I sort of sat on both stools at once. I studied for an MSc. in Computing
with the (UK) Open University which you do by correspondence and study in
your own time, with exams at regular intervals. I got a degree while holding
down a full-time job in IT and having had 6 years full-time experience
before I started.
In my view the experience was a big help, and the study was a big help too.
I was able to apply my studies to my work and use my work as case studies on
the course - a really great arrangement.
just my 2c.
David Alexander
Project Manager & Information Security Consultant
Qualified BS7799 Lead Auditor
Triskele Ltd.
Office 01491 833280
Mobile 0780 308 3130
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gregory McCann [mailto:greg_at_CAMBRIA.COM]
> Sent: 08 November 2000 05:49
> To: PEN-TEST_at_SECURITYFOCUS.COM
> Subject: Re: [PEN-TEST] Education. Formal or not?
>
>
> Dear ph00dy,
>
> I'm not a full-time security professional, but I'm in a
> closely related field doing system administration and
> e-commerce development for a number of clients. I quit
> college about 13 years ago when one of my professors
> recommended me for a programming job (dBase) and everything
> has been on-the-job training since then.
>
> You mentioned that everything you learn in school is 2-3
> years behind. That's typical. It probably stays that way
> until you get into post-graduate work (which I never did).
> Then you might actually end up being *ahead* of the curve.
>
> I have mixed feelings about not having a degree. On the one
> hand, I have done well without it and I have enjoyed the
> challenge. On the other hand, a lot of doors are much easier
> to get through if you do have that piece of paper. Most
> corporate hiring managers are college graduates themselves
> and they must have that "stamp of approval" on everyone who
> comes through their door.
>
> To get by without a degree you have to be independent, well
> above average, and very hard-working. But there is a lot of
> satisfaction in being able to succeed that way.
>
> Greg
>
> On 11/7/2000 at 10:00 PM ph00dy wrote:
>
> >My questions are:
> >
> >1.Is college a waste of time for pen-test/auditing/risk assessment
> >professionals?
> >2.If so how does one prove what they know to a perspective employer?
> >3.What is the practical value of a college degree in our
> field? What about
> >in the long run?
>
> ______________
> Gregory McCann
> http://www.calypteanna.com
>
> "Acquire the spirit of peace and thousands around you will be saved."
> - Saint Seraphim of Sarov
>
David Alexander
Project Manager & Information Security Consultant
Qualified BS7799 Lead Auditor
Triskele Ltd.
Office 01491 833280
Mobile 0780 308 3130
Received on Nov 09 2000
Intro
