New WGU Cloud Computing Degree WORTH IT?

📊 WGU to Study.com Cloud Computing Course Transfer Mapping! 📊
Azure: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
AWS: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Multi-cloud: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
❗️In order to get the 30% discount, you have to click the link below. Study[.]com is deprecating discount codes! ❗️
study.com/?adkey=bbadc86ebcb6...
WGU Cloud Computing Degree Worth it? (Degree vs My Cloud Engineer Job, 2022)
#affiliate #sponsored #Studydotcom
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🖥 Break into IT in ~3 Months with my Hands-On Practical Course! 🖥
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▶ / joshmadakor - Any support greatly appreciated!!
Video Documents
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▶ Spreadsheet: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
▶ Diff Old vs New: www.diffchecker.com/Q6aBSMN3
▶ Diff New Azure vs AWS: www.diffchecker.com/GrS4QjXT
▶ Diff New Azure vs Multi: www.diffchecker.com/eZReJKDX
▶ Diff New AWS vs Multi: www.diffchecker.com/pVtxzdHU
▶ Pillars of Employment: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Job vs Cert Highlights
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▶ AZ-900 Job Duties (90% matching, I didn’t mark): drive.google.com/file/d/13G2O...
▶ AZ-104 Job Duties: drive.google.com/file/d/1jcX2...
▶ AZ-204 Job Duties: drive.google.com/file/d/1UE5Z...
▶ AZ-400 Job Duties: drive.google.com/file/d/1fdew...
▶ DP-203 Job Duties (5% matching): drive.google.com/file/d/1OvWq...
⌨️ - Coding - ⌨️
▶ How to Actually use Git/GitHub (Deep Dive): codewithmosh.com/p/the-ultima...
▶ 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
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📄 - Sample Resumes - 📄
▶ Software Engineering: bit.ly/3hm4lLe
▶ Cybersecurity: bit.ly/2M463Fq
▶ Information Technology: bit.ly/3huhLFa
0:00 Intro
0:27 Video Overview
1:42 WGU Overview
2:25 Degree Overview
3:15 Old vs New Diff
5:10 New Azure vs AWS
5:55 New Azure vs Multi
6:08 New AWS vs Multi
6:23 Possible Jobs
9:20 How to Save Money
12:18 Job vs Azure Certs
14:24 Is it Worth it?
18:10 Final Thoughts
WGU cloud computing review

[@JoshMadakor]

❗In order to get the 30% discount, you have to click the link below. Study[.]com is deprecating discount codes! ❗ study.com/?adkey=182b5d3d0aeb4089a701f9c3f876bddb

[@dennispilat]

Josh, I have to say thank you. I graduated last month with my BS in Software Development and with the help of your videos, reasoned me into enrolling in WGU in 2021. I was a software engineer working full-time while also pursuing the degree. I just wanted to say thank you, your videos are truly helping people, and to keep going!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Dennis! Actually yes...well sort of. You can get a BUNCH of classes done outside of WGU at study(.)com (and other places), then when they are done, just transfer them into WGU when you are ready to enroll. I go into that in depth in this video. Check it out!: How to complete courses outside of WGU and transfer them in (Study.com): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmi5mnSdmbubfLM don't forget to use the discount code if you decide to try this! Good luck :o)

[@dennispilat]

@@JoshMadakor Oh, I already graduated, haha.

[@OfficialWilliamsFamily]

@dennis How great do you think classes for the software development were? I am currently enrolling to WGU for software development degree but my enrollment specialist stated that if I want to learn to code then go for the computer science degree.

[@dennispilat]

@@OfficialWilliamsFamily Computer science and software development are different subjects. Although you will do some coding in computer science, it’s only one aspect of it. I’ve been a software engineer for years already, but didn’t have the degree so I went back. I’d say the courses were okay, but for the C# track they had you developing a windows form application which is pretty old school. But I think in general the courses were decent. You’ll definitely have to study up on data structures and algorithms yourself to prepare for technical interviews and you’ll want to focus on newer technologies and frameworks on your own time. But to understand a general language such as Java or C#, almost all companies ask that. And then the usual JavaScript. TLDR; you’ll learn and you’ll want to self study newer languages/frameworks on your own time. But would suggest continuing.

[@ShaneHummus]

Freaking ridiculously valuable video as usual, great work!

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks my guy! Grats on 301k lol

[@jcedar25]

I appreciate the information as always. Planning to begin my own WGU journey beginning on March 1. The Cloud program seems to have elements of several interesting paths such as security and data analytics as well so definitely a robust program.

[@edwardsanchez7562]

Thank you Josh, I'm actually studying for my Azure Fundamentals exam right now, but this has me feeling more comfortable on the path I'm on. Shoot might even go for the full WGU degree. Appreciate the videos.

[@JoshMadakor]

Haha, glad to hear it! I really enjoy Azure TBH and I've been wanting to get some certs but haven't made the time :(. GL with the studies though and GL if you decide to do the whole degree ^^.

[@GundamDroid]

Thank you for elaborating on the Cloud Computing path. I have been highly considering this choice of concentration. So within the past two weeks, I've been debating which Cloud path to take. Since I have no knowledge on either, I'm leaning towards the mixed path. This was a very nice explanation and small gauge in what to anticipate. I'm going from zero skills and experience, so I'm without confidence ahaha. I've also been glossing over introductions to Python, in order to gain a deeper depth in skillset. I'm really trying to change my life around to separate myself from dead end jobs. I'm on a time crunch too, I just hit 30 and want to build my future asap. Thanks for explaining this.

[@PPCCO.]

I would say get the mixed path, get an entry level job, and then build on the certs associated with that job path. Once that is completed, you would be able to complete the opposite that you originally selected. Just from an efficiency standpoint.

[@tammybeltran5724]

Thank You josh I’ve been watching your videos for 2 years contemplating on going into the tech field . I’m 34 and and business ops manager have been going back and forth about tech. I just started my journey and have been going back and forth to see if I want to do cyber sec or cloud computing…. But I think cloud computing is it for me! 🎉 thank you for the inspiration

[@Rashad5000i]

Thanks so much for this video you're really awesome and I love these WGU videos. Very informative as well as your own personal view from having gone through it yourself, makes it way more real and I can say that I appreciate it a lot. Great channel and content by an even greater person!

[@JoshMadakor]

You are too kind! I really appreciate the comment T_T, thank you, and thanks for watching/commenting as always :)

[@cyrus7807]

This is it, thank you for this discussion Josh. I'm 41 and looking to transition into a career working in the cloud. I'm applying to the Cloud Computing program soon.

