IT & Cybersecurity - Father & Son: Which WGU Degree is Best for Us? (BABY ON THE WAY!)

Since I started my channel, I've been getting a lot of questions from viewers through email, facebook, LinkedIn, and KZbin--I thought it might be a good idea to answer some of them publicly. In this video, I answer a viewer's question about possible paths for him to take into a Cybersecurity career, which involve getting a bachelor's degree. We will also discuss how his son, who has a baby on the way, should approach starting a new career in IT.
---
🖥 Break into IT in ~3 Months with my Hands-On Practical Course! 🖥
coursecareers.com/explore/it/...
---
🙇‍♂️ - Patreon - 🙇‍♂️
▶ / joshmadakor - Any support greatly appreciated!!
⌨️ - Coding - ⌨️
▶ My favorite coding tutorials (CodeWithMosh): bit.ly/338kfD6
⭐️ - Social Media - ⭐️
▶ Instagram: / joshmadakor
▶ LinkedIn: / joshmadakor
▶ Patreon: / joshmadakor
▶ Twitter: / joshmadakor
▶ Facebook: / josh.madakor
🎥 - Equipment - 🎥
▶ Camera (Sony a6600): amzn.to/33HVvSv
▶ Mic (Blue Yeti): amzn.to/2HoZ3kw
▶ Capture Card (Camera to PC): amzn.to/36YmuKm
▶ Chair (AKRacing): amzn.to/39P8PZ1
▶ Lighting (Lamp): amzn.to/3fpVGWZ
📄 - Sample Resumes - 📄
▶ Software Engineering: bit.ly/3hm4lLe
▶ Cybersecurity: bit.ly/2M463Fq
▶ Information Technology: bit.ly/3huhLFa
Q&A Episode: IT & Cybersecurity - Father & Son: Which WGU Degree is Best for Us? (BABY ON THE WAY!)
0:00 Intro
0:24 Feel free to contribute or correct my advice!
0:47 Viewer Question (Father+Son WGU Degree, Son having kid soon)
1:15 Question Summary
2:50 Answer to Son's question
3:17 How to get a job in IT Framework
6:37 Summary and Actionable "to-do" list for Son
8:40 Answer to Dad's question (Cybersecurity Degree)
9:50 Breakdown of 3 Degree Options (Quality vs Time vs Balance)
13:55 Opinion on Dad's choices
14:18 Wrap-up
15:01 Have you seen Koutetsujou no Kabaneri? It's so interesting!
DISCLAIMER: This video description has some affiliate links and I may receive a small commission. I only share stuff that I use and believe in. Thanks so much for your support 🥺

[@JoshMadakor]

🖥 Break into IT in ~3 Months with my Hands-On Practical Course! 🖥 coursecareers.com/explore/it/ref/18242/

[@objectivelybiased8006]

I'm currently working in utilities but looking to switch career paths.( IT) Would you recommend WGU for a person with no technical experience?

[@mattkraig]

You are so ANTI typical KZbin; you give actually valuable and insightful advice, all while getting straight to it, being efficient with what you provide in every video. Not to mention the time you take to show us document examples and/or infographics in your videos 🔥

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, thanks so much for the nice feedback! I'll be uploading some more after I finish my current program :)

[@tcc5750]

Love these videos, you are always to the point.

[@HD_Santa]

Josh, watching some of your videos now. I wanted to give you props for your transparency and willingness to help. I wish you success and happiness. I'm currently looking into starting with Course Careers, but I'm working on my last class for my BS degree, so I need to focus my energy on that first. Thank you for making these videos.

[@Novadad35]

Very underrated channel, I can tell you really want to help people. Thank you

[@JoshMadakor]

That really means a lot, thank you so much! I'll be releasing some more content here pretty soon. I finally quit my job now I can really focus :> Thanks for watching!

[@dshericemo1144]

This video is pure gold!

[@MySqueezingArm]

Speaking as someone who didn't have a degree, only certs, it was a nightmare getting interviews. HR will take a fresh college student with a BS over a high school grad with a Security+ and a homelab.

[@edwardjaycocks5497]

Regrettably, having a Security+ certification doesn't hold significant weight. Inevitably, HR departments tend to favor college graduates with respectable degrees. That's simply how the world operates, prioritizing formal education over certifications. Certifications primarily focus on training individuals to utilize specific technologies rather than providing a comprehensive education.

[@MySqueezingArm]

@@edwardjaycocks5497 I know, it's why a lot of this 'get a certification, get a job' advice rubs me the wrong way.

[@nexuz4258]

Informative vid, i think this will come in very handy when im done with school! Btw could you make any vids on Pentesting OS's regarding different hat-types, like a blackhat OS (Mostly illegal stuff)

[@JoshMadakor]

You're hilarious lol! I'm actually working on my offensive skills right now. I need to get better before I make content on it though :(. @TheCyberMentor kzbin.info/door/0ArlFuFYMpEewyRBzdLHiw has some really good pen testing stuff. I plan to get one of his courses some time. As always, thanks for watching :D

[@nexuz4258]

@@JoshMadakor Anytime my friend :)

[@Gregory8732]

Great vid. Certs are definitely valuable and can get you a job

[@JoshMadakor]

They can definitely help get an interview!

[@martindrane3744]

Best videos, EVER!!! straight to the point! Please never stop making videos. I love your're life map.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Martin, I really appreciate that T_T, thank you so much.

[@ohduana6746]

Holy shit this is great advice.

[@JoshMadakor]

Glad you found it useful!

