Poly Specialist Diploma worth my time?

lovespoo

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hi all,

need some advice from the veterans out here. Thank you in advance !

Background Info
I graduated with a dip in engineering from a local poly at around march 2017.

From Oct 2017 to August 2018 I worked at a govt agency as an auditor (10mo). As you know having a diploma in the public sector means you'll be treated very differently from the degree holders.

So i quit and decided to change to a field I'm more interested in/with a future: IT Security.

I joined an IT security company in Sept 2018 (~4mo now). I've learned so much and got some certifications (Comptia IT Fundamentals +, Network+, tentative Security+ in Feb). As i didn't have any formal IT background i decide to take the fundamentals and network+ certs 1st to "strengthen my base".

Future plans: Start on my part time degree in IT security in 2020.

So while i have some time in 2019, i was thinking if it would be worth getting a specialist diploma from local polys (SP or NYP), esp the SP 1, since my work is in NIDS currently. Or should I keep my focus on getting certifications, like CCNA, CCNA security, CEH for this year.

The pace of learning is really really fast in the company (MNC with intranet dedicated for employees to learn) i went in a cold turkey and now have a good basic understanding of networking and security. So is it worth the time/money getting this specialist dip or should i just save up for the degree. Will it make a difference in my future hiring process, or my pay grade?
 
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fmylifereader

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hi all,

need some advice from the veterans out here. Thank you in advance !

Background Info
I graduated with a dip in engineering from a local poly at around march 2017.

From Oct 2017 to August 2018 I worked at a govt agency as an auditor (10mo). As you know having a diploma in the public sector means you'll be treated very differently from the degree holders.

So i quit and decided to change to a field I'm more interested in/with a future: IT Security.

I joined an IT security company in Sept 2018 (~4mo now). I've learned so much and got some certifications (Comptia IT Fundamentals +, Network+, tentative Security+ in Feb). As i didn't have any formal IT background i decide to take the fundamentals and network+ certs 1st to "strengthen my base".

Future plans: Start on my part time degree in IT security in 2020.

So while i have some time in 2019, i was thinking if it would be worth getting a specialist diploma from local polys (SP or NYP), esp the SP 1, since my work is in NIDS currently. Or should I keep my focus on getting certifications, like CCNA, CCNA security, CEH for this year.

The pace of learning is really really fast in the company (MNC with intranet dedicated for employees to learn) i went in a cold turkey and now have a good basic understanding of networking and security. So is it worth the time/money getting this specialist dip or should i just save up for the degree. Will it make a difference in my future hiring process, or my pay grade?

My recommendation is to skip all poly specialist diploma for information security. My experience with them is they are usually very shallow and out dated.

I would also advice skipping CCNA, CCNA security and CEH unless you are working specifically with Cisco products since you have Network+. CEH is usually a waste of time especially if you have got Security+.

I would recommend you to look up AWS certifications and security pathway. Cloud is the way moving forward and there is a serious shortage of folks with cloud skillsets and knowledge, and applying security perspective to it. In addition you should also look at how take advantage of cloud services and products to automate mundane security tasks with regards to Governance Risk Compliance (GRC).

https://aws.amazon.com/training/paths-specialty/
 
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lovespoo

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My recommendation is to skip all poly specialist diploma for information security. My experience with them is they are usually very shallow and out dated.

I would also advice skipping CCNA, CCNA security and CEH unless you are working specifically with Cisco products since you have Network+. CEH is usually a waste of time especially if you have got Security+.

I would recommend you to look up AWS certifications and security pathway. Cloud is the way moving forward and there is a serious shortage of folks with cloud skillsets and knowledge, and applying security perspective to it. In addition you should also look at how take advantage of cloud services and products to automate mundane security tasks with regards to Governance Risk Compliance (GRC).

https://aws.amazon.com/training/paths-specialty/

Thanks for the info !

Yeah the modules do look a little under whelming.

I'm thinking of getting the Specialist Cert from NUS instead: http://scale.nus.edu.sg/programmes/SpecialistCertCourses.html

and the modules are stackable towards the Bachelor of Technology degree in Cybersecurity. What do you think ?