[@zimmyb6153]

Are you still in it?

[@logic2818]

Josh thank you for dedicating your time and giving me such an in depth answer. Very much appreciated. I probably should have done a little more searching through your videos first since most of what I asked has already been answered them lol, my bad :p _Having said that, I would highly, HIGHLY recommend you do what seems most interesting to you. If you like it, it's easy to get good at. If you are good at it, since it's in tech, can make a lot of money, regardless of the niche (cyber, IT, data, etc.)_ I'm not exactly sure what I'm into yet, I think I'll have to work a few jobs to figure that out I guess. Which makes even more sense for me to follow your advice and get a general IT degree, then get some work experience while I pursue CISSP. I'm pretty motivated when I've set a goal so looking forward to knocking out my Bachelor's at WGU in 6 months, I'm not coming from any type of tech background and am starting with the very basics, so hopefully that won't slow me down too much. You're awesome man and super responsive, I truly appreciate the wealth of information you've provided and you taking the time to answer my questions even when you've already done the work answering those questions in your videos.

[@craigheard2504]

Thanks Josh. I love the real world comparison. Kudos to WGU for making a program that tracks with what a professional is actually doing. This program is REALLY tempting since I’m leaning hard into personal Cloud studies.

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah, you can't go wrong with cloud computing, especially this latest track :P. As long as it's interesting!

[@craigheard2504]

@@JoshMadakor Interesting is the key word. You are right Josh. I'm glad you are enjoying your current role. It is very inspirational. Thanks so much.

[@evenesence21]

​@craigheard2504 I'm interested to know wear you ended up choosing? 😊

[@Xbox360gamerJake]

Another great video, appreciate all the valuable info as always!

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much! appreciate you watching :P

[@sanfofana]

This guy is just like an angel sent to help people out. You are awesome! thank you so much! Really appreciate what you do.🙏🏾

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey San, thank you so much, I really appreciate that T_T

[@anrainmoore754]

I second this. I needed this video 🙏🏾

[@danpeoples1000]

Thanks, Josh - Awesome review!

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much for watching :)

[@st33zy101209]

Thanks for sharing this information! Wish I would have known about “Study” prior to my enrollment, but maybe I can still use it to my advantage in the upcoming terms. 🙏🏾

[@JoshMadakor]

No problem and thank you for watching :). That sounds good to me ^^

[@michaelikonya2048]

Another great video Josh. I'm in analysis paralysis between the Cloud Computing degree and Data Management/Analytics (waiting for your video on this 😅). Thankfully as I think about it my employer has offered training and exam fees for some AWS certs so yay

[@JoshMadakor]

I do actually have an Analysis Paralysis video, but not video on Data Management yet, haha. Analysis Paralysis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZqpaoV_a8edY7M Nice to her your employer paying for exams :o)

[@buddynolove6337]

Been waiting on this one!

[@JoshMadakor]

Haha, I meant to make it a while ago. Thanks for watching :o)

[@KashUSA]

Love your videos, sadly cant get a job in IT at 17 but ive took your advice and hopefully will soon!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! You are getting a super early start and you'll be totally ready to go when the time comes. I wish I was doing what you're doing at 17 instead of playing EverQuest. lmao.

[@nineghost1652]

This guy (Josh) is such a beast! Thanks for taking the time for us!

[@JoshMadakor]

Lmao thanks so much for watching! I super appreciate that!

[@lost_templ]

I start in September! thanks for this video it was reassuring

[@isamolii7247]

Thank you for this video man. I was breaking my head trying to decide between software engineering or Cloud computing degree from wgu. I think you helped me make my decision a bit easier. Thank you again.

[@Geomaverick124]

awesome vid Josh. :) I am actually going for the Az900 and Az204 later this year since I got the free vouchers. I may go for WGUs Cloud computing multi track though. Keep up the good work

[@JoshMadakor]

Shoot! That's good to hear. Cloud actually helps so much in SD/SWE i've found out. So much infrastructures to leverage really easily hehe. Good luck with the study and exams :)

[@Geomaverick124]

@@JoshMadakor Honestly cloud isn't necessarily hard, it's just the terminology that trips me up. I can see how networking and Linux can really help in understanding how cloud works. I haven't done linux or networking hardcore for years since I started working in web dev...so I found myself loss quite a bit lol

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

my favorite wgu youtuber omg great video!

[@JoshMadakor]

Thank you so much T_T lol. Cya in Discord

[@NewBlackKnowledge]

Thanks for this information.

[@cmorris10]

Awesome video, thanks for the information

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful :)

[@mahmoodulhassan6607]

Superb job for the 11 Parts of employment Essentials. You broke it down beautifully. Love that humility in you brother. God bless.

[@JoshMadakor]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words. Also, thanks for taking the time to comment :)

[@edpro9332]

Just discovered this channel today... currently taking PG cloud computing.and will definitely further my education with cloud computing

[@joshl8599]

I'm starting the mix track Dec 1st, I'm probably going to go for all the certs, but I've got hands on experience in both, just gotta get the papers to say "I totes can".

[@jessiecarrillo7839]

Awesome Video Josh! :)

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks Jessie!!! 👏👏👏🫴

[@TechLuvnMomma]

Great info and content like always 🔥 💜

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much! good to see you in these comments :D

[@isosoriharrison9556]

Trying to be a cloud engineer and doing this program! However I am learning software development and applying for help desk because it applies to my education.

[@andrewadams8601]

I'm at the beginning of the old BS CC degree and was excited to hear that there is an Azure path because I prefer Azure over AWS and the old BS CC is all AWS. Unfortunately, it looks like a lot of the classes that were dropped from the old BS CC degree are gen-ed courses, which is most of what I've completed so far. If I wanted to switch now, I would lose about half of my current progress lol. Oh well, I'll probably just stick with the current path and then get the Azure certs on my own afterwards. Great content, as always. I really appreciate your work! P.S. Just a suggestion but having the chapters showing on the right side of the screen may be a bit of overkill. The chapters are already listed to the right side in the default view (at least for me they are) and in the video timeline below the video. If you don't show them on the right side of the video, that leaves more room for your content, making it a bit easier to see.

[@Siegefya]

Man I can't decide between the network engineering and security, or the cloud computing. It sucks, they are both so good and cool, but they are both somewhat different, like different enough that it matters. You even said yourself, you put those 2 neck snd neck for first. Gonna be hard to decide when I'm ready to go.