[@TheLionman104]

I’m so glad I found this video. Currently I’m trying to transition from healthcare to IT. After listening to this video, I think the best method for me would be goi g to WGU since it’s a structured path. Plus with financial aid, I’d be paying roughly $450 per term. It just sounds the most logical. My only concern is determining if I want to go general with the bachelors in general IT or try to specialize early and go with cybersecurity or networking? Any insight that might help my decision? Thank you!

[@maarvie]

Its 3AM where I'm at right now and I've binged a handful of Josh's education and career playlist. I am in the same boat as you, I am an x-ray tech and have been looking into PACS Admin but I am torn in between 3 paths, IT, Networking, and Cybersecurity. I'm replying to this as I am kind of in the same boat as you-- in hopes he could give you and I some insight.

[@JacksonLloyd952]

Good stuff

[@JoshMadakor]

Glad you enjoyed it ^^

[@peytonshelley9606]

Hey josh, love the content. Is the BS IT the easiest/ fastest degree out of the IT realm, not counting IT management? I was looking into BS data analyst degree due to it having less certs but I’m also interested in BS IT.

[@Zerael071]

Thank you.

[@JoshMadakor]

No problem! Thanks so much for watching! I will start uploading again pretty soon once I'm done with my program :)

[@ulyssescabrera1431]

Hey Josh, great video as always. I need your advice because I for sure am gonna transfer from CSULB to WGU because I want to get into cybersecurity. But you mention that the IT degree is easier and maybe it would be a lot faster to finish because it has less certs but they are still good. Can I use those certs to get into a cybersecurity job? Like would you recommend doing the IT degree or the Cyber degree. I just want to finish in under 2 years, but I just want your advice please. I am conflicted on what to do.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Ulysses, thanks for watching! _Can I use those certs to get into a cybersecurity job?_ Absolutely! The IT General certs are diverse and cover some security as well. Regardless of which degree you choose--after getting a couple certs and some classes done, I might recommend to start applying to BOTH IT and cyber jobs. If something good comes along, feel free to grab it before having graduated. Then you can start working early and take your time completing the degree. In this case, maybe it matters less which degree you choose since you have started working before you graduated. In the end the IT Gen degree will be faster, but maybe it doesn't matter as much if you get a job before graduating. Hope this helps :o)

[@LawStudent2014]

I enrolled in the WGU's M.S. Cybersecurity, but have been thinking... Is that best for a mid-level Cybersecurity position (which is my goal) coupled with a degree in Economics and current management skills... It has fewer certifications and I have no cybersecurity experience but currently have a B.S. in Economics and I'm a current manager in Property Management. Great video and I value your reply.

[@JoshMadakor]

I'm going to make a video somewhat on this topic in the future, but the cyber MS maps almost exactly to my current job as a program manager. I don't directly manage humans, per se, but am responsible for a chunk of the security program and have to get other people to do things. I'm kind of in between a technical engineer type person and upper management I guess? The degree is definitely good and will help you. Try to take the time necessary to learn the stuff, it has really good content for the most part and I think it will compliment you current skills set pretty well. Did they make you get Securiy+ before enrolling? Thanks for watching btw! Edit: after finishing it, if you're not satisfied or want to go more technical, you can always compliment your degree with a couple offensive certs or CISSP :)

[@LawStudent2014]

@@JoshMadakor You just confirmed and added to my life changing professional blue print. I will keep you updated on my progress, best of luck on your videos, keep um coming you have a much needed talent. God Bless

[@charlesm2151]

Hey Josh! Thanks for the vid. I’ve been considering making the jump to IT/cyber security. I currently work in a different field and I’m ready for change. How much harder is option 1 vs option 3? I’ve been going back and fourth deliberating which one I should go to, I also have no previous experience in IT. Any info would be helpful, thanks!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, thanks for watching! On a ambiguous scale of 1-10 (lol), here is what I'd say Option 1, BS IT Cyber: 8/10 Option 2, BS ITM: 4/10 Option 3, BS IT: 6/10 Hope this helps! You could always go for Option 3, then get some additional cyber certs when you're done with the degree :)

[@charlesm2151]

@@JoshMadakor Josh, you are awesome man! I don’t know anyone in the cyber security sector, so your input is very important to me. And it’s been a big hurdle since all the schools are just trying to push “their product”. I’m leaning toward option 1. Just to I could really focus on getting it done and getting “spoon fed” the information/certs and degree. Is there a huge difference in the jobs I can attain with BS IT cyber vs BS IT? Option 3 does look enticing as well. Thank you thank thank you so much in advance.

[@johnharris5967]

Hey Josh. How's everything going? I have no computer experience. Is it impossible to be successful at obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity?

[@kedduff1814]

@@johnharris5967 No it’s not impossible, where there is a will there is a way.

[@drod8136]

I know this is random, but what did you use to learn Japanese? I was stationed at NAF Atsugi for 3 years and absolutely loved it. If you can get a good job that pays well, would you go back? I felt a lot safer over there, and the food was healthier overall.

[@JoshMadakor]

Japan is pretty much the best place to live as long as you don't have to work at a Japanese company haha. I would def live there again with the right circumstances. As for how I learned Japanese, so many people have asked me this that I made a doc explaining it, lol! Here it is: docs.google.com/document/d/1wTJYnnCWuXAhIjTjFqoliSjNIk2YzO6QQL4a4HO7zJc/edit?usp=sharing If I were to go back and re-learn Japanese (or continue learning it for that matter), I would definitely use the refold method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4uTgp6Xdqtmipo Thans for watching!

