Information Security Jobs
Submitted by mooday on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 8:54am.
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Have you ever acquired talent for entry-level information security jobs? Are there any jobs in this field that don't require experience or a CISSP?
I have an MBA in Information Assurance as well as an MCSE and I'm looking to get work experience in the field. I have a very good understanding of networks, security concepts, and the business aspects such as risk. My problem is that I cannot seem to find an entry level job where I can get experience required for my dream jobs in Information Assurance. I also cannot get a CISSP without experience.
Would love to hear from you recruiters or from anyone else who may know!
Unfortunately, your story is all too similar to what I hear from a lot of recent grads. With even experienced IT professionals having trouble finding quality opportunities these days it seems like very few employers are willing to take a chance on or bother with people without significant on-the-job experience. "Entry level" these days seems to mean someone with 3+ years experience who is willing to work for a very low salary/rate.
Sadly the bottom line may mean that you may have to take an even more entry level position such as help desk or junior sysadmin/network admin in order to get your feet in the door. I've run into quite a few recent CS grads that are working as bartenders or waiters because it pays better than the $9-14/hr typical at places like Geek Squad which are some of the few places these days that will hire BSCS grads w/o experience.
What I recommend to students is that they do as many internships and/or in-field summer or part-time jobs as possible while they are in school so that they have some real experience to put on their resume when they graduate. That greatly improves their likelihood of finding a decent job quickly.