[@chrischoiext]

Thank you, Josh! The video was very informative. I'm stuck deciding between the Cybersecurity degree and the Cloud Computing degree. I am interested in Cloud Security, and being as experienced as you are, which would you recommend?

[@Iwbyiwm]

Same a lot of people in security say they wish they went into cloud computing but I think I like security more

[@andrewthompson8589]

Thank you for the video! Very good info. Do you happen to know if this degree or any of the included certs go into detail on Kubernetes or container orchestration at all? Thanks!

[@ezg8248]

I just started my Bachelor's in cloud computing two weeks ago. My first four classes are ethics in technology, Internet of things (IoT) and Infrastructure, IT Applications, and IT foundations. The last two are for me to get my CompTIA A+ certification because I am currently inclined at amazon for an IT support associate role which means I don't have to reinterview. Getting that cert will improve my chances when applying to that job. WGU offers a lot when it comes to learning. I am glad I watched this video because it made me feel confident when applying to this school.

[@thewordens3965]

How’s it going

[@1patrickov]

Hi Josh thank you for all the great content! I’m currently working as a NOC Technician at an MSP and I want to transition into a Cloud or Devops role. I was thinking to get my AZ104 and potentially RHCSA then start a comp sci degree at WGU. Would you recommend this path or would WGU’s cloud Degree be better?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! Thanks for watching. The path you described (getting the CS degree supplemented with AZ104) is best, in terms of marketability. CS Degree coupled with certs is super strong IMO. The downside is, CS degree tends to take a while. HOWEVER, at this point, I think after you get AZ104 and maybe a project, you are good to go as far as hunting for cloud jobs goes. Cloud degree is a great alternative if you don't want to deal with the CS math and algorithms though :)

[@yodarylcar]

Your channel super underrated bro

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Daryl, I really appreciate that a lot, thank you :>

[@craigheard2504]

Btw. Love the “I have the POWER!” thumbnail.

[@JoshMadakor]

Lol haha thanks, it was fun to make

[@RyanJander]

I switched from an IT degree at WGU to one of its business degrees. I just couldn’t get behind getting all of these certs. Some of them take months to study for. Just felt like I was going to be drowning in work lol. Thanks for the vid. Like button smashed!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Ryan, I feel you on that. If people wanna get done quick, I really recommend like, IT management or one of the other degrees that doesn't have certs. Like you said, some of them just take a loooooong time. Thanks for watching and liking!

[@justatip]

400th like here thanks for the info !

[@JoshMadakor]

lmao, thank you for watching :)

[@justatip]

@@JoshMadakor honestly man I was doing general IT but because of you I want to try Cloud Computing I’m tired of the whole help desk role lol

[@shafialanower3820]

The world does not deserve an Angel like you 🥺👏

[@JoshMadakor]

You are so kind, I can’t believe it 🥺🥹

[@charlesmorris217]

Josh, how did you find the transferrable classes? If I wanted to go for another degree I'd want to know what classes can be transferred from outside of WGU. I think taking care of these non IT related classes before will save me money and let me focus purely on the IT related topics.

[@dvn3605]

Hi Josh, (love your videos by the way I am active duty military currently in the process of switching to reserves in the next 7 months. I really want to have a successful IT career and be in a position to make good money asap. I am currently slated to start in the august semester for wgu for a BS in CC Azure path. I currently completed the google it cert as a pre req. I want to get into software/cloud engineering and i will be in Atlanta where i heard the market for IT is big. I know you mentioned starting with the 2 azure certs but is there anything else you would suggest i do to ensure i get a good job fast. I been losing my head trying to map my goals. Is it possible to make 70k in 7 months? I have no prior IT experience in the workforce besides soft skills.

[@AndrewCorbitt]

Great break down Josh! Do you do any 1:1 mentoring? Would love to pick your brain.

[@JoshMadakor]

hey Andrew! Thanks so much! I currently don't sell time blocks since I have negative free time, haha. I do have a discord for patrons ($2/mo), you can "@ me" on there and chat, I respond regularly there. It's just a way for me to filter communication with my audience without having everyone be in the same communication pool (youtube comments). You can ask any questions in comments for free of course, but it's kinda iffy if I can physically get to it. Thanks so much for watching though, I really appreciate it :)

[@brianturney7599]

Hello my friend. I love your videos and subscribed. I have worked in IT for 30+ years. Worked at MS in Redmond in 1999-2004. I have worked in IT since tho never bothered to get certs. I recently got my A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+ all done in June 2022. Do you have any spreadsheet or data that would show how those transfer to WGU BS tracks? I'm seeing compsci is an overall good BS degree but wondering if my certs would give me better access to something else like CyberSecurity and Information Assurance BS.. or if any certs also carry credits for a portion of a masters degree. Any thoughts? (sorry that was so long)

[@marlenerodriguez779]

I have a question! I read on Reddit, some people say to get a degree in Computer Science instead to work in cloud. Do you agree with this? Would it better prepare us instead of a degree in Cloud Computing? Do you think employers will think a degree in Cloud Computing is on the same level? I don’t want to not be seen just because I didn’t get a degree in computer science. Another question: do I need to know a lot of math and programming to be a cloud engineer/work in cloud?

[@Geomaverick124]

i also just looked at the network and security degree at wgu and the separated the tracks. they removed the AWS certs and split the degree between general CompTIA track with the A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, and Project+...and the CISCO track with the A+, Cloud+, Project+ with CCNA, DEVNET Associate, and CyberOps

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah, that Cisco track is seriously beast. They have Discrete Math in there as well, lol

[@freeignition]

Hey Josh I just finished my bachelor's in IT and I actually have a decent job with the federal government but I wanna find a part time job that helps builds stuff like networks and active directory services cause at my current job it's a lot more maintaining and I want to get experience building. Any recommendations on how I can go about this? I don't want to quit my job but I wanna build stuff. (yes I have a homelab I play with)

[@moonstinger955]

Hi Josh! Thanks for very informative videos. Just wanted to ask, which degree is the fastest to graduate in WGU by using the external credits and etc? (I’m not afraid of math and algorithms, just need to IT degree ASAP)

[@ronasubmitto3835]

He has a video about this on KZbin. I believe it is the business IT degree in management. It has no certs, so you can be out of WGU in no time. Check it out.