[@jamesandrews3570]

I've seen a few videos from you and others about WGU, but I haven't seen anyone describe how the classes themselves work (how are they delivered). Are there lectures, labs, etc.?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey James! Some Webinars, some videos, some interactive text books (ZyBooks), some KZbin Channels/Playlists, it just depends on the class. Then each course has a course instructor where you can book 45 minute blocks of time with if you need 1:1 help!

[@edwardjaycocks5497]

Based on my perspective and personal experience, I strongly advise against specializing solely with a bachelor's degree, particularly in the field of cyber security. Currently, it's not a worthwhile investment. However, pursuing a bachelor's degree in IT management can be beneficial as it provides a comprehensive understanding of IT systems and their management. If you intend to specialize in cyber security later on, I recommend obtaining a technology certification with a focus on security. I would also like to note that if you plan to pursue education abroad, you may encounter obstacles and challenges, especially if you opt for WGU (Western Governors University).

[@jesse420SOCAL]

What about software engineer vs cyber security. The counselor said software engineer is harder degree to attend takes avg 40 months and cyber only 21 month but more certs with cyber but only sec + look useful

[@rostheboss2769]

Would you place more value on a ccna over an A+? Already pretty close and have discount voucher for it wondering if you think that is sufficient enough for a job or if I should get the IT Management degree. Love to hear your opinion, thanks.

[@JoshMadakor]

CCNA is way beyond A+ in my opinion. It's definitely enough to get a job 😂. My wife went for CCNA right out of the gate for some reason and she immediately got a job as a Jr Admin without my help. If you want to work in networking specifically, I would even rate CCNA above a degree because there is so much specific technical knowledge that is required that isn't part of most degrees.

[@rostheboss2769]

@@JoshMadakor Wow ok I'm glad to hear that. Cool that she was able to do that, kudos to her lol. Thanks for the quick reply, like the channel. Vids are always high quality.

[@jeanberrios1933]

Hey there Josh! I had a question related to this one, I also want to work in Cyber Security and eventually work in management long-term since I love working and leading people, I currently possess a handful of soft skills because I am in lower level management in another unrelated career. I am currently enrolling in WGU, but I am stuck between BSIT and BSIT/Management. I know the BSIT/Management has almost no technical classes/certs so I am worried it wont enable me to step into entry level roles in IT..is this true?

[@JoshMadakor]

I wouldn't say that is true, but it really depends on a whole bunch of other factors (location, current knowledge, communication skills, etc.). If I were you, I'd stick with the BS IT Management degree, since that's what you want to do. After graduation, I would consider getting a couple semi-entry level IT certs to complement your management degree, credentials, and soft skills. You could get something like CompTIA Security+ and AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) to cover Cybersecurity and Azure basics. You'll get some technical skill from these and will be able to converse on the topics. (doesn't have to be these 2 certs--just what I would do, personally). Hope this helps!

[@jeanberrios1933]

@@JoshMadakor Okay I see! I am just time constrained because of financial reasons and would like to finish in one semester if not I would do the BSCSIA haha..but Thank you much so Josh!

[@jc-xo8yd]

You can always get your masters in a management role

[@martindrane3744]

I have a question. I’m sure you’re busy. I don’t expect a answer but would love one . I’m a firefighter. That’s my passion but I love the idea of IT. Do you know of a IT route or positions that I can do part time. I work 9 days a month 24 hr shifts but on my 2 off days I would love IT. I have watched most of your videos and have really never heard you talk about how many hours you actually work. I would like some input if you have any. Thank you In advance for any response 🤙🏽

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Martin, thanks for watching my content, I really appreciate that! Honestly I only work like 4 hours per day, 5 max. I could say a LOT about this, but IT is "knowledge work" heavy. So it's possible to get a lot of results with not much time invested. This isn't something I outwardly say to my employer, but it's kind of understood. I'm available for 8 hours per day, but I'm only doing "labor" for half of it. Having said that, you should be able to find part time work. I know a lot of the time, people will be working full time, then ask their employer to switch to part time and they will often let them because it means they don't have to pay benefits and stuff haha. You can also filter for part time jobs on indeed and linked in (i have a couple videos that show how I hunt on indeed/linkedin). I hope this helps a little bit at least ^^. thanks again!

[@timothygreer2400]

Sorry, I know I've been posting on a lot of your videos lol. You just seem super knowledgeable. So, @ 6:33, you mention doing A+ to see if IT is for the son. I'm sorta in the same boat as him, except I have a good job now. I just have 0 college experience and I'm looking into getting my bachelors in something IT related and then getting into the field. I just don't know because there's so many different areas. I did work on getting my A+ cert a couple years ago on my own, but never went through with it because I got this job. What do you think is the best route for deciding which IT area to get into?

[@JoshMadakor]

No worries! Comment all you want! haha It really depends on what's most important to you and what you're after. For example, if you just want to expedite your degree but are kind of undecided in terms of focus, I would honestly just try to crush the BS in IT Management (BSITM). Then afterwards, you can explore other areas of IT and perhaps pick up CompTIA Security+ or explore development/coding a bit. If time/money is not really an issue for you, I might consider the general BS in Information Technology. It will take a bit longer than the BS ITM, but there are a lot of really mainstream industry certs that cover a broad range of topics. In terms of deciding the best area, knowing what I know now, I would just go for whatever seems most interesting to you right now. If you go down the path and realize it's not interesting, I would consider switching things up and exploring other areas. It's not worth your time to do something you don't like, even if the salary seems high or it seems easy. Just my opinion! I realize this was kind of a vague answer, but let me know if you have more questions. It will be easier for me to see if you make a new comment :) (I can filter). Thanks for watching!

