31 yo looking to start a network security career

[harryyeo]

I'm a 30 going to 31 dude newbie who only knows the basic of Java and mySQL and zilch about software lifecycle and the like, what are the possible routes and career paths for me to get started in a future network security career?

Current plan is to save enough in my current job then get related certs like CompTia A+, CCNA and CCNA Security.
Another problem I foresee is experience and also wonder if employer will take someone without Diploma or Degree in IT.

 

[DavidFhu]

I'm a 30 going to 31 dude newbie who only knows the basic of Java and mySQL and zilch about software lifecycle and the like, what are the possible routes and career paths for me to get started in a future network security career?

Current plan is to save enough in my current job then get related certs like CompTia A+, CCNA and CCNA Security.
Another problem I foresee is experience and also wonder if employer will take someone without Diploma or Degree in IT.

Those IT technician without Dip or Degree start work with $1500 per month.

Unless you can take the pay cut that much.

Under Information Security field, you will need CompTIA A+, CompTIA It Fundamentals and MTA for a start. Follow by CCNA, CCCIA, CHFI and more.

On the way up, you still need a min Dip in IT to keep you where you are.

 

[harryyeo]

Those IT technician without Dip or Degree start work with $1500 per month.

Unless you can take the pay cut that much.

Under Information Security field, you will need CompTIA A+, CompTIA It Fundamentals and MTA for a start. Follow by CCNA, CCCIA, CHFI and more.

On the way up, you still need a min Dip in IT to keep you where you are.

That's a big ouch, since my previous pay in customer service is $2300.
But I think I can take the cut if it's just for a few months to get experience.

A question though, is there any IT field related to information systems?
Since my Dip did learn abit of business processes, workflows and data management though almost zilch technically.

 

[havetheveryfun]

But do u have local degree or local diploma in non IT field at least?

 

[Pineapple.wong]

I'm a 30 going to 31 dude newbie who only knows the basic of Java and mySQL and zilch about software lifecycle and the like, what are the possible routes and career paths for me to get started in a future network security career?

Current plan is to save enough in my current job then get related certs like CompTia A+, CCNA and CCNA Security.
Another problem I foresee is experience and also wonder if employer will take someone without Diploma or Degree in IT.

Work on your certification and definitely brush up on your programming language. From my understanding, many degrees don't teach any of the languages in depth and assume that you are already proficient in it.

Many of the B. Computer Science students have to repeatedly retake their basic modules at my ex-school, Ngee Ann Adelaide, simply because they cannot keep up with the full time working and such an intensive part time programme.

Lucky for you, I heard they are starting a full time one. If you're really serious on changing tracks to IT, I suggest you research on Ngee -Ann Adelaide and call them for more information. As you yourself know, not having any formal paper qualifications will hurt your chances. You might as well do your research now and get one with the biggest ROI while you're at it.

31 is not old at all. Not in a field where it's theoretically possible for the absolute geniuses to be self-taught in the subject.

 

[havetheveryfun]

Work on your certification and definitely brush up on your programming language. From my understanding, many degrees don't teach any of the languages in depth and assume that you are already proficient in it.

Many of the B. Computer Science students have to repeatedly retake their basic modules at my ex-school, Ngee Ann Adelaide, simply because they cannot keep up with the full time working and such an intensive part time programme.

Lucky for you, I heard they are starting a full time one. If you're really serious on changing tracks to IT, I suggest you research on Ngee -Ann Adelaide and call them for more information. As you yourself know, not having any formal paper qualifications will hurt your chances. You might as well do your research now and get one with the biggest ROI while you're at it.

31 is not old at all. Not in a field where it's theoretically possible for the absolute geniuses to be self-taught in the subject.

or maybe could consider the graduate diploma in systems analysis from NUS. 13 months full time, 7 months of term and 6 months of internship.

 

[camerah]

or maybe could consider the graduate diploma in systems analysis from NUS. 13 months full time, 7 months of term and 6 months of internship.

the course sounds more like people looking at software and application development?
most of the units are programming based.

Dosent really cover I.T security

 

[harryyeo]

But do u have local degree or local diploma in non IT field at least?

I have a Diploma in Information Management from Temasek Poly.

Work on your certification and definitely brush up on your programming language. From my understanding, many degrees don't teach any of the languages in depth and assume that you are already proficient in it.

Many of the B. Computer Science students have to repeatedly retake their basic modules at my ex-school, Ngee Ann Adelaide, simply because they cannot keep up with the full time working and such an intensive part time programme.

Lucky for you, I heard they are starting a full time one. If you're really serious on changing tracks to IT, I suggest you research on Ngee -Ann Adelaide and call them for more information. As you yourself know, not having any formal paper qualifications will hurt your chances. You might as well do your research now and get one with the biggest ROI while you're at it.

31 is not old at all. Not in a field where it's theoretically possible for the absolute geniuses to be self-taught in the subject.

Thanks for the info, I'll take a look.

or maybe could consider the graduate diploma in systems analysis from NUS. 13 months full time, 7 months of term and 6 months of internship.