[@jdttp]

Josh, what are you thoughts on the newly announced B.S in Network Engineering and Security? It was announced yesterday. Thanks!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey JP, I haven't really looked it it much yet, but no doubt I'm going to inspect it further and make a video on it :)

[@Schrear]

Super useful video, good sir. Been eyeing this program since it came out. I'm sure you're real busy now with the new job but I think I can speak for a lot of us that we would love to see a video on "expereinces" you can create for yourself at home to compliment this degree to put on the resumes, similar to some of the experience and homelab videos you did in the past.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Ethan! I'm actualy going to do this sooner than later, hehe. I just gotta pic a good topic :)

[@Schrear]

@@JoshMadakor love it, thank you!

[@eustaceelms9403]

@@JoshMadakordid you made the video

[@MeowAttack1]

Hi Josh! What tips do you to have to follow your path to making $180. Perhaps which degrees to get at WGU and what job positions to apply for. Thank you!

[@logic2818]

Hey Josh, I'm a former Marine and retired Police Officer from the Renton Police Department. I have found myself wanting to transition to a new career field and have been thinking of trying to knock out a CS Degree in Cyber Security in 6 months, I'm retired and have all the time and motivation necessary to get this done. Some people have advised me that Cyber Security has less opportunity and less entry level positions available than other areas like Network Operations and Security or Data Analytics. I'm getting most of my information from subreddits and google so I'm not super confident in everything I've been reading and was curious what your thoughts are? Being you live in Seattle, awesome you worked at KCSO by the way, what would you recommend as a degree from WGU that would provide me the most opportunities? Also, as a secondary question which degree provides the most in terms of starting Salary for this area? Trying to get as much information available as possible before diving in head first. I also have an active secret security clearance that will be good for another 5 years as well if that helps my chances any. Thanks again for all the information your channel has provided.

[@JoshMadakor]

_Hey Josh, I'm a former Marine and retired Police Officer from the Renton Police Department._ That's dope! You're very nearby _Some people have advised me that Cyber Security has less opportunity and less entry level positions available than other areas like Network Operations and Security or Data Analytics._ I don't know about that. Cybersecurity is not traditionally entry-level, since it's kinda a subset of IT. As for the number of jobs, it's hard to say since there is a lot of overlap between the disciplines and we'd have to define what exactly is Cyber and what exactly is NetOps, etc. You can have positions that are BOTH too, so it's hard to say. But there are a LOT of IT jobs, most which have at least some aspect of Cybersec in them. If you are qualified to work an entry-level cybersecurity job, you are definitely qualified to work a normal IT job. _Being you live in Seattle, awesome you worked at KCSO by the way, what would you recommend as a degree from WGU that would provide me the most opportunities?_ I have a video that answers that exactly, haha. It quantifies which degree is "best" by the number of job hits they have based on their certs. Check it out: Which degree best certs Certs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX7Hhphro5uLb68 Having said that, I would highly, HIGHLY recommend you do what seems most interesting to you. If you like it, it's easy to get good at. If you are good at it, since it's in tech, can make a lot of money, regardless of the niche (cyber, IT, data, etc.). The "easier" security degree is probably the Cybersecurity and IA over the NetOps degree. NetOps has CCNA and that is kind of hard. IT General and Data Management tend to be easier. IT Gen is nice because it exposes you to a little bit of everything and it's not as hard as the cyber degrees. _Also, as a secondary question which degree provides the most in terms of starting Salary for this area?_ If I were forced to give a generic answer, I would say "Computer Science", because Software Engineers here make a lot of money. But that degree is literally the hardest degree at WGU and requires you to do fat prep after you graduate. I gotta say though, degree type does not really correlate well to salary in my head--at least not in tech. There are a lot of other areas that you need to strive to be at least "b-tier" or "c-tier" in. For example, you have a lot apparent skill and no degree, you can still make 200k< as a software engineer. Check out this chart for a visualization of what I'm talking about. You can click the dark blue squares and select what applies to you. Imagine everything but "Education" is "S-Tier", and "Education" is zero. You best bet you're gonna be ultra-employable haha: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wXoKMWzkIl55gIKG8yr1gh_jUoK0ajtFtkiTUtHke08/edit#gid=1797511896 (This spreadsheet is a draft for another project so some of the data might be weird on it) The chart is a representation of how I think of employability, which is why I tend to recommend easier degrees unless you are super interested in one of the harder degrees. In Tech, you can have a BS in history (or none at all) and still end up the Chief of Information Security if your other "pillars" are high enough. _I also have an active secret security clearance that will be good for another 5 years as well if that helps my chances any._ You are in a really good position. If I were you, I would do the easiest IT General degree to get some rounded education. After that, I would immediately get CISSP. CISSP is a real bitch to get, but it opens up a lot of doors for HR, *ESPECIALLY* in Defense due to DOD Directive 8140. (Certificate Requirements for certain jobs: www.sans.org/dod/dodd-8140/

[@Milwaukee307]

Thanks for the info! I start at WGU on Nov 1st for Cloud Computing as of now. I was in the Army and had to get out due to an injury. I have zero experience in this field. I really need to get into a new career asap because I have four kids to provide for. I was on the fence between cloud and their Accelerated IT BS/MS program. In your opinion which program would be the fastest way into a new career? Thanks!

[@borninvincible]

Same story here. I want to get into this area, but have no experience.

[@DallasFort1857]

Hey Josh, Can you please make a video of pay based on location? Thanks in advance 🙏

[@michelleterrazas5065]

Hi Josh thanks for your video, would you recommend this degree for someone looking to break into IT while in Japan? I’m an English teacher now and want to stay in Japan, but still not sure if cloud computing is a good option for me in IT

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Michelle! It's a great option. There is almost zero reason for you to be on-site in most cloud jobs. The "entry" cloud job is usually Cloud Support Engineer, where you absolutely don't need to be on-site. Of course this can be said about a lot of IT tracks, but cloud especially. Hope this helps! And very cool that you're in Japan, I lived there for a short while. Best place to live if you don't have to work in Japanese society hahaha :D

[@blackswan7568]

Great video, Josh. Learning a lot. Just curious, would you consider this to be the best WGU degree for a DevOps/SRE job, or would you recommend another degree like the Software Development, CS, or Network Engineering & Security program? Thanks!

[@JoshMadakor]

Lol that's a great question. You could probably flip a coin and any of those would be fine. But since so much devops stuff (all of it, lol) is in the cloud, the CC degree is probably good. Though CS is best for SRE probably.

