Is Cybersecurity Full!? | The Reality of the Current Job Field | WGU Degrees

I am starting to believe it's almost impossible to get an entry level job in cybersecurity at a decent starting pay. Here are my thoughts!
Cyber is Full! Article: cyberisfull.com/

[@mattw7926]

Hey man, I've been in the IT industry for a bit now. About to start WGU for the same degree. First of all, congrats on graduation. But after being in the field for some years, cyber security is not an entry level position. It just isn't. Not even with the degree. You need the experience along with the education. I would highly recommend putting in a year at an MSP. (Managed service provider) Chances are they will move you up quick after you get your feet wet. After the year, you'll find the jobs you're looking for. It will be worth it in the long run.

[@dirtyderkus]

@@mattw7926 that’s a great idea! And totally understand cyber security is not entry level. Just waiting for the right time (if there is one) to take that initial pay cut to get my foot in the door. Appreciate the feedback! Good luck with the degree!

[@TUGRA14]

Can you please give more information about the MSP for cyberscurity and do you have a reccomendation for us? Thank you hugely appreciated.

[@mattw7926]

@@TUGRA14 An MSP is an IT company that supports other companies. You work on a team with other IT pros at different levels. You start out on L1 or helpdesk and learn from your coworkers. It's an extremely valuable experience to get to work under many highly skilled people. You learn way more way faster than at a normal company. You can go from level 1 to level 2 or security or other teams. The reason I'm recommending starting at an MSP is: 1. It's one of the easier ways to get into IT. 2. You will need the general IT experience to be effective in CyberSec. 3. It will get you calls for interviews along with the education. Experience + Degree = Winning. 4. If you working with what you are studying, it's easy to apply and retain the knowledge. 5. Working with other IT people is like having a team of tutors. 6. Many MSPs give bonuses for obtaining certifications. WGU's degree includes about 7? That's money. 7. It's going to put you in a sweet spot at graduation.

[@mattw7926]

@@TUGRA14 Replied a few days ago, guess it didn't post. An MSP is not specifically cybersecurity, but general IT. It's an IT company that sells their IT support and services to other companies. They do everything from helpdesk to cybersec to programming. The bulk being helpdesk. My recommendation is that if you have no professional IT experience, apply to an MSP and get a year in on the helpdesk. Here's why I recommend it. 1. MSP experience is dense. You learn way more than you would at a normal company. 2. It's an easier way to get into IT without experience. 3. Working with other IT pros. It's like having a bunch of tutors and mentors. 4. If you are studying or recently graduated, you will be able to apply and retain what you are learning. 5. You can move into SOC within the same company. There are youtubers out there selling it like it's easy to start out new in cybersec, but those are the golden few. 99% start on helpdesk. If you have the degree + the certs that come with it + MSP experience, you're set for success.

[@samiavci3080]

Damn bro hope it gets easier for you. I’m 22 and trying to decide between IT/Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering. The first 3 would be faster due to WGU. This vid makes my reconsider some things.

[@jaredrego7642]

Same boat as you man. I just completed my BSCIA a few months ago and the job market is BRUTAL. I have experience in freelance software development and already know a few programming languages. I recently applied to several graduate programs for computer science and am awaiting acceptance right now. I would HIGHLY recommend looking into Georgia Tech's OMSCS ( Online Masters In Computer Science ) before going back to WGU, a masters will carry a lot more weight then completing a 3rd bachelors they also have amazing course selection so you can study what you are actually interested in. ( Price is also around the same as WGU give or take a little )

[@dirtyderkus]

@@jaredrego7642 I appreciate that! Yea no more bachelors degrees for me but also gonna wait and see if my game I’m making can’t make a little bit of a splash! Let me know on your acceptance and how you like what you decide on. All we can do is keep pushing forward. Good luck my man!

[@michaelflores7037]

Not sure why youre not looking at OT Cybersecurity and industrial Control Systems. We don't have enough folks .

[@dirtyderkus]

@@michaelflores7037 I will have to start looking! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@KayJsWorld]

Maybe you should think about QA if you like breaking stuff…it may be just as saturated honestly but just a suggestion…best of luck to you!

[@dirtyderkus]

Great suggestion! Never thought of that but it makes tons of sense :)

[@KayJsWorld]

@@dirtyderkus oh good 🙂 since you’re already an engineer you may do well as an SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

[@dirtyderkus]

@@KayJsWorld sounds like that would fit nicely!

[@patrickchan2503]

Just keep learning, nothing wrong with learning software and cyber. or more networking and IT related stuff. You'll know what you like once you've done it, and if you don't like it, at least you have the skills. That's my take. The reason why you are thinking about other avenues is because of the cyber job market, so make use of your downtime to learn. and enjoy. The Tech bubble has burst - yep.

[@dirtyderkus]

For sure! I am always learning and always working on something. No rest. Thanks for the worlds brotha

[@patrickchan2503]

@@dirtyderkus well you can also rest. That's important. But you know yourself best and what's right for you.

[@ImKeeday]

I personally haven’t done any programming, but one of my boys has and he tells me that market is probably even more saturated than cyber is because of AI. Everyone says AI is taking jobs away, but in the programming field it actually is because now those level 1/level 2 programmers aren’t really needed anymore so the job market is saturated with Junior and possibly senior level programmers with 1 - 5 years experience all applying for these roles now. If you find a very niche language then maybe, but your standard Python or Java programmer is struggling from what he told me.

[@dirtyderkus]

@@ImKeeday oh man. I believe it. I do have a good connection with a big gaming company and he said they’re always looking for Go devs… it’s a tough spot right now that’s for sure.

[@samiavci3080]

If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the minimum salary jobs you were looking for? I think lots of people would be happy taking a relatively lower pay for experience to break in.

[@dirtyderkus]

@@samiavci3080 definitely. You’re young and hopefully in a great spot to just get in anywhere and work your tail off. I had no clue what to do at 22. I’m 32 now with a 2 year old. Right now I make 6 figures but I could probablyyyy get by on 90k a year. I live in California so it’s pretty damn expensive. You can always go IT position and then just work your tail off getting certs, maybe a degree, and just maneuver how you want. If you start now you’ll be golden. Best of luck!