[@timothygreer2400]

@@JoshMadakor thanks for your reply! You're awesome, making these videos and answering everyone's questions. Maybe in 10 years I can be doing the same thing if I end up in IT lol. I'm gonna explore my options, but the general BS in IT looks more appealing, since I have a good job now. I don't want to rush it. I think I'll feel better taking my time and learning as much as I can. I just downloaded this app called Codecademy, and I'm going to see if I can pick up Python, before taking any classes. I think programming might be something I enjoy doing, we'll see haha. I'm excited to start this journey though, my parents didn't go to college, nor did they push me to do college. My siblings didn't go to college (well, my brother did an uncredited Bible College for missions/theology). But my wife is working on her masters right now, and it gives me confidence that I can do this! Thanks again man, I appreciate it!

[@timothygreer2400]

Oh, I forgot to say. I told my job I'm wanting to start taking classes and working towards a bachelors. I even told them I'm leaning towards IT (my job isn't IT). They fully support me, they even said they would potentially let me do some work under our IT guy and get some experience!

[@JoshMadakor]

Man that is fantastic! Sounds like you're good to go! Getting exp is one of the hardest parts but it sound slime you've got that squared away haha. Good move with python and I troducing yourself to coding, it's a super useful skill to have. Good luck!

[@NewJohnOnDemand]

Do you need to get all the certs that they have or just a few?

[@LinzyLinz7]

great advice! I would say they should choose the same degree so they can study together and finish faster Lol

[@JoshMadakor]

I would agree with this! Plus it sounds fun to do a degree with your dad lol

[@snow86241]

I haven't seen Kotetsujo no Kabaneri ! I've wanted to cause it's OST is amazing and I'll randomly hear it from time to time thanks to youtube mix haha. I love your Japanese accent! nihongo jouzu XD Thanks so much for always creating amazing content! I recently found your channel and have been binging through a bunch of videos because I need a career switch 🤣😭 I'm a registered nurse, unemployed as I recently quit my ICU job where I was making 90k/yr and currently trying to finish my RN to BSN bridge at WGU but I've been struggling a lot with performance assessments (research papers and essays). I've been enrolled since this past feb but only have 3 classes done and I'm 9 classes out from finishing. I'm sick of nursing though but still feel like I should at least finish a bachelors when I'm so close to it. I would like to transition to IT/computer science/cyber security (?) field. I have some experience coding in autohotkey and C++ making bots in runescape from years back 🤣 and have built my own computer and used to work at geek squad out of highschool. But beyond that I don't know much. I can currently make about 60k doing low key nursing jobs and not hate my life as much. What do you think I should do in terms of transitioning? Should I look for another nursing job or stay unemployed for a few more months and maybe get a cert or something and get into a low paying entry tech job just to get recent experience and then start a degree ? I was honestly thinking I should go for the CS degree because I want the best one with hopes of eventually working for Fang in the future. Ideally I'd like to at least be making more than I do as a nurse but doing a job I'm more passionate about while avoiding burnout (from how crazy nursing is right now). Thanks so much for your time and always being so earnest and compassionate with all content!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hahaha, thanks so much for noticing at the end, appreciate the compliments lmao. I've been seeing a lot of exodus from healthcare on my channel lately..very interesting, but I can understand why. A lot of my family (mom included) are nurses. If you can, I would recommend just starting to work in IT ASAP. Experience is paramount, even low-ish paying help desk positions are going to help you move into bigger and better things. If you are cool with coding, sure go for the CS degree (or the Software Dev degree if you don't want to deal with the math), but be prepared to supplement the degree with a lot of algorithms practice. It's troublesome, but definitely doable by most of the population. *I will say, the more you enjoy something, the easier it will be.* So if you don't enjoy coding, then: A) find a way to enjoy it, which is possible over time, or B) don't do it as your primary job Here are some videos that will help--maybe you've watched them already, but her you go anyways: You are capable of anything: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnyXdYqqpbiamNk CompSci vs Software Degree: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqDJY2SKf7qlrrc How I Passed Google Software Phone Screen (you'll need to do something similar to this after you finish your CS degree if you want to work in FAANG. This strategy got me several job offers): kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYeyhmClgbR6q80 Hope this helps! Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. If you can survive nursing, you can definitely do well in tech/IT :)

[@snow86241]

@@JoshMadakor Thank you so much for your thoughtful advice and encouraging words I really appreciate it! You're amazing! It means a lot!

[@flyryfpv6907]

Hey! Your content is A+! I'm curious what you would recommend for me. I'm 31 and I'm currently delivering for DoorDash. I grew up building gaming PCs for my friends and myself but I always said I didn't want my hobby to be my career. I'm realizing now that I should of just dived headfirst into something that already that I felt comfortable with. With that being said, I want get the ball rolling sooner than later and I'd like to become employable as soon as possible. Would you recommend a path similar to the father or son in this scenario, or would you recommend something else entirely? My ultimate goal is to be able to work from home so I can be close to my family when I decide to start one.