I believe all Graduate Diplomas need degrees as entry req?
I only have a diploma sadly.

 

[havetheveryfun]

the course sounds more like people looking at software and application development?
most of the units are programming based.

Dosent really cover I.T security

hmm yep cos the other guy suggested the bach degree which I went to take a look, and it also doesn't really cover I.T security. Just suggested that in case if you want a degree/diploma in IT for a start. you also mentioned MySQL, java and software life cycle in your first post which I believe this course does cover.

so u have never worked in an IT kind of job before ?

 

[harryyeo]

hmm yep cos the other guy suggested the bach degree which I went to take a look, and it also doesn't really cover I.T security. Just suggested that in case if you want a degree/diploma in IT for a start. you also mentioned MySQL, java and software life cycle in your first post which I believe this course does cover.

so u have never worked in an IT kind of job before ?

I only did an IT job long time ago back in 2007 as a part time IT call centre agent for a few months (call centre moved overseas).
As of today, I am currently waiting to start my new job as an onsite IT Helpdesk support.
Using it to save money and gain exp in IT support before going for certs and then jumping onto other roles.

 

[DavidFhu]

That's a big ouch, since my previous pay in customer service is $2300.
But I think I can take the cut if it's just for a few months to get experience.

A question though, is there any IT field related to information systems?
Since my Dip did learn abit of business processes, workflows and data management though almost zilch technically.

If that is the case, don't go into IT Networking. Move along IT Management and Strategy field. That what I am heading to.

I would recommend to pick up CompTIA CDIA+ and join major copier firms that duel with Managed Document Service. You can choose to join them as pre-sales or assistant sales engineer.

 

[seesiang]

I'm a 30 going to 31 dude newbie who only knows the basic of Java and mySQL and zilch about software lifecycle and the like, what are the possible routes and career paths for me to get started in a future network security career?

Current plan is to save enough in my current job then get related certs like CompTia A+, CCNA and CCNA Security.
Another problem I foresee is experience and also wonder if employer will take someone without Diploma or Degree in IT.

instead of coming to network security, head into software security.

Software security warrant a higher income and the demand / talents are little.

If you know your job well and like programming, this is the best of the world.

 

[Genesis]

Those IT technician without Dip or Degree start work with $1500 per month.

Unless you can take the pay cut that much.

Under Information Security field, you will need CompTIA A+, CompTIA It Fundamentals and MTA for a start. Follow by CCNA, CCCIA, CHFI and more.

On the way up, you still need a min Dip in IT to keep you where you are.

is CompTIA A+ and CompTIA IT Fundamentals even useful?

 

[gld998]

instead of coming to network security, head into software security.

Software security warrant a higher income and the demand / talents are little.

If you know your job well and like programming, this is the best of the world.

this is the way to go!

 

[Secureman]

Work on your certification and definitely brush up on your programming language. From my understanding, many degrees don't teach any of the languages in depth and assume that you are already proficient in it.

Many of the B. Computer Science students have to repeatedly retake their basic modules at my ex-school, Ngee Ann Adelaide, simply because they cannot keep up with the full time working and such an intensive part time programme.

Lucky for you, I heard they are starting a full time one. If you're really serious on changing tracks to IT, I suggest you research on Ngee -Ann Adelaide and call them for more information. As you yourself know, not having any formal paper qualifications will hurt your chances. You might as well do your research now and get one with the biggest ROI while you're at it.

31 is not old at all. Not in a field where it's theoretically possible for the absolute geniuses to be self-taught in the subject.

I'm one of those retrenched PMEs. Thinking to switch career to cyber security and planning to get a networking diploma first. Is 50 yo considered too old to take up a new cyber security career?

 

[paper82]

Previous experience?

 

[Secureman]

Previous experience?

No previous IT working experience. But used to DIY my own PC, including installing programs.

 

[paper82]

No previous IT working experience. But used to DIY my own PC, including installing programs.

Not advisable .

 

[gld998]

I'm one of those retrenched PMEs. Thinking to switch career to cyber security and planning to get a networking diploma first. Is 50 yo considered too old to take up a new cyber security career?

50yrs should plan for retirement.. slow down...

 

[seesiang]

I'm one of those retrenched PMEs. Thinking to switch career to cyber security and planning to get a networking diploma first. Is 50 yo considered too old to take up a new cyber security career?

Bro, sorry if I sound offensive to you.

Age 50 could mean you have been through a lot, being said, you may held high position before.

I am not targeting at you but sharing my experience. I am working in security field and there were once whereby my colleague fall under your range. He shared the same situation as you but better in the way that he worked in security before.

But his thinking and behaviour are out of the world. He is holding same title as me, tried to boss every one around because of his age (include his boss) and worst, he don't accept other's opinion when it come to discussion. He is still living in the world whereby he is the boss and making the final say. Terribly hard to work with a narrow minded colleague with low results delivered.

I don't fault at my ex colleague because I may be in the same situation in the future.

Think twice if you wish to jump into a new field and be expected that you have to do **** work with a smile.