[MoneyGuy99]

hey everyone, have been thinking about doing the MCSE 2003 Security certfication for a while now. Just want to get some of your expert opinions, I want to eventually get into an "I.T. Auditing, Security" type role. Eventually i would like to obtain a C.I.S.A. designation, and work as an I.T. Auditor, just wondering if a MCSE 2003 Security certification would be a good start or stepping stone in obtaining the C.I.S.A., and more promptly an IT Audting type of job.

Are certifications the way to go, do they really help when applying for jobs??? already completed my degree, do certs really help??

Thank you, I welcome all comments, suggestions, thanks again everyone!!

[Ciberblade]

If security is where you want to be....this cert would be a good addition! But I would not limit yourself to that one

[coderitr]

I think it would be hard to find someone less qualified to teach security than Microsoft. Go with Cisco.

[Ciberblade]

Originally Posted by coderitr

I think it would be hard to find someone less qualified to teach security than Microsoft. Go with Cisco.

I was going to mention that -- with many business minds sold on MS, it wouldn't hurt to have an MS cert

[coderitr]

But MS manufactures neither the hardware running the network nor the operating systems of those devices. Security starts at the network backbone. I think that's why MS has gotten away with insecure products to date. The folks at Cisco have been and continue to be focused on security and functionality while the developers at MS seem to be more focused on making it easy for idiots to use their product.

[Ciberblade]

Originally Posted by coderitr

But MS manufactures neither the hardware running the network nor the operating systems of those devices. Security starts at the network backbone. I think that's why MS has gotten away with insecure products to date. The folks at Cisco have been and continue to be focused on security and functionality while the developers at MS seem to be more focused on making it easy for idiots to use their product.

No argument from me at all!

I'm just saying that from a business managers perspective -- who knows little to nothing about technology, except for the MS brandname...it does seem to make a difference. However illogical that difference may be.

[coderitr]

Good point. Why don't we take all middle managers and shoot 'em. ( Except me. )

[Ciberblade]

We could put them on the "B" ark

[MoneyGuy99]

Thanks to the both of your for your responses. U know im having some difficulty determining whether I want to stay in the I.T. field???

I have an interest in netowrk security, i.e. I.T. Auditor is the career path I am aiming for, and is basically what i want to do in I.T. I have been looking at some job postings for I.T. Auditing, and I have noticed some common elements:

- degree in computer science, and/or business/technology related degree
- C.I.S.A designation, coupled with a CISSP would be an extra insentive

The only thing scaring me with I.T. is that can u actually have a long prospering career in I.T., and retire at a good age, like other professions (laywer, doctor, police man, engineer),

I live in canada, Toronto area, does anyone know where I can get training for the C.I.S.A. examination??

Also, do u think doing a MCSE 2003 Security designation, is a good stepping stone, from your reponses, some of u say yes, and some say no (to stick with CISCO??)

thanks everyone, I welcome all ideas/suggestions/comments thanks!!!

[Ciberblade]

MoneyGuy ~ My view on the MCSE is that it's a good starting point....to get your feet wet so-to-speak, but through it you will not garnish the true value or understanding of security -- that is where Cisco comes in. With Cisco you will be much more proficient with a greater depth of knowledge.

Generally, in the business world -- the degree will hold more weight while the cert will allow nitch market entry....combining the two makes you a very valuable asset

[coderitr]

I've been in the IT field for 14 years. I don't make millions but I do make a comfortable living. I work for a strong loyal company. I've been with this company a very atypical nine years. That's an eternity in the IT world and admittedly, my skill set at this point is not adequate to secure a job much anywhere else but I know our systems inside and out. I'm the leader of a very small team (there is one other developer in my department) and therefore am virtually indispensible to this company. If that changed I would be in trouble but it hasn't yet and I don't see any major problems on the horizon.

/edit: I hold a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts with a english literature concentration. I took every compsci class offered by my tiny college and was offered a huge break 14 years ago when the hiring manager at the first IT company I worked for saw potential in me. I've never passed calculus, I've never even taken courses in binary arithmetic or statistics. I struggle with that from time to time when I find I have to do some bit twiddling in C but I get through it -- it's just not "automatic" to me.

[Lpar]

My story sounds a lot like code's. I've been a Windows admin (lord help me and release me from this prison) for almost 15 years now. Nepotism got me started and I went for my degree while working. I've been at the same place for 6 whole years. looking to get out now. I can no longer abide the life in a cubicle. All this remote administration is making me fat.
I have found that a master's degree, costing the same as a Microsoft certification, is more valuable and lasts a lot longer. How many people paid $7,000 for an NT Certification?
Experience gets you the work these days. An advanced degree is your friend and it can be in anything, really as long as you've put the time in. Any high school kid can come out of a remedial program these days with an MSCE.

[Ciberblade]

I seem to have a bit of varying story -- basically, I found myself with outdated credentials and a need for employment....i went for the computer science/information technology degree and am now enjoying a newfound employment. I work with MS admin as well as Cisco equipment -- I've a Mac PowerBook G4 on my desk right now loaded with Linux Fedora -- enough to keep the position from becoming redundant.

Before this however, I was in a similar situation....new the systems inside-out, etc....

[MoneyGuy99]

hmmm.....so u do indeed think that I.T. is one of the "best" career choices anyone can make, for the long term, so to speak??

[Shamou]

Originally Posted by Ciberblade

I seem to have a bit of varying story -- basically, I found myself with outdated credentials and a need for employment....i went for the computer science/information technology degree and am now enjoying a newfound employment. I work with MS admin as well as Cisco equipment -- I've a Mac PowerBook G4 on my desk right now loaded with Linux Fedora -- enough to keep the position from becoming redundant.

Before this however, I was in a similar situation....new the systems inside-out, etc....

Hey Buddy... all that and you look like a 20 years old kid in your Public Profile Pic... congrats... unless the pic is 10 yeas old... (just had to throw that in didn't I )