[@blackswan7568]

@@JoshMadakor Thanks👍

[@nes7803]

Hey Josh, I'm going for the cyber security and info assurance bachelor's, would you say it's better to get all of those certs and then do AWS or AZURE certs outside because of the diversity it brings or would you get more money starting off from cloud, and would it be faster to complete this bachelor's and easier to get a job than just with the cyber one?

[@JoshMadakor]

As far as the getting more money, there are too many variables for me to answer responsibly, it's kind of a toss-up. But in terms of finishing faster and getting a job more easily, I would say the Cloud Computing degree is probably easier (in terms of certs), and getting an IT job that uses cloud computing is _probably_ easier than getting a job in cyber--at least for someone who is new-new.. Hope this helps ^^

[@nes7803]

@@JoshMadakor thanks a bunch josh, hope everything goes well for you!

[@theicestorm1000]

hey josh i started the cloud program prior to the change i still wanna do the mixed program. But do you feel like the azure specific one is the best ? or do you like the one that has both 🤔 and are there any other jobs you think i should look for once im halfway to mostly done with the program ?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey IceStorm! I personally like Azure more so I'd pick that track over the mixed track. Having said that, AWS is currently "larger" than Azure. Just pick whatever you feel like--in the end, you can't really go wrong haha. As far as jobs, any of the titles from 6:23 would be good. Or start searching for: cloud support engineer azure support engineer aws support engineer azure support aws support cloud support etc. Hope this helps!

[@theicestorm1000]

thankyou bro you have been a big help in my career change to tech 🙏🏽 💯💯💯

[@obrienortega6942]

Hello Josh, Question, I have my CompTIA A+, Net +, and Sec+. If I decide to pursue a BS in Cloud Computing (Azure track), will those some classes be waived?

[@Rashad5000i]

Btw Josh I have no experience with cloud computing at all, but I'm currently attending WGU going for the Information Technology degree. Not sure if you have a video on this, but what would you recommend if one wanted to get into learning the cloud with no previous experience?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! I would recommend getting AZ-900 (fundamentals) plus one other cert (AZ-104, 500, etc). If you're more into the AWS track, get the equivalents to these. Then do a few involved projects that really showcase your understanding of some core services in the platform, put them on your portfolio/resume, then start applying to jobs. That what I have done, and a few of my friends who work in cloud. There are "many paths around the mountain", but this is a good one! Here are some vids that might help How to make a great portfolio: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJjUl4qCfbN-gs0 How to pass any IT exam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn6meYKMedSNn8k SIEM/Sentinel Tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKC9lomYl79jpZI

[@jeffm7179]

Hi Josh, I just stumbled upon this video. I'm about to finish a BSCS from WGU. I have no real world experience. Should I consider getting another WGU bachelors in cloud computing? Or just skip the second degree and take some AWS certs on my own? Thanks!

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Jeff, I would 100% get the AWS certs and do a project or two in lieu of another degree. You're going to be so powerful with the BSCS + Certs and projects. Congrats on picking the best possible degree and finishing it. That's outstanding!

[@jeffm7179]

@@JoshMadakor thanks for the advice and kind words, appreciate it. Great channel you have here, good luck

[@GoingDev]

I need help with picking the right degree path if you have a moment to comment. I am currently working on the requirements to start the WGU Comp-Sci degree. Time isn’t a big issue as I currently qualify for grants that cover the majority of the cost. However, I want to go through the degree path that is most useful and open up more jobs. I’d also like to skip help desk jobs if possible since the field I work in pays more than most Help Desk jobs. What would you recommend as a first degree for someone with no experience in a Tech career field?

[@young_of_the_mill9560]

Thanks for your videos, can you please do a video for WGU B.S. in Network Engineering and Security?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! thanks so much, glad you've liked the content. I actually need to make a video on that since WGU updated it D:. So yeah, I will!

[@young_of_the_mill9560]

@@JoshMadakor excellent thank you, any brief thoughts on the new updates?

[@revmeno4572]

Hey josh great vid! Can this cloud degree be completed within 6 months

[@raustin247]

Thank you Josh and I’m about to embark on starting this journey July 1st at WGU and I had a question, what laptop would you recommend for this career and working remotely along with completing WGU?Someone recommended to me a Mac and I see that your using one? Would the transition from PC to Mac be something you would or wouldn’t recommend for someone with no Mac experience?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Raustin! I would recommend getting a Macbook Air (M1). I pretty much use that exclusively. Here is a thread from another video, haha (best of luck!): mama cocolilo: Hi Josh! Hope ur well! Here to pick ur brain again (like always). By chance, could u be able to recommend a computer that meets the needs of a cyber security professional, or a software developer, please? Im looking to stay in the neighborhood of about $800-$900, but im not certain as far as what it should have as far as bells and whistles go. Liam Encabl: Macbook Air M1, provides best bang for your buck being portable and lightweight with also being extremely fast with the M1 chip that should last you for many years. Josh (me): What Liam said is pretty spot on. At 800-900, you have a LOT of options. I personally have a used 2016 MacBook pro. If you want to stick to windows, any new Lenovo ThinkPad or IdeaPad within your price range is going to be good. For reference, my other laptop is a Lenovo ThinkPad p50 (this is old now, but just FYI!) mama cocolilo: @Liam Encabo thanks for the suggestion. I just checked the price and its a few hundred over my budget. I apologize, im not too familiar with tech terms, but what bells and whistles does it have that will be well suited for that career? I just wanna know what it is and what I'm paying for. Other than its an apple 🍎 , if that makes sense. Am I just paying for the name, or does it do something specific that I need to be aware of? mama cocolilo: @Josh Madakor - Tech, Education, Career thanks for the reply. A Lenovo, huh? What does it do? What bells and whistles should I be looking for and why? I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm asking the same question over and over. What i dont understand is, am I just paying for the brand name? Or do they do something specific to security and or software dev.? If it makes sense, what kind of motor does it have? Just trying to understand since I'm set on doing this F R: @mama cocolilo for any kind of development outside of Artificial intelligence or machine learning, you can literally use any laptop. You don't need much power at all. Even your price range is overkill for the kind of hardware you need to develop or be a cyber professional. At most all you need is 8gb of ram and a fast processor, the rest is not needed. mama cocolilo: @F R thanks for the reply. I ask because when I was a student, the laptop I had to buy to take online classes at the brick and mortar school (anthropology class) had to meet certain requirements as far as bells and whistles. For tech, I can't imagine that the same computer i used to take anthropology is gonna work for tech. In either case, I appreciate the reply.

