your question is really difficult, but I'm going to give my honest answer. I highly recommend you seek out opinions other than mine though. Both of those schools are great, and not knowing the specifics of their programs, I would just choose the one that will provide you with the best network and that makes the most economic and logistic sense. In cyber, your academics/formal education isn't going to make your break you. A social network will definitely help you though, and not paying too much also helps. I normally wouldn't recommend going to those prestigious schools unless: A) Capital is not an issue B) You really want the experience C) You really want the social network (Which are all valid reasons) As for how to know if cybersecurity is for you, I would recommend getting CompTIA Security+ on your own, or at least studying the material. If you find it interesting, it's worth pursuing. If you are bored to tears, drop it and consider CS or general IT :) Again, just my 2c! I recommend aggregating 2c from many other people, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@r4jivaim]

@@JoshMadakor I've done CEH, N+ and A+, but I don't have much real world experience to be completely conclusive about my aptitude for the field. I am however very interested, so I feel like I might as well chance it and see how it goes. Thank you so much for replying though, you're one of the few creators out there that truly cares about their community.

[@zenith54]

Hey Josh, I really appreciate this video. I'm currently weighing staying at a big tech vendor in Seattle for a 6th year or moving out to a smaller business to do security and general IT ops to start rounding out my skill set more, so this is super relevant to me right now. Hearing about your context for a lot of these choices seems to lend more weight to the idea that getting comfortable is bad for career progression. My big question is whether you would sacrifice better benefits and maybe some percentage income for a year or two in order to get a wider skill set?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Zenith! Thx for watching and commenting: _>My big question is whether you would sacrifice better benefits and maybe some percentage income for a year or two in order to get a wider skill set?_ I would definitely do this, but only to a certain extent. When I went to Japan, I sacrificed 33% of my salary and almost ALL of my benefits, and that was a bit too much. But I tend to forego pay a lot in lieu of gaining more skills--in the end, I think it has worked out alright :)

[@rujotheone]

Similar problem with me. Work with niche tech and trying to get into security. Wish I went in straight

[@godfredarhinful971]

What you said is really true. I am an electrical engineering student at the moment. Meanwhile, cyber security is what I want to pursue. As it stands now, I am confused. I really want someone to help guide my way through cyber security.

[@philipandfriends]

I am curious about your job in Japan. I’m currently here active duty waiting to get out and do IT and understand the inconveniences. Was it the restrictions and stuff not making the pay worth it? Or maybe a bit of culture shock. I could even see being a civilian and having to follow the military structure and deal with those people in charge lol.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Philip! I actually have a whole video on that, you should check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaCcq5Kii6yWja8 Basically, my contracting company outright lied to me about housing (I show screenshots in the video), forcing me to live in a hotel upon arrival. Then the SNCOs were being stupid to me, so I eventually said "fuck this" and quit. Not worth $25/hr at the time. I feel so sorry for jr enlisted honestly, as they have no escape :(

[@daytrellteel9709]

Great video, I am in cybersecurity myself. I think you were getting underpaid in most, if not all of your jobs. Definitely should have been making way more with the knowledge and skills that you have.

[@Chris-tq1jy]

Only time you should regret something os if you are unhappy with your life. If you’re happy with the way your life has turned out up to this point, you should have no regrets because the path you took got you to where your are now.

[@howto1302]

Hello, josh I love your videos , they're so straight forward and informative. I'd like to know if you have any insight on how to get a part-time job in IT while in college. I know that you can apply for internships and stuff but like in order to cover for my living cost I have to work a part-time job, so I was wondering if there are part-time entry level jobs in IT that an undergrad student could fill. I've done some research and the only job I came across was entry level helpdesk jobs. Are there any other such jobs for students? And if so what can a student do to get those jobs, would getting certification like COMPTIA help?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Aru, first of all, thank you for watching! _>I'd like to know if you have any insight on how to get a part-time job in IT while in college._ A lot of colleges have some kind of help desk or computer lab or something that employs students part-time. That's what I (and a bunch of my friends did) in college. For me, I just talked to the staff and kept applying every quarter until I got hired lol. These days, you might be able to find something online (like on indeed/linkedin). I made a couple of videos explaining how to search for remote jobs on both platforms so maybe check those out! LinkedIn: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZywhZ2kjdt6isk Indeed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnOcoYN3Z9qlorM As far as making yourself marketable, CompTIA A+ can definitely help, or even the google IT Professional Cert (which is cheap and not proctored/easy). Aside from that, I might check out this video as well. How to get a job in IT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6XLnKp4fr-jnpY Best of luck!

[@howto1302]

@@JoshMadakor thank so much for replying

[@denisleonard1565]

Hi Josh, thanks for the advice! Actually, I'm wondering why you took a pay cut to move as a NetOps in Japan? You haven't shared the reason why.

[@Mongo11b]

When entering the industry, does your school really matter? I’ve read that degrees like an MBA, the school you earned it from will hold a decent weight with recruiters/hiring managers. I’m currently in Tacoma Community Colleges’s BS program for Network and Cyber