I don't have a degree and I have a great job as a Senior Network
Security Engineer. I also have 18 years of experience. I would have
been much further along in my career much sooner had I finished my
BSEE. I spent six years at a national laboratory and never made it into
the ranks of the sys admins, even though I had done that work for many
years prior. Granted, national laboratories are degree centric.

A 4 year degree opens doors. It opens many doors. I would say that
more industries than not at least desire a four year degree. Just look
in the paper. I can't tell how many times I was turned away from jobs I
knew I could do because I did not have a four year degree and some one
with less experience (here is where I show how much of a snob I really
am) and quite frankly, were rather dim, did and got the job. A four
year degree shows that you have the talent and the drive to complete a
long term task. It also shows that you can jump through hoops. :)
BTW, you don't need to get a degree in Computer Science. Most job
opportunities in our field ask for EE or CS or "related field". Figure
out what your long term goals are and decide if those goals would
benefit from a 4 year degree.

Scott is correct to a certain point. You do need to do it for
yourself. Pick a program you like. Don't be afraid to shop around.
Many large organizations are looking at people with degrees from
non-traditional universities. It is the rage. You could work and take
classes on-line. There are many ways to approach it.

Good luck in your endeavors.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James P Kirk | email:
jp.kirk@erols.com
MCSE, MCP+I, CCNA, CCSA
Certified Internet/Intranet Security Professional
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
error: found your .sig, thought it was stupid, did not append!

Jerald Zargarian wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
> I am preparing for CISSP exam soon and want to get advice from you my dear
> professionals. I would like to know if employers pay attention to BA or MA.
> Should one go to university to get his BA or MA ? I have experience in
> computer field for 5 years and would like to know if i really need
> university diploma in computer science where they dont teach you much about
> computer's security. Thanks for your help in advance
>
> Regards,
> Jerald Zargarian.
> A+, MCSE, CCNA
>
> "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust
> upon them"
> Twelfth N, Act ii, Sc.5
> William Shakespeare
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

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