[@rodytorresramirez3026]

Hey Josh would recommend this school for someone looking to start from scratch? I have no prior experience but I'm looking get into the cloud industry college.

[@Anthonydp]

Hey Josh do you think it’s better to become proficient in AWS or Azure? Or should I should go with the multi cloud track for balance?

[@JoshMadakor]

That's a great question! This is totally off the top of my head, but I think AWS is the largest cloud provider, but Azure is catching up(?). I have used both of them a bit, but I like Microsoft as a company more and I also like Azure as a platform more. I know they are both hiring quite a bit so you can't really go wrong with either. I would definitely go with Azure because I like it more, but you could probably flip a coin and have a successful career either way lol. Or just go mixed. Sorry I typed hundreds of characters and failed to answer your question lol..

[@Anthonydp]

@@JoshMadakor thanks for the reply I am unsure being a business grad starting the cloud program this month? Do you find that Azure is easier grasp than AWS?

[@retroparasite7541]

Hello josh , great info, between cloud computing and cyber security what would you recommend for someone with no experience and working a full time job ? Leading to the best jobs offer after you graduate?

[@retroparasite7541]

What’s more difficult to learn ??

[@no1up]

Really stuck between cloud and cybersecurity. I think part of it is because I don’t know EXACTLY what a cloud person does, as suppose to say a pen tester. I know what that is, and while my skill level isn’t there yet I can wrap my mind around that and have a clear goal. Do you have anything breaking down and explaining exactly what a cloud person actually does?

[@JoshMadakor]

I can make a video about this :) I’m in mobile rn so it takes a long time to type haha

[@STEPomaQbank]

you had a message which said you can do any tech job with any degree. How would I be able to do programming/coding if this degree doesn't require it? Also for job prospects and overall pay, which is better from WGU, the computer science degree or the cloud degree?

[@stardestroyer59]

completing the IT degree in about 6 more course, do you recommend that I got back and also re enroll into the new AWS track or should I just grab the certs myself?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! Lol you're very ambitious. I definitely wouldn't re-enroll, but it may be worth it to pick up a cert or two after you graduate if you are interested in them! Though, you should be good from the fat stack of certs in the original cloud track. Good luck with the rest of the program, super cool

[@LordNotlek]

Hey Josh what would be your advice for someone wanting to get an entry level cloud job? I have some experience with azure and I’ve started learning on aws

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! I would recommend getting AZ-900 (fundamentals) + one other cert (AZ-104, 500, etc). If you're more into the AWS track, get the equivalents to these. Then do a few involved projects that really showcase your understanding of some core services in the platform, put them on your portfolio/resume, then start applying to jobs. That what I have done, and a few of my friends who work in cloud. There are "many paths around the mountain", but this is a good one! Here are some vids that might help How to make a great portfolio: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJjUl4qCfbN-gs0 How to pass any IT exam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn6meYKMedSNn8k SIEM/Sentinel Tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKC9lomYl79jpZI

[@LordNotlek]

@@JoshMadakor thank you 😊

[@mazzarati]

Do u think it’s worth it to just get my Azure Certs independent of Enrolling with WGU. I would like to hit the ground running in Cloud Enginnering and Security especially in the Microsoft Space.

[@PPCCO.]

damnit, I can't decide whether to get the BS is cloud or Cyber Security. I know I want my MBA is IT management.

[@DallasFort1857]

Can I skip classes if I already have some certifications with WGU? For example I already have the CompTIA Trifecta and a few AWS certs. I was interested in enrolling in WGU and hopefully I can skip the classes that consist of these cert to obtain my bachelors quicker?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Guillermo, absolutely when you enroll, you let the counselor know what certs you have and those classes will be marked as satisfied and you won't have to take them :)

[@clintwoo5059]

Im a Physical therapist and last October I took on a 3 mon contract telling myself I’d finally make the switch to IT when the work ended in December.…..9 months later, Ive renewed my contract twice as I keep chickening out (and keep pushing back my WGU cloud computing start date) to take the initial pay cut when switching careers (help desk I assume) and too burnt out to study after work (I know a lot of people reading this can do it, but I just don’t got that grind that I did back in grad school or my first few years in my career). my contract is supposed to end next week and they are asking me to renew again. Arrrrggg so torn.

[@JoshMadakor]

If you are financially OK, I would recommend quitting, taking a month to chill out, then hopping into the tech path if that's what you wanna do. Life is too short to be sitting around wanting to do something and not do it haha. Just make sure you have enough coins stacked up and go for it :P

[@clintwoo5059]

@@JoshMadakor makes total sense. Appreciate it man. Love the content.

[@TheExaltedHerobrine]

Every time they put the title “Cloud Computing” I was like? Computer in clouds?

[@JoshMadakor]

Lol, well, that's sort of what it is, but instead of clouds, it's data centers :P

[@paulc1014]

HI Josh, what is the best alternative path to get an entry level cloud support engineer job without doing a degree from WGU?

[@alejandromendez335]

BIG QUESTION: So you say you get these certifications while doing the degree. Does that mean that you automatically get the certs after completing it? Or do you actually have to pay for the certs and take the exams for them after your degree?

[@JoshMadakor]

Ah, for those courses, this is what happens: The class will give you all the necessary material to pass the exam. In order to pass the class, instead of taking a final exam that WGU has made, you sit for the 3rd part exam by CompTIA, Cisco, etc. When you pass the exam, you pass the class and are awarded the certificate at the same time. The exam fee is already included in your tuition and you get a free retake, I believe.

[@Nahhh868]

Career switcher here! 1) Are there opportunities for this type of position in Phoenix, AZ? 2) Do I have to be on call or is it mostly 8 to 5?

[@JoshMadakor]

1) Probably since AZ is growing, but a lot of cloud/cloud support jobs are remote anyway. 2) A bit of both, it just depends where you work. With cloud support, there is a lot of shift work to cover SLAs. For example, say you work at Microsoft and they have aggressive response SLAs where you need to reply to any particular customer in any part of the world within an hour. They will need at least a few engineers working over night and someone may be on call, depending on the criticality of the system. There is a LOT of standard "8-5" ish jobs as well. Sorry for the wishy-washy answer, but that's been my observation :P

[@Mohammedmalsaid]

What WGU degree would you prefer a new person getting into IT with no experience get? Cloud computing or cybersecurity or data management?

[@Jes1919]

Hey Josh. I have a question about the cybersecurity degree. Can I take the certifications such as A+, and the others outside of WGU. I do not want to study both at the same time. I would like to graduate first then study.Do you know if that is possible?

