How Passing the CompTIA Security+ Changed My Life!

[@lertub]

Thanks for your story. I currently have my A+ and Net +. Studying for the Sec+. Been working at Helpdesk for almost 2 years now and looking for something different. Retired from Law Enforcement. Your story has given me hope. Thanks

[@damienjburks]

Thank you for watching! 💜💜 There are lot of folks who were in law enforcement & the military that have transitioned into cybersecurity. You will definitely feel at home once you get into the field ☺️ Good luck studying for the exam. I’m sure you’ll pass 🤗🙌🏽

[@ClarenceS-t5t]

Former Law Enforcement here as well. Getting started with Sec+. Thank you for sharing your story. I am glad to know I’m not the only one making a career change. Scary but achievable!

[@lottiegizoria]

I love this video, I'm preparing for my second AWS certification and I heard about the CompTIA certifications as well but never got further than reading a bit about it here and there. I'm glad I watched this video so that I can consider this certification a bit more.

[@damienjburks]

Thank you so much for watching! They’re great certs to have, and since you’re getting AWS certified, adding this to your collection will set you up for success in the cloud security realm!!! ☺️

[@PacoTheTaco1230]

I love how you show the bright side and how you grew from this cert. I'm working towards it now and get the feeling from many that just because it's entry level you need so much more between certs and a degree or other things. Hearing you say the positive stuff is great and motivates me more to work towards this cert and others, thank you.

[@damienjburks]

Thank you so so much this means a lot to me! 💜 I really meant everything I said; I really wouldn’t be where I am without it. 💯 I hope you continue to pursue getting it. It is a worthwhile investment; you don’t have to maintain it forever, just long enough to get your foot in the door. ☺️😎

[@straightuprecordlabel3254]

@@damienjburks i have a net+, working towards sec+ and maybe CEH, what other things can i do/learn to help with a higher salary entry-level?

[@MrGon]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm currently midtrhough the Google cyber security certification which is helping me to prepare to eventually do the test for CompTIA+ security certification. Your story boosted my mood! thank you Damien! 😊

[@damienjburks]

Thank you so much for watching! Glad I was able to help improve your mood!! Good luck on your exam 😁💜💜

[@abuuahmad3238]

This is very insightful... I just 😢my sec+ certificate last month... I really appreciate for sharing your journey.. Allahuma baarik

[@damienjburks]

Congratulations!!! It's a great certification to have to start your career in infosec. Thank you so much for your support. I am glad you liked the video 😁💜

[@techwithburak]

I'm exactly following same path u did. It's insightful to watch Ur video. Thanks a lot

[@damienjburks]

No worries! Thanks for watching!!

[@babyboie20]

Man hearing this story brings me back... wow! Yall really did pushed cyber during that time, introducing, teaching, and creating a home for learning and tinkering around with cybersecurity. Look at you now bro! So proud of so many of yall, hell us. I honestly think we had some of the best classes to come out of the CS department.

[@damienjburks]

Fam I’m proud of you too!! We really out here making a difference. 💜💜 Mann bro I remember it like it was yesterday…. Had some fun times lol 😂😂 Appreciate you for tuning in! ☺️

[@jbs2763]

Thank you for your story sir! I’ve been in trucking for 23+ years and working on getting into IT, got my A+ last winter and am starting at WGU in December. With just an A+ I couldn’t find anything that wasn’t a 50-75% pay cut lol

[@damienjburks]

No problem! Thanks for watching and for your support! 😄 Yeah, the A+ isn't as valuable as it used to be a few years ago. Good luck with your studies. You choose a great college to go to! I'll see you on the other side post-graduation! 💪

[@caseyferebee7817]

Always love hearing people's stories! Thanks for sharing!

[@damienjburks]

Glad you enjoyed it! ☺️

[@annon-ski7985]

Got it back last week on ma first try. Feels good.

[@damienjburks]

@@annon-ski7985 yooo congrats!!! 🙌🙌🥳

[@Sabbtuna]

Hey brother, I am about to take this test next week. Then going to look for a internship. I am currently in Ukraine and a American so hopefully a Ukrainian company can take me in. Your insight has told me my plan can work I just need hands on knowledge. Thank you, keep going forward.

[@damienjburks]

Hey! Thanks for watching! 💜 You’re going to ACE the exam and be well prepared for the internship! Keep going!! ☺️

[@akeemjackman9582]

Great story! Thank for sharing!

[@damienjburks]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@eagerjhoe2314]

Thanks for sharing preparing to get mine next month ❤

[@damienjburks]

Thanks for watching! You’re going to ace it!!! ☺️🙌🏽

[@FredYduciel]

Bravo man

[@damienjburks]

Thank you! ☺️

[@ImKeeday]

Just passed today and now I want to try and land an entry level job but I also want to try for the AWS certs because the cloud is where it’s at nowadays!

[@damienjburks]

Congratulations on passing!!!! It’s a great cert to have! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🥳🎉 I’m in the cloud now and I love it here! You should definitely get an AWS cert! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@figo007tv]

Hey Damien, Great personal story! How is your resume formatted? Understanding the format is essential. I have a Security+ and OKTA certificate professional. Also, I am aiming for the cloud space.

[@damienjburks]

Hey! So I usually put my certifications under my experiences and before my education section to list my degrees. You always want to put your experience and skills above your certs

[@chapoaveli714]

I want to work in Cloud one day. Should I get the trifecta? Meaning getting A+, Net+, and Security+? I already have A+ but I plan on skipping Net+ and going for SEC+. I also want to get a few AWS certifications. I also plan on doing a few projects in devops and cloud. Is this a good roadmap?