[@JoshMadakor]

_>I grew up building gaming PCs for my friends and myself but I always said I didn't want my hobby to be my career. I'm realizing now that I should of just dived headfirst into something that already that I felt comfortable with._ This is exactly what I said/did lol. I would start out by watching this video: How to get a job in IT (checklist): kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6XLnKp4fr-jnpY Then I would recommend getting a few certs (choose 2 for now): Google IT Support Professional, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ Then you can start applying for jobs either in your area or remote (Be sure to implement the stuff from the first video): How to find remote jobs (INDEED): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnOcoYN3Z9qlorM How to find remote jobs (LINKEDIN): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZywhZ2kjdt6isk At this point, regardless of if you get a job right away or not, funds permitting, I might CONSIDER starting on a bachelor's degree from WGU if you don't already have one. You definitely don't _NEED_ one in order to find a job, but it will definitely help your future employability and it's good to check that box. I might consider the BSIT General since you'd already have a couple certs at this point. Check out these Videos: Do you need a degree to work in tech: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4rSoqFspNx3m6s WGU BSIT General Degree: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJbIm6KDec-amJY You can job hunt/attend WGU at the same time, or work and attend WGU at the same time since it's so flexible. This is just what I would recommend. To start working, you don't need much more than a cert and a decent resume with some personal projects on it. Another video to help with that: How I would apply to jobs as a new person: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Ckqnt4qbZgi5o BEST OF LUCK! And congrats on starting out :)

[@Alex-es3fd]

Hey Josh, been watching your videos. You’re the best man. Was wondering if I could ask your advice. So I’m finishing up a Bachelors in Accounting at WGU. My original goal was to do an Accounting undergrad and one of the technology Masters at WGU such as Data Analytics. The reason being is I wanted to break into the world of IT Audit and an Accounting/Technology dual degree + CISA certification is the best path for that. However, I’m falling more in love with the Cyber Security world. I was thinking perhaps now I should get a Masters in Cyber Security instead of Data Analytics as I can always learn Data on the side. This way I can still do both IT Audit and break into Cyber Security jobs as well. I eventually want to get into Reverse Engineering because I find it fascinating. Anyways, to get into the world of Cyber Security, which masters do you think would be most beneficial for me? Cyber Security, Data Analytics, or IT Management? I was also debating going back and getting a WGU Computer Science degree, but I believe one should progress education before getting a second bachelors. Thank you so much for any advice!!!!!!!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey, thanks so much for watching--very cool path you have going on. If you are interested in cyber and are dead-set on choosing a masters from from WGU, I'd probably go with the cyber masters. It will give you a really broad view of cybersecurity from security engineering/architecting, to management, to compliance, to vulnerability management. If you try to get a lot out of it, it will be really helpful. About your point on going back to WGU for the CS degree, if you want to get into Reverse Engineering, this would be the thing to do. Reverse Engineering requires a strong command of assembly language and low-level operating system functionality. The CS degree doesn't go this deep, but it will definitely help. There might be other ways that may be higher ROI, but if you have the time/money/energy, the BS CS at WGU provides some great value. I'm actually in the same boat as you. Very interested in reverse engineering, malware analysis, and exploit development. I started studying assembly a bit by myself, but I am actually about to start WGU BS CS July 1st, haha. Another thing, I'd look into Xeno Kova's open security training. He teaches a lot of really low-level concepts. he has a lot of stuff out now, but the videos are kind of old and janky. HOWEVER, he is redoing them pretty soon. If you get bored, check it out! www.linkedin.com/in/xenokovah Old class: opensecuritytraining.info/IntroX86.html Hope this helps, sorry for the wall of text, haha

[@Alex-es3fd]

@@JoshMadakor Thanks for the reply man! Super appreciated. Love that you shoot every comment a reply. Heck, maybe I'll go after the BS in Computer Science first! That was my original idea after this Accounting degree but I got into the Masters hype. I even had a FastTrack plan for the C.S. Bachelors and transfer in 90 units. Do the certs first to transfer in and many classes at StraighterLine and Study.com. Make sure to leave the 30 credits left as 30 of the easier credits, so you can finish in 1 term, 2 max. I can send you my planned Excel file if you want to look at it. I think what got me off the C.S. hype was seeing many intelligent individuals failing Discrete Math II like 3 times. WGU made that class a beast! Thank you for the advice. I think I'm gonna go B.S. in Computer Science first now. Then I'll get a Masters in either Computer Science or Cyber Security. Maybe from a different school to mix it up. Cool thing about WGU is that guaranteed GPA which qualifies for most Masters programs including Georgia Tech's which seems to like WGU Grad's a lot. I always see people getting accepted into their program. Georgia Tech has an amazing Online Masters in Computer Science and also an Online Masters in Cyber Security which focuses hardcore on engineering like Reverse Engineering. Really hard to find Reverse Engineering courses, and even tougher to find Malware Analysis courses. Although seems like Reverse Engineering/Malware Analysis is a field no way someone gets a job without like a decade of overall security experience haha. Guess I'll have to start a hobby site once I get the degrees and hope for the best. GREM looks like a cool Certification as well if you have heard of it. Edit: Cool thing about Computer Science degree is it lets you do anything as well. Software Developer? Check. Software Engineer? Check. Data Analyst? Check. Data Engineer? Check. Security Analyst? Security Engineer? Check. Does it teach you these skills right off the bat? Of course not, which we both know. You have to learn the skills and put them on your resume. However, the Computer Science degree gets you past the HR Checkbox on all of these job categories which is super cool.I'd argue it's the most versatile college degree of any category. Second Edit: Had to fix some typos, just woke up (work nights). Also, sorry for the wall of text myself lol.

[@JoshMadakor]

Np for the wall of text lol. I'm glad I saw this, replies to replies sometimes get buried and they are hard to find! Sure I wouldn't mind taking a look at your BS CS spreadsheet. I kinda made one myself, but there isn't as much study[.]com and SL on it as there should be. I did finish like 4 classes from those sites, but I could have done more tbh. I must say, I've been looking for an online school that teaches assembly and those low-level concepts, I will have to check out Georgia tech online. I was originally gonna do DSUs PhD program, but it looks like they stopped offering it online and it's in South Dakota :( lol. I'll def check out GREM too, maybe my employer can pay for it rofl. And I do feel the BS in CS is like, the degree to rule them all, but it's hard. I'm also scared of DM 2, but I will save that one for last and take my time with it :o). Thanks again!