[@JoshMadakor]

You can do that! Well, you have to take them before enrolling in WGU, then you can transfer them into the program as credits to satisfy those classes. You can't graduate, THEN take the certs after because the certs serve as "finals" for their respective classes. Hope this makes sense :)

[@Jes1919]

@@JoshMadakor Hello Josh. I spoke my mentor and she said that the certs are not finals. You pass the class and the give you an exam voucher. No finals you need to pass a cert.

[@OhSoHoly]

Im considering WGU’s cyber security and information assurance bachelors program. I don’t have a PC or laptop, which would you suggest I get? What laptop would you suggest/ what PC specs would you suggest?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Levi! So funny, I literally just recorded a raw video for this. It's still sitting in google drive unedited, but you can get a sneak preview: drive.google.com/file/d/1keBfruTJOPt5PeJfHuq3mtc58MClPcni/view?usp=sharing But TL;DR: Get a 2020+ MacBook Air M1 It's about $800-900 -- I pretty much use it for everything

[@OhSoHoly]

@@JoshMadakor wow! Thx bro😎 Jesus loves you 🙏🏼 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, -because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.- And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Time is running out, have you received the love of the truth? If you haven’t then you will be under the strong delusion that God sends with the day of Christ - the day that is a signless coming.. God didn’t spare the angels that sinned (fallen angels) He didn’t spare Adam & Eve who sinned. He didn’t spare the entire world in the days of Noah who sinned. He won’t spare you either. Please consider taking this opportunity & receiving the truth. God sent His heavenly son, who billions call Jesus but who was actually named Yeshua (in Hebrew this means Yahweh is salvation; Yahweh means most high God in Hebrew) How did we get to this point? Ephesians 6:12 does a great job explaining this. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Who sets us free? John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Yeshua (Jesus) is coming back - We don’t know the day or the hour he’s coming back, it could be tomorrow or far away, but live like its today. Repent of your sins (Jesus told us to do that) & get to know him.. he’s our only way to eternal life, our redeemer. “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” - Acts 2:38-39

[@yung_poe]

Looking like Thor in the thumbnail lol

[@JoshMadakor]

lmao, hey young poe. Haha, I did my bets

[@colbyduncan5174]

Josh, is there a way I can connect with you directly? Always appreciate you responding to my comments but there's a particular path I want to pursue and would like your thoughts.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Colby, there are a few ways: I have an email address on my channel page (cannot post here or bots will probably scrape it). I have a discord for patrons that I'm active in. I reply to @'s there as well. Either one of these works! I try to reply to email, but it gets hard sometimes! Thanks so much for watching btw!

[@colbyduncan5174]

@@JoshMadakor thanks for the reply. I'm on the verge of finishing my 2nd degree in Cybersec (first is an associates in Systems Administration and Management) currently work for a food manufacturer with their director and do various types of infrastructure but I'm trying to roadmap certs for when I get done as while the experience I'm getting is broad and awesome I'll likely try to move out of this role once I get some relevant certs. Likely Cloud related but I know MS certs are only valid a year at a time now so wasn't sure if I should just push for Sec+/CISSP.

[@Mohammedmalsaid]

Which one is better for a new person getting into IT, cybersecurity degree or cloud computing from wgu?

[@kobe_defranze]

So I'm 19 and leaving for the AirForce in 2 weeks for a 4 year enlistment. My job is in Cyber System Transport, which consists of Network admin/engineer, I'm planning on attending WGU but was wondering if I should get a BS in either Cloud computing, Network operations and security, or Cybersecurity and information assurance? which one do you think would best correlate with the OTJ experience I would have? Thanks!

[@JoshMadakor]

Congrats on that! I actually looked at that rate(?) in the airforce quite a bit, but I was too lame to join, lol.. From what I remember, BSNOS (netops security) probably correlates best with it since it is networking heavy and contains CCNA, which is super-ultra marketable and is recognized by the AF: afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/credential/8875/true Not that the other tracks aren't relevant and don't have recognized certs. BSNOS just comes to mind as the best match for me. I also did a video on the marketability of all of the different degrees, which is slightly outdated, but BSNOS was on top due to having CCNA: Which degree best certs Certs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX7Hhphro5uLb68 Hope this helps! Have fun in basic and good luck! Excited for you

[@Schrear]

2 years in with 2 years left in the air force, doing the same job Cyber Transport at one of the busiest bases in the country. It is technically "network engineer" but most of what you will be doing is patching ports. Experience itself is not too broad or useful. You get to leave tech school and enlistment with Sec+ and TS clearance. Those alone can open up decent opportunities for you. That's the best thing about it. You need to create your own experiences, get your CCNA while you're in and go from there. I'm thinking about the WGU cloud computing right now. Don't expect too much from the job. There are usually civilians doing all the cool stuff. You just gotta make sure the PC and phones are up in ISE lol

[@kobe_defranze]

@@Schrear dang kinda unfortunate to hear the job isn’t all that cool. Cool you you the same job tho, small world lol

[@kobe_defranze]

@@JoshMadakor thank you so much for the detailed reply! I appreciate it!

[@Schrear]

Don't get me wrong, there are some cool stuff you will be doing but a lot of it is military focus and won't be as marketable skill wise. The "experience", free schooling, SEC+ and (especially) TS clearance are huge but it can only go so far. Right now, focus on sec+, start studying early for it if you can. It's your "finals" for your tech school. You only get 2 weeks worth of class time and if you fail it more than twice, you get reclassed AKA move to another job, and it won't be of choice...

[@noahslinker8185]

Would it make sense to get a CCNA after getting a Cloud Computing degree? I've been debating on enrolling in the Network Engineering & Security Cisco track for a more entry-level friendly job market with the CCNA, but it seems like cloud positions are more plentiful and have a better outlook salary wise. What's the general thought process here?

[@JoshMadakor]

There's a lot of overlap between cloud and networking. My ex-wife's (we still friends!) first certificate was CCNA and her first "big kid job" was a cloud support engineer. Employers like to see CCNA and it kind of serves as an indicator that you capable of understanding somewhat advanced topics as far as IT goes. There are 1000 ways around the mountain, and the one you laid out is good. I would check out the employability framework video and think about your dream job and how the framework might apply to it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7TpJ6wi8SKh80 Good luck :)

[@noahslinker8185]

@@JoshMadakor Wow, I really didn't anticipate a response to this comment since it was on an older video - and certainly not within an hour of posting it. Thanks so much for the advice, your channel has really been a great source of information for me thus far. I'll check that video out and continue to develop my plan.