Also, thanks for the info on cloud, i did get some exposure in that area. However a different team handles cloud security. I'll keep that in mind for my study plan !
 

fmylifereader

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Thanks for the info !

Yeah the modules do look a little under whelming.

I'm thinking of getting the Specialist Cert from NUS instead: http://scale.nus.edu.sg/programmes/SpecialistCertCourses.html

and the modules are stackable towards the Bachelor of Technology degree in Cybersecurity. What do you think ?

Also, thanks for the info on cloud, i did get some exposure in that area. However a different team handles cloud security. I'll keep that in mind for my study plan !

hmm I have no visibility into the content from the modules listed. But from reading the general description, it doesn't seem to offer any depth as well.

I think if you are going for the actual degree instead of the certificates, the modules for cybersecurity specialization (major requirements) look more relevant.

http://www.nus.edu.sg/nusbulletin/s...achelor-of-technology-cybersecurity/?pdf=9720

Anyway if you are planning to the technical career route, any computer science degree that covers data structure and algorithms, operating systems and networking will be good enough. The idea is learn how programs, systems and networks work. If you know how they work, you have already won half the battle since security knowledge is built on top of them.

But if your job environment or career aspiration is at the client side doing vendor management and coordination or Governance Risk Compliance (GRC), then the skill sets required are quite different
 

Aliensurge

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hi all,

need some advice from the veterans out here. Thank you in advance !

Background Info
I graduated with a dip in engineering from a local poly at around march 2017.

From Oct 2017 to August 2018 I worked at a govt agency as an auditor (10mo). As you know having a diploma in the public sector means you'll be treated very differently from the degree holders.

So i quit and decided to change to a field I'm more interested in/with a future: IT Security.

I joined an IT security company in Sept 2018 (~4mo now). I've learned so much and got some certifications (Comptia IT Fundamentals +, Network+, tentative Security+ in Feb). As i didn't have any formal IT background i decide to take the fundamentals and network+ certs 1st to "strengthen my base".

Future plans: Start on my part time degree in IT security in 2020.

So while i have some time in 2019, i was thinking if it would be worth getting a specialist diploma from local polys (SP or NYP), esp the SP 1, since my work is in NIDS currently. Or should I keep my focus on getting certifications, like CCNA, CCNA security, CEH for this year.

The pace of learning is really really fast in the company (MNC with intranet dedicated for employees to learn) i went in a cold turkey and now have a good basic understanding of networking and security. So is it worth the time/money getting this specialist dip or should i just save up for the degree. Will it make a difference in my future hiring process, or my pay grade?

Yo! I am going to be in a similar situation as you. I have an engineering diploma and I want to enter the IT field since entering the army. I will ORD in about 6 months and have started looking for jobs in the IT field. Its hard to find companies willing to take engineering diploma holders... however, I want to take up a degree in IT. I have applied to SIT computer science but doubt I will get in... Do you guys think it is better for me to

A) Work and apply for SUSS ICT/ITB

B) Enter a private Uni (PSB Computer Science/Information Technology) (SIMGE computer science... etc)

C) Continue engineering studies..

I honestly have a passion for engineering but the money is too low...
 

snoozex

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Yo! I am going to be in a similar situation as you. I have an engineering diploma and I want to enter the IT field since entering the army. I will ORD in about 6 months and have started looking for jobs in the IT field. Its hard to find companies willing to take engineering diploma holders... however, I want to take up a degree in IT. I have applied to SIT computer science but doubt I will get in... Do you guys think it is better for me to

A) Work and apply for SUSS ICT/ITB

B) Enter a private Uni (PSB Computer Science/Information Technology) (SIMGE computer science... etc)

C) Continue engineering studies..

I honestly have a passion for engineering but the money is too low...


Hi,


Engineering pay is low if you only have a diploma but if u have experience plus a degree,it might be different. But in general, I dun think Singaporeans value engineering. A pretty good starting career but many will opt for management after a number of engineering experiences. Anyway, if you are continuing in engineering, which uni do u intend to apply? I am just thinking if you want to continue engineering but you wrote about low chance of entering SIT comp sci, this mean you also have very little choices? Private engineering degrees in SG are pretty crappy... expensive and very limited choices...



