Hi,

   I’ve found a site recently where the author has conducted some research with Information Security professionals concerning what they think is important for people to learn when trying to break into the industry.

http://www.digininja.org/projects_general.php

   On the above page there are a series of articles called “Breaking into Security”.
   I think they give some interesting information for newcomers about what certificates are important and what programming languages to learn --also a range of other issues.
I personally think it is worth a read.

 Good luck with your journey

Hi Falcon,
I wish you good luck with your applications.
I am currently going through the graduate recruitment process for a large networking organisation. If I get the post I will be over the moon.  I enjoy anything to do with networks and think security is a part of any job in this area. If I don’t get it I will just keep applying for jobs.
take care

Hi
Falcon--I wish you luck in your efforts at getting a job. I would be interested to hear how you get on as time passes.
I am currently doing volunteer IT work with a charity---I really enjoy it and I am learning lots at the same time.
In the UK people are not taking their jobs for granted at the moment and many people in all types of careers are having problems finding work.--I am not sure what the situation is like in the USA.
Many people on the Masters were taking the course to boost their chances in the employment market. I did the course at De Montfort and I also did a year’s placement in the IT department of a large organisation.  The Master’s was challenging and expensive and it definitely takes a lot of effort.
I think it was worth doing and I am proud of the achievement but there are other ways of learning. I like the look of the Sans courses and am saving up to take one or even challenge one of them.
One thing I do enjoy is doing some of the challenges that are posted on the Internet-- on this forum someone has posted about the Honeynet Challenge---I am also taking part in the US Cyber security challenge and also the UK version---and also the Forensic challenge. They are all free and open to everyone whether you have been years in the profession or not.
I enjoyed Sil’s web guide because it gave an experienced view of what is helpful in the path towards a security role.

Hi,
As someone trying to break into security I have found this thread really insightful.
I have an MSc in forensics but it is not enough on its own. I look at all the certificates there are and all the areas of knowledge and it is hard to decide which to do or look at first.
After reading this thread I realised that I am often overwhelmed because there is so so much to learn. However that is the nature of the beast and probably any of the certificates help.
 I appreciate Sil's comments on the importance of knowing the technologies and think that is a very important point.
all the best

Hi Jamie,

 I am sorry to hear you have had this setback. I agree with what everyone has said. From your web site you certainly look to be dedicated and also a good communicator.
I would say if you enjoy penetration testing keep it as your goal.
I know how hard it is at the moment to find the right job because I am in the same boat. 
I hope you find something soon--in the mean time keep posting because I am sure there are a few of us in the same position and it is really helpful to hear how other people are doing.
all the best
 

Hi Jamie,

 Thanks for the reply and offer. I think this is an excellent forum for welcoming people.
 I will post my progress.

  all the best

Hi Jamie,

 I am trying to get into penetration testing and have started visiting this forum to get tips and advice from others in the same position and also from the more experienced.
I was delighted to see your web site as it is excellent to find first hand accounts of people's experiences and also reviews of courses.

 There are lots of certificates to take and a great deal of information to learn so I appreciate reading about someone else's journey.
I have an MSc in Forensic Computing and am looking to enhance this with the CCNA (I've done the Cisco Academy course and am now revising for the exam) and soon the OSCP. My ultimate goal is to take the CREST registered pen tester exam.

Good luck and I will certainly use your site as a resource.