[@Alex-es3fd]

​@@JoshMadakor Ok I'll send it to your e-mail if it's on your page when I get home later. Also, I'm not sure if you did your transcript evaluation yet, but Technical Communication, Political Science, and Ethics in Technology should automatically be "satisfied" with the completion of a prior Bachelor degree, so you don't need to worry about those classes. I know you put them in your other video that you had to do them. I mean, I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure those are satisfied with a Bachelor degree if I'm reading WGU's Transfer Guidelines correctly.

[@miladaziz66]

I'm taking the IT program through WGU Academy it's a seven weeks program but I am so behind I feel like the chapters are too long for me to finish and learn all in 7 weeks can someone give me a recommendation on how to study for the COMPTIA A+ exam and how to skim through the chapters. I just feel like there is so much material to learn from one chapter! It takes me days to finish and understand.

[@andrewadams8601]

Recommend checking out his video on how to pass any certification exam quickly

[@JoshMadakor]

Came here to say this, lol Thank you.

[@JoshMadakor]

Like Andrew Adams said, check out that video! I tend to not really read books/text when I'm studying for certs. almost ALL videos and then drilling practice questions (then reading the right/wrong answers). Check out the vid and good luck!

[@ImNotTheDudeMan]

Hey Josh, I was wondering if you could help me out. I just got out of the Navy and I would like to go back to school for something in IT. Cybersecurity interests me alot, but I am torn between getting a cybersecurity degree or go with the computer science degree path. I want to get the most out of my degree, and I know one gets alot out of the cybersecurity degree when it comes to certs, but I know the broadness of computer science doesn't tie me down to one area of IT. If you could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Nick! Someone asked me a similar question about IT vs CS, I'll paste my answer below: >I know the basics of both CS and IT but dont know which I enjoy more and which will benefit me more. CS is kind of "better" than IT, as it provides you a deeper understanding of computing and more technical capability over normal IT curriculum. Of course it's much harder and takes longer, but the education and credential itself are "better". After you get a CS degree, if you want, you can go and work in IT fairly easily, especially if you get cert(s) >My biggest concern at the moment is which will prepare me best in landing a solid job. Josh: Kinda depends on what you want to do, but a CS degree with a portfolio of projects (WGU courses) with even a couple IT certs is going to be hard to beat in terms of marketability. >At the same time going for a BSCS although providing me a better education will probably take a year to a year and a half Josh: Big TRUE here. The BCS will take some time, that's the only drawback. I'm releasing a series of videos the first week of October that addresses this problem specifically. You might want to check it out! It might help you make a better decision. Basically I talk about how to efficiently complete and transfer in courses to the BCS program as well as how to deal with the very difficult classes that you encounter (Calculus, Discrete Math 2, Data Structures and Algos 2). Check the preview here: imgur.com/LQvOMi7 >TLDR which WGU degree is best for a complete beginner with no experience or prior education, not only in time efficiency, but most importantly providing actual work opportunities. Josh: You are so young and really on top of your stuff. Honestly, if you are even a little on the fence about a CS degree, I would urge you to go in that direction. It's basically the gold standard for all of computing, including IT, Cyber, and Development. The only thing that stops everyone from getting CS degrees is the time and energy required, but I think you are in a pretty good space to deal with both of those things. Check out the videos above when they get released, it might help you a lot. Me talking again. In summary, the CS degree is going to be the best degree for working in tech in most any capacity, it's just hard to get. As far as working in IT, a CS degree with some useful/in demand certs is going to look great and help you out a LOT. The only question you need to answer is, are you OK to deal with the opportunity cost? If it helps, I just completed my CS degree right before I turned 37 and I'm glad I completed! Best of luck :)

[@tobiasmalik8003]

@@JoshMadakor just to clarify- CS is comp science or cyber security??? In your text above. Thanks in advance

[@TOPTOPICEVERYDAY]

Hey many thanks for this video. I am already working in IT industry for last 9 years in USA but do not have any Bachelor or Master degree. I just need the most easiest IT/Health care related Bachelor degree that i can finish within 6 months. What do you recommend Brother. I sent you a request in linkedin. Thanks in advance

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey man! Honestly probably the BS in IT Management or one of the normal business degrees if you want something non-IT related. TY for the LinkedIn Request!

[@Damo_LowEnd_or_NoEnd]

What's the best computer labtop for coding?

[@JoshMadakor]

Honestly any modern laptop with 1440p display or greater. More resolution is good for coding honestly in my opinion. For my desktop I use a 2018 Mac Mini, for my laptop I use a 2014 Macbook Pro lol. Bought both used 👏

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

i hear the cysa-002 isnt easy at all... Ive hear horror stories about the CCSP also

[@JoshMadakor]

Oh that's good to hear that CySA is challenging. I've always wanted to get that cert but I'm always doing something else. sigh.. lol

[@HybridShad0w]

I'm thinking of going for the BSIT but I'm unsure on how many certs I should go for so I can try and be done with the degree as fast as I can. I have the A+, Security+ and Network+ is what I may get. Security+ seems easier to me since I'm faliar with more of the material. Current plan is to go for the Security+, and take the Network+ as soon as I start so that I don't pay out of pocket. Any thoughts/tips/advice? Also which certs skips which classes in the curriculum?