[@tmreaves1]

Do Cloud+

[@damienjburks]

Pick a CSP to start with, and get their certifications. Read the Net+ to understand the networking concepts, and get the Sec+. So, get a few AWS certs, get the Sec+, and read the Net+ to understand networking concepts.

[@chapoaveli714]

@@damienjburks thank you!

[@damienjburks]

@@chapoaveli714 you're welcome!

[@natking1u1z99]

I’m expecting a book for the 701 after learning the 601 I was studying for phased out in August. CompTIA doesn’t even tell you the exams expired until go to purchase one and it’s not available. I was studying for the 601 for a month and halfway through the book before finding out 😢

[@damienjburks]

Yeaaaahhh they’re pretty bad with letting folks know when they plan on getting rid of an exam. But the good thing is that the content in the newer versions isn’t entirely different. I’m certain the 701 will be similar to the 601 with a few additional updates. Don’t let it discourage you! You got this!!! Thank you for watching and tuning in 💜💜

[@jamesnorris9637]

Thanks!

[@damienjburks]

No problem! Thanks for watching 🙌🏽💜

[@SB-eu6fr]

Go Daniel!

[@damienjburks]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@FloridaInvestor]

How can I get started in Cloud security?

[@damienjburks]

Thanks for watching! This is a very open-ended question. I'll say this... I'll be creating a cloud security roadmap video soon to answer this in extreme detail. So if you haven't please subscribe! If you're looking for someone to follow who can give you plenty of advice in this realm immediately, check out @daycyberwox

[@Ram-rm2gz]

@@damienjburksis college necessary or would getting into help desk and moving up be a better move?

[@damienjburks]

College isn’t necessary to start. You can get into help desk and work your way upward. Getting a degree does help improve your chances and make you more competitive though.

[@shalvenic3948]

I think the problem I come across is there is so many CompTIA certifications. I thought about get CompTIA+ but also thought about linux and security.. it also kinda sucks they only last 3 years

[@damienjburks]

Oh yeah I hear ya. The certs only last for so long. Despite the fact that they have so many, the only two I’ve ever recommended were Security+ and Linux+. Those two are foundational certs, everything else is more specialty (with the exception of Cloud+… which isn’t really worth getting)

[@damienjburks]

So if you were to pursue both of them, it’ll be well worth your time.

[@nelsonnelson31]

Are you using Azure or AWS for your cloud journey?

[@damienjburks]

I am an AWS lover ☺️ #awscommunitybuilder

[@nelsonnelson31]

@@damienjburks booo im finishing up my AZ-900 then I'll look into Sc-900 n ccna maybe dip into cloud network security 🙌

[@A42yearoldARAB]

I got mine a year ago and nothing has changed, I am obviously doing something wrong lol. Are the entry level certs for AWS or Azure worth anything? Ironically, I want to move to Dallas in December but having no luck finding anything.

[@damienjburks]

With this cert, you gotta put some time in labbing and putting together your portfolio. Combining it with an AWS or Azure cert would set you up for Cloud Security. Learn out loud and build up that portfolio! You’ll get a gig in no time ☺️

[@marcusmcdow3]

Did you have or get the A+ first?

[@damienjburks]

I did not get the A+. I completely skipped it honestly. I wouldn’t recommend getting it. I think it’s a total waste; especially if you’re already in a help desk position. That’s all it really teaches.

[@johnvardy9559]

Do you still believe it?

[@damienjburks]

Yup. It was a major part of the journey.

[@johnvardy9559]

@damienjburks Thanks 👍

[@yoyoma4424]

hi brother, may i ask i would like to reach out via email for consultation. I am willing to pay for service. Please let me know.

[@damienjburks]

Hey! I don’t offer consultation services at this time; I do thank you for the support for watching this video. ☺️ However, I know someone how does that I would recommend you check out -> youtube.com/@techtualchatter?si=dCWoas3k3GzkUDEa

[@Des_Armoni]

That gate has closed on cybersecurity entry level from my understanding

[@damienjburks]

There are still entry level positions out there, there just far fetched due to the recession that we are in. The biggest problem with the industry is that their expectations of “entry-level” has increased over the past few years…. And it’s problematic for those who want to transition. Entry level employees should have a CISSP 🙃

[@TracksWithDax]

I think what'll happen is that companies will realize all the experienced people are aging out and they'll have to pull from the pool of unexperienced people to get our of the chicken/egg situation

[@carsonjamesiv2512]

😃👍

[@damienjburks]

🙌🙌

[@edwardmike7523]

Why isn't it on your LinkedIn page .. Fake life, all for social media 😅

[@damienburks9802]

It’s expired and i removed it. Nothing is fake 😉

[@damienjburks]

👆👆

[@brownsense1]

I went thru an AWS re/start bootcamp last year, got the AWS Cloud Practitioner cert, now I've been focusing on the RHCSA and RHCE through O'reilly subscription. During the process, I bought courses on Sec+, which I plan to study next. I want to become a Linux System ADmin, then eventually work my way up to DevSecOps in the Linux space with Ansible, Terraform, AWS, and Security+. I will say this however, It can be very discouraging seeing all of these layoffs. I kinda shifted my focus a bit on my business, and building up my brand for now, then I'll probably get back to studying for the Red Hat certs in September.

[@damienjburks]

Your pathway is pretty on par and will help you transition into DevSecOps. Linux si super super super important. The layoffs can be discouraging, but don’t let them mess with you. It’s just a bad time; the market will recover soon. Keep on pushing, and thank you so much for watching! ☺️💜💜