If IT is what you really want, then you can apply for SUSS as your NS 2 years will satisfy the work requirement. Same if you want to continue engineering.



The questions might be to ask yourself... will be u be happy to get "low" pay with SUSS/private degrees? But i guess it will be much better than a diploma pay...
 

Aliensurge

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Hi,


Engineering pay is low if you only have a diploma but if u have experience plus a degree,it might be different. But in general, I dun think Singaporeans value engineering. A pretty good starting career but many will opt for management after a number of engineering experiences. Anyway, if you are continuing in engineering, which uni do u intend to apply? I am just thinking if you want to continue engineering but you wrote about low chance of entering SIT comp sci, this mean you also have very little choices? Private engineering degrees in SG are pretty crappy... expensive and very limited choices...



If IT is what you really want, then you can apply for SUSS as your NS 2 years will satisfy the work requirement. Same if you want to continue engineering.



The questions might be to ask yourself... will be u be happy to get "low" pay with SUSS/private degrees? But i guess it will be much better than a diploma pay...

I have already applied for SIT engineering courses. My GPA isnt too good to apply for top 3 uni in SG. I may get into SIT but im not 100% sure. Ive seen from posts that many still get rejected by SIT with the same GPA as me.

I am not familiar with SUSS starting salary. Is it comparable to private uni starting salary? From my understanding.. private uni average salary is about 2.5k. Local uni average is about 3k-4k? Depending on industry of course. Where would SUSS fall into?

I dont mind getting into the management role after a few years in the engineering industry. Theres always the fear that I would not be able to cope with studying/working in the IT field after coming from an engineering background in poly. So its more of a risk for me. Either try something new with a higher pay in IT... or stay with engineering and wonder what the IT industry will be like in the future
 

havetheveryfun

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I have already applied for SIT engineering courses. My GPA isnt too good to apply for top 3 uni in SG. I may get into SIT but im not 100% sure. Ive seen from posts that many still get rejected by SIT with the same GPA as me.

I am not familiar with SUSS starting salary. Is it comparable to private uni starting salary? From my understanding.. private uni average salary is about 2.5k. Local uni average is about 3k-4k? Depending on industry of course. Where would SUSS fall into?

I dont mind getting into the management role after a few years in the engineering industry. Theres always the fear that I would not be able to cope with studying/working in the IT field after coming from an engineering background in poly. So its more of a risk for me. Either try something new with a higher pay in IT... or stay with engineering and wonder what the IT industry will be like in the future

u want to enter IT field then still apply for engineering course?
 

danndaman

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A specialist diploma can be beneficial if you have (a) time to kill, (b) money to spend, and (c) a headstart. Although, it's best to review the course curriculum to see if it is outdated or not.

If you need more help, this article might help clear up some doubts about what you should and should not study to break into the field.

Link: bgc-group.com/blog/2019/04/tech-cyber-security-courses-singapore
 

aeth3r

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This course is similar to CISSP . ( More on Theory and specially for Management )

Good for CISSP prep imo.

Thanks paper82. How about the below ones from SP & TP? Tks!

(w)ww.tp.edu.sg/courses/part-time-courses/industry/ict-and-media/specialist-diploma-in-information-security-and-forensics#tab2

(w)ww.sp.edu.sg/pace/courses/course-type/part-time-and-post-diplomas/specialist-diploma-in-cyber-security-management

Am actually more incline towards a more hands on cert.
 

paper82

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Thanks paper82. How about the below ones from SP & TP? Tks!

(w)ww.tp.edu.sg/courses/part-time-courses/industry/ict-and-media/specialist-diploma-in-information-security-and-forensics#tab2

(w)ww.sp.edu.sg/pace/courses/course-type/part-time-and-post-diplomas/specialist-diploma-in-cyber-security-management

Am actually more incline towards a more hands on cert.

Hi aeth3r ,

TP is technical but not for beginner level . What they teach you only can apply 60% in assignment and exam . The rest you need to research your self . This course more for advance student . This course u need to know scripting .If you dont have basic skill better dont join else you will suffer.