[@JoshMadakor]

I feel you. I did something similar with my BS IT, I transferred in A+, Net+, Sec+ and a couple others on purpose so I could finish faster. The normal IT degree isn't too bad. Imo the most nasty cert to deal with at WGU is CCNA 😨. You're enrolled already?

[@HybridShad0w]

@@JoshMadakor Not yet, just applied recently. I've heard the CCNA is a tough one so I'm glad it's not required for BSIT. I did just found out about Udemy Pro, I started the trial and plan to take a few practice exams to see how confident I am in taking some certs. I don't mind paying for them but I'm worried about failing them and being out $300+.

[@JoshMadakor]

@@HybridShad0w Yeah for real. It's good to do as many practice questions as you can. I've found, the more practice questions you can do, the more likely one is to pass. After doing the questions I've bought, sometimes I'll go on quizlet to find more, JUST to be sure. haha

[@leegreen3391]

On average how long does it take to complete the Cybersecurity Assurance degree? Is it possible to complete in 1 year?

[@JoshMadakor]

The BSCSIA is tough, but 1 year is doable, but it really depends on the following: A) How many credits you're transferring in B) How well you strategize your studies for the certs/classes C) How much time you have to dedicate D) Your endurance Hope this helps! Thanks for watching :)

[@marcalexander6450]

@@JoshMadakor thank you for the channel, you’re doing a great job 👏🏾 . I am about to start my sophomore year in college brick n mortar and I am really thinking about dropping out and doing WGU. I’d like to do the Assurance degree, get all those certs, the degree and get my masters. I’m trying to position myself to get a 100k+ DON government job or contractor job. I was in the USMC and will be using my gi bill. I know you say get an IT business management degree, but that’s not for me personally. So I wanted to hear your thoughts on the assurance degree and the certs that come with it. I just assumed the material would help me to pass those certs. But if those certs are that necessary I could see me doing the network ops and security degree and just getting certs on my own with some studying. If I leave my college I’ll be taking a pay cut of about 1400 a month, the gi bill pays more for schools you go in person to. So my question is if I were to do one of the WGU degrees is there any job you believe I would qualify for to do while in school? Maybe tier 1 help desk? Thank you for any advice

[@CristiVladZ]

Why did you stop making videos?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! I took a break to study and do some other stuff. I actually started making them again and I have a bunch queued up to be released in October 😁

[@homiedclown1885]

Please come back!!

[@JoshMadakor]

Thank you T_T, I'm still here, just not uploading right now! I'm almost done with my BS CompSci. After that pesky thing is finished, I will start uploading again! I also quit my job (last day is Sept 3), so I'll have a lot more time for this :). Thanks for checkin' in, much appreciated!

[@homiedclown1885]

@@JoshMadakor Well I see why you have been busy. I'm on study.com finishing up some classes then I'll transfer it to WGU in January. I hope to get my Bach in Cyber Security in June I only need 49 credits by then.

[@user-yr6xc7gg8q]

Hey can you talk about their prelicensure nursing program

[@texaslonestar2927]

Probably not he’s geared towards IT

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah, you are right lol. I wish I could,

[@JoshMadakor]

I don't really know much about the nursing programs unfortunately :(. I do believe their nursing programs are supposed to help students to pass nclex and I BELIEVE you need to still need to satisfy clinical hours for some of the programs, but I'm not a good person to ask lol. So sorry, I'm pretty IT focused. Good luck though, I'm sure there's some decent videos on here somewhere. Thanks for watching btw :)

[@koujis7982]

☆メリークリスマス☆ 甲鉄城のカバネリ観始めたよ 面白いね👍 今5話観てるところ～

[@JoshMadakor]

Merry Christmas! ハハハ(￣▽￣)、最後の見たよね！甲鉄城のカバネリ面白くない？、なんか、進撃の巨人みたいなアニメ。

[@koujis7982]

音楽も似てるしね笑 EMSがまた止まってるみたいで 荷物遅れないから、もー少し待っててね✨

[@JoshMadakor]

@@koujis7982 最悪EMS!,でも本当にありがとう、すみません！

[@Enciphered_deciphered]

You are Godsend is there are way to reach you as a mentor ?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Emma, thanks so much for watching! There are a few ways to do mentoring. If you want to book an actual 1:1 call with me, right now it's $150/hr (because I'm relatively busy rn: joshmadakor.square.site/product/1-on-1-mentoring/1). If you don't wanna spend this kind of monies, I have a patreon for $2/mo where you'll get access to the discord server, where you can DM/chat with me freely and I will respond relatively quickly). THEN the free option, you can just keep making new top-level comments on youtube videos and I will always read/respond to those (for free, of course)! Thanks again!

[@diogenesstudent5585]

Gonna do i.t. management. May I get some reddit links please?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! Here is the classes list, I'd double-check the accuracy: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12YWdC06rKETDokI9PWQOhlR86SQlbIrZMtU6btvLiwA/edit#gid=0 Reddit 1 term: www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/b99muh/finished_the_bs_business_information_technology/ Reddit 1 term: www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/9sgqtq/101_cus_in_1_term_bs_it_management_done/ Thanks for watching!

[@marcuspolk1197]

What jobs can you do with IT MANAGEMENT or IT General degrees

[@JoshMadakor]

You can do literally any job with any degree. My last Chief information Security Officer had a business degree. Your degree doesn't really matter that much. What matters is your knowledge, skill, and ability to convey your knowledge and skill (through your resume, online profiles, portfolio, etc.). People often associate knowledge and skill with degree and major, but they aren't necessarily related. For example, you can get the IT management degree, then get hacking cert and practice hacking a bunch, then go and get a job on the blue team (defense) and do quite well.