[@Justinian21c]

What job titles are suitable for a new WGU BS Cloud Computing grad without related work experience? I'm liking the idea of studying the cloud but Cloud Support Engineer sounds too much like the call center jobs I've worked so I want another job to target.

[@JoshMadakor]

Support Engineer is not quite the same as a call center job. It can start at 100k and you are sitting around waiting for customers to call you. Basically you'll have a queue where cases come in, then you get assigned a case, you research it, then you will typically be the one to reach out to the customer. It's real, legit deep technical work. If you really don't want to do support engineering, you could try to get a job doing consulting at an Analyst level. (Avanade, Accenture, other random consulting agencies). Aside this, you can probably just search indeed for "Azure" or "AWS" and see what comes out :)

[@Justinian21c]

@@JoshMadakor Thanks, Josh, for replying. I work in a call center waiting for customers to call/chat/email and want a change. Do you think that after being a Cloud Support Engineer for a year one can pretty easily transition to being a Cloud Architect or Solutions Architect?

[@craving4savings1]

I have an Elementary Education degree from WGU, and I have always had an interest in the Computer Tech field but not much experience. Would you recommend that I pursue some sort of IT degree through WGU?

[@jason2live190]

Information technology degree from WGU is basically applicable to anything tech related

[@jslim49]

Hey josh what about devops

[@mcarl14]

So can you not attend WGU IT if you do not have the right admission requirements? I applied. Called. Enrollment told me I can’t do anything in the IT field without having IT cert already.

[@JoshMadakor]

I believe there are some options for this, such as attending WGU Academy: academy.wgu.edu/ Or completing the Google Support IT Professional Certificate, which I would recommend :)

[@Ricocase]

Why do this vs. Certs. Hr asking 4 cs degree.

[@jasonlee1738]

If I got a bachelors in CS from another school, is it worth going to WGU and getting a BS in cloud computing from WGU or just gets the certs on my own ?

[@JoshMadakor]

Highly recommend just getting a few select certs on your own and building a portfolio :)

[@jasonlee1738]

@@JoshMadakor thanks I registered to take my bs in cloud computing from wgu and my job even agreed to pay for it. I want to get into cloud computing but wasn’t how would that look taking another BS computer degree. Do you think getting a master from WGU would be a better option if so which one would you recommend? Or would just continue to work on Certs on my own?

[@JoshMadakor]

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

[@korbendallas6422]

Hi Josh, i have been looking into studying for cybersecurity or cloud computing or maybe both if time allows it, do you think people in their 40's starting in this field have a chance?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey orben. Absolutely you have a chance in your 40s. All of the same things apply... portfolio, good resume, a cert or two, good application strategy, self-presentation--all of that stuff. There is a lot of overlap between cyber and cloud, but cloud support engineering might be easier to get into than cyber (off the top of my head anyway!)

[@CyberG305]

Off topic question but I have dreads and I'm seeking entry into cybersecurity. Do employers discriminate against dread locs? Have u heard or seen anything?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Michael! I'll respond to this with a short after next week but, So, I haven’t heard or seen anything specifically about dreadlocks, but I know people in general discriminate against EVERYTHING. Ageism, racism, sexism, name-ism, is a thing. My legal first name is “Nnamdi” and then my last name is “Madakor” and that’s like super ethnic and no one knows how to say my name, so I don’t put Nnamdi anywhere and I don’t use it anywhere, I use “Josh” just because I want to, like, reduce my attack surface as much as possible. I’m not like, telling you to shave your head or anything like this but, just know it exists everywhere and is probably less-so in those, you know, coastal cities and those metro areas and stuff like this. But like Middle America, I have no idea, I don’t even go there. So probably, but maybe not. Just be as squared away as possible, you know, and just do your best, I guess :D

[@CyberG305]

@@JoshMadakor thanks bro❤

[@onterioushuitt151]

Hello my friend most people really want to know how to get started because I’m having that problem now

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey!! Onterious, here is a list of things to do that will help! Building Skill and Credentials: 1. If you don’t have experience, consider doing some labs to get some pseudo experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5LWeYOHZbt1hcU 2. Make sure your linkedin is totally filled out as much as possible (after you complete all the other steps). 3. Practice for interviewing by using this list of questions. Read the question to yourself, then attempt to answer it out loud. Do this repeatedly for at least all of the “Help Desk” questions over a period of a few weeks so you get used to articulating yourself. (not necessarily to learn the answers, but that can be a byproduct): Questions: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12CD9GOZG0ib2ElQfUFJPk5KjFqMZiU1ZdXYXcFiNm10/edit#gid=0 Interview Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f53EfmR9pLeLiJI Other Interview Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3_UcqZrma-goq8 4. Try to complete at least CompTIA A+, if you can complete N+ and Sec+, that’s good, but once you have A+, it’s easier to get passed HR and get an interview 5. From this video, pick the Active Directly project plus 1 other and try to do them at least 5x each (if you have the hardware for it). Try to to the point, where you can write down a simple list of steps on a paper and you can execute the projects without watching the video too much. This will build your intuition and give you something to talk about in your interviews when they come. Projects: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmraq2OJqcqXlas 6. If you don’t have a degree or anything college on your resume, I might CONSIDER taking a python course or something from edX (etc.) and putting it on there. I think it’s free. Course: www.edx.org/course/computing-in-python-i-fundamentals-and-procedural Resume, Portfolio, and Application Process: 1. Be as consistent as possible with the process, try to have minimal “zero days” (when you don’t do anything toward your goal) 2. Ensure all your written communication is “good” and concise (job applications, hiring managers, recruiters). At the very least, use google docs to catch simple mistakes. 3. Ensure you have a quality resume that has all relevant headings and has a good score with ATS scanners: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4HKe5mjYsuap8k 4. Ensure you have a solid portfolio of the projects you have done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJjUl4qCfbN-gs0 5. Start applying to jobs, be consistent and try to do at least 3 per day. Record all the places you apply so you can keep track of it. Consider using this template: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14N108GMGZHkTO2G5uL5Ey0QABmW-VJbEirJpcUAOZw4/edit?usp=sharing 6. Consider watching these videos: How I would apply as a new person: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Ckqnt4qbZgi5o Finding Remote jobs on LinkedIn: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZywhZ2kjdt6isk Finding Remote jobs on Indeed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnOcoYN3Z9qlorM (You don’t have to work remote, but the videos can still be useful)