SP is technical but teaching method is noob friendly . What they teach 80% you can apply in exam and assignment . Suitable for those who know little bit of linux , Network and VM experience . If dont have background also can try ,just finish all the exercise and assignment will enough you to pass. For me i think Stress-less and enjoyable .

SP also have another 2.5years cyber sec course which i think more all rounded .( i will recommend this course if you have extra time to spend )

https://www.sp.edu.sg/pace/courses/...in-infocomm-and-digital-media-(cyber-security)


Summary :
If you want to go management route : NYP
If you want to go technical but from Beginner : SP
If you want to go technical but advance a bit : TP

If you really want hand-ons and knowledge . Poly only can provide fundamental . you also can self study like take OSCP which i recommend you at least have 20 HTB experience /20 vulhub experience before take up this course. Their training material is not user friendly and you need to have a lot of research and try harder spirit .

You also can go for eLearnSecurity PTS -> PTP : i highly recommend cause their training material is top notch . At least not easy give up and have fun and most important you gain knowledge .
 
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aeth3r

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Hi aeth3r ,

TP is technical but not for beginner level . What they teach you only can apply 60% in assignment and exam . The rest you need to research your self . This course more for advance student . This course u need to know scripting .If you dont have basic skill better dont join else you will suffer.

SP is technical but teaching method is noob friendly . What they teach 80% you can apply in exam and assignment . Suitable for those who know little bit of linux , Network and VM experience . If dont have background also can try ,just finish all the exercise and assignment will enough you to pass. For me i think Stress-less and enjoyable .

SP also have another 2.5years cyber sec course which i think more all rounded .( i will recommend this course if you have extra time to spend )

https://www.sp.edu.sg/pace/courses/...in-infocomm-and-digital-media-(cyber-security)


Summary :
If you want to go management route : NYP
If you want to go technical but from Beginner : SP
If you want to go technical but advance a bit : TP

If you really want hand-ons and knowledge . Poly only can provide fundamental . you also can self study like take OSCP which i recommend you at least have 20 HTB experience /20 vulhub experience before take up this course. Their training material is not user friendly and you need to have a lot of research and try harder spirit .

You also can go for eLearnSecurity PTS -> PTP : i highly recommend cause their training material is top notch . At least not easy give up and have fun and most important you gain knowledge .

Thank you for your time & breakdown of each.

I actually competed PTS and enrolled in PTP but am concerned that their cert isn’t as well recognised in SG hence would like to take additional local poly cert to supplement it since I did not have any local deg/poly dip anyways.

OSCP would be e ultimate goal, but not now for sure.

Guess I’ve to decide between NYP or TP. Haha.
 

paper82

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Thank you for your time & breakdown of each.

I actually competed PTS and enrolled in PTP but am concerned that their cert isn’t as well recognised in SG hence would like to take additional local poly cert to supplement it since I did not have any local deg/poly dip anyways.

OSCP would be e ultimate goal, but not now for sure.

Guess I’ve to decide between NYP or TP. Haha.

Hi aeth3r,

Sad that Singapore is not recognized eLearnSecurity Cert yet .
i think SP and TP is not suitable for u If you already enrolled PTP.
SP = PTS level
TP = may be PTS ++ but not PTP level yet .
NYP = CISSP prep

But if you just want to get a cert then just can go ahead and choose one nearby your house and stress-less one . Then you can put more time on PTP > OSCP .

One thing good about NYP security cert you can apply AISP member ( Singapore infoc sec) if im not remember wrongly .
https://www.aisp.sg/index.html
 
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aeth3r

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Hi aeth3r,

Sad that Singapore is not recognized eLearnSecurity Cert yet .
i think SP and TP is not suitable for u If you already enrolled PTP.
SP = PTS level
TP = may be PTS ++ but not PTP level yet .
NYP = CISSP prep

But if you just want to get a cert then just can go ahead and choose one nearby your house and stress-less one . Then you can put more time on PTP > OSCP .

One thing good about NYP security cert you can apply AISP member ( Singapore infoc sec) if im not remember wrongly .
https://www.aisp.sg/index.html

Thanks paper82.

If that’s the case, I think NYP is the best for complementing with PTP as I will get to touch on diff domains, like governance and such.
 
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