[@marcuspolk1197]

@@JoshMadakor thanks man

[@Geomaverick124]

Could he have also taken the regular Network Security degree?

[@JoshMadakor]

Yep! Good catch on that. I tend to not recommend this one to new-new people because CCNA can be absolutely overwhelming. ( www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/network-administration-information-technology-security-bachelors-program.html )

[@Geomaverick124]

@@JoshMadakor I heard that as well. I was considering between this one and the Software Development degree since it has certs in it but I felt that the software development degree was more up my alley since I work as a Web Developer anyway

[@artsoto5459]

Great video, I'm glad I came across this video, so I just turned 40, throughout my career I have a ton of retail management and sales experience, I currently work in sales for a big beverage company, I like IT, I have basic knowledge, and looking for a career change, any ideas on where I should start? I'm not looking to get rich from IT, but I want a career not a job, thanks keep up the good work

[@danishsiddiquee500]

How to move from sccm administration to cybersecurity

[@JoshMadakor]

Try to incorporate some security functions into your SCCM duties. Such as using Configuration Baselines to remediation vulnerabilities or something like this. Also get Sec+ and maybe another security cert and start applying to security jobs :). There is more I could say, but this is a decent start!

[@danishsiddiquee500]

@@JoshMadakor Thanks a lot ..I was awaiting for your reply from last 2 month's....Will catch after my CISSP hopefully 👍👍

[@elicarib5009]

Hi Josh, Currently I’m interested in BSc cyber security and also BA (Hons) Business degree’s. I keep thinking of the work life balance and earning potential for each. The appeal of high salaries is nice cyber security, but excessive work beyond 40 + hours per week isn’t so appealing. Can a BSc in Business Studies offer a great salary for new graduates. For mature students. Thank you.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! Thanks for watching. From my point of view, business degrees are super generic and I feel you can generally work in any field that you develop skills for. Not all Security jobs require you to work over 40 hours. I've *never* had to work over 40 hours per week for my strictly cyber positions. If you are nervous about this, I would just avoid the companies that tend to force you to do this. I've heard startups tend to do this as well as some other large companies (Amazon is notorious for overwork). I would honestly prioritize whatever you think is most interesting and just go for that, and just /not/ work over 40 hours, haha. I feel like this is kind of a wishy washy answer, but I hope it helps some :)

[@saltyseawebsitedesign]

So if you would want to be a CISO would you want to do the IT management bachelors degree and then the masters in Cybersecurity? Or because of the goal of CISO would you want to do the bachelors in Cybersecurity and then also the masters in Cybersecurity? I am about to finish 3 associates degrees at once spring 2021 and have been planning for my bachelors and ultimately masters degree. I have been keeping an eye on the WGU Cybersecurity program for awhile now and really like the idea of that. But also I really don’t have a practical idea of what all of that really is. I have a degree in multimedia website design, pre-nursing, and art. I do know how to code html, css, jquery, etc for website design and love it. I image Cybersecurity being coding and protecting? Is that right? I look at the WGU bachelors degree corses and it would be nice to know what each class is and what is the full class description and end goal of what is to be learned from that. I feel like I have read everything WGU puts out and don’t really know as much as I would like to before I 100% commit. Although I would like to go fast in a degree I feel like I would much rather finish my degree with the information I need to be competent and extremely employable.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey hey, as far as CISO goes, I think the general consensus is graduate degrees should be more geared toward business, so perhaps the MBA, but it really doesn't matter. My CISO has a BA/BS in business, and the one before him did as well. So you can pretty much just get whatever degree you want, but it takes much more than a degree to become CISO, so it's pretty negligible in my opinion. You can do some google hacking to get deeper course descriptions for stuff from WGU. For example, figure out the corse codes, for example "C725" and do google searches like: C725 site:wgu.edu filetype:pdf and get the FULL description and sometimes some other stuff. Cybersecurity itself runes a WIDE spectrum of disciplines, but at the end of the day, it's always something that supports the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of services). There are also technical and non-technical aspects to it, you just have to kind of figure out what you like to do along the way. Hope this helps, my response was all over the place, so let me know if I missed something, lol.

[@saltyseawebsitedesign]

@@JoshMadakor thanks so much that helped a lot. I have been enjoying your videos I have watched a lot of KZbin videos trying to find the most relevant content on this subject and you have it. Please keep making videos because your content so far doesn’t exist in any other video.

[@JoshMadakor]

@@saltyseawebsitedesign Daaaang, thank you so much. Much appreciated, and I'm glad the vids are helpful!

[@nickxavier828]

Computer science or Cyber security through wgu?

[@JoshMadakor]

This is kind of like comparing a delicious organic mango (CompSci) an average apple (Cyber). The Organic mango almost always objectively better, but the apple is cheaper and still tastes good. Back to real life, the CS degree is arguably better, but it's probably going to cost more in terms of effort, time, and money. It also isn't that crucial to get a CS degree unless you want to get more into dev/SWE. Having said all that, I have both and wish I got my CS degree sooner. (I'm enjoy coding though). I feel like I typed a whole bunch of nothing here, but I hope it at least gives a bit of perspective, lol

[@nickxavier828]

@@JoshMadakor I see what your saying. Now math isn’t my strongest subject. I would even say it’s probably my weakest. Should I be discouraged for even trying to go for comp sci?

[@Sumfinfunny777]

hahaha the ending

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao thx for watching that far 😂

[@leothalion3983]

Josh, what's with the comments section(two nude women) 😅

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao, I think they are bots and one of them downvoted my video. It got banned and then the downvote disappeared 😂