I got a computer science degree in just 2 years since I already had an associate degree. I must say WGU is very hard if you work full time and do this at nights. It was perhaps the greatest challenge of my life but now I'm making 5x what I made before getting my degree. It's not easy and I felt like I wasted 2 years of my life plus the tuition money since I applied and wasn't lucky until someone finally noticed me and gave me a shot. It's all paying off now.
Hey, congrats on getting the CS degree. I will definitely agree it's the hardest thing I've done academically speaking. Glad your effort paid off. Also, thanks for taking the time to share your experience :)
I’m currently contemplating either doing the IT, CS, or cybersec degree through WGU. I work full time. How were you able to get your degree while working?
Currently in the same boat right now. I work graveyard shifts and try to do a few chapters a day when I can. It is indeed tough but we're all gonna make it!
Hey Bro that was not a dumb reason to get certs...Being poor sucks!!!! When I was let go of my job in March 2017 I was broke and in debt with a wife and kid to take care of...I told myself that I will never allow that to happen again. I studied my butt off when it came to coding and finally got a job Feb 2018. Do what you can to never be broke again...become so good that the industry cant ignore you...
Thanks man, yeah I feel you. It was a super motivator for me. "I CANT GO BACK TO THE WAY I WAS BEFORE OMG!". I remember I had a 1999 Integra and the timing belt snapped and bent a bunch of valves. The repair bill was ~$1600. I was 23 and asked my mom to help me pay for it, and she was like, "I don't have any mother either lol." So i just stopped paying the car payment and the bank repo'd my car lmao. Not tryna go back to that
@@JoshMadakor fuck man that's real. I'm past those days but just barely, and my car factory job is not fulfilling nor does it pay enough for me to be too comfortable. Thanks for all the advice and motivation, I'll have to work hard but my goal is to be where you're at some day!
Hit a bump in the road recently. I work in the home furnishings field and it’s having more cons than pros. Never went to college and I wanted to get done and graduate quickly. Thanks to your videos I’m looking into WGU and I finally have purpose in my life. Thanks man.. seriously
Dang man, I'm super glad the videos were helpful. Best of luck with whatever program you choose. I really love WGU since you can totally control (for the most part) your speed of graduation. I'm not trying to spend another 2, 3, or 4 years on a BS/MS when I can finish it in ~1yr or less. Check out reddit--there are a lot of strategies on how to efficiently pass each class for whatever degree you choose. Best of luck with WGU and the career shift!
@@ameerr.7614 Was supposed to start a lot sooner but with Covid going on, I decided to wait to ensure I have the income to pay for it. The process is great though and is definitely legit man
“Not wanting to be poor again.” Literally my life right now. I have no experience at all.. the only job I had was one week at homegoods and never again I wanna do that! 😂 gonna grind and pray some company takes me!
I ran across your channel recently when working on preparing for starting a BS in Cloud Computing at WGU, and I'm so glad I did. I've been binging basically all of your videos, and you have such quality content. I just did a call with my enrollment counselor and he was surprised at how well prepared I was because I've been getting everything lined up based off your video on how you're attacking your BS CS. Also, I'm stealing your document on interview questions from the description because we do group interviews for new hires for our team, and I'm always looking for good questions to ask interviewees so I actually have something to contribute lol. Hope all is going well with your latest BS degree. I don't know how you're able to keep up with everything you do, but you're killing it!
Hey, thanks so much for watching, and congrats on getting started in the BS in CC, that one looks pretty dope and I'm considering trying to push it on my wife LOL. She just got a cloud-centric job so.. But yeah, feel free to steal anything, I'm glad I can make something that's useful to someone. I kind of take breaks between things because it gets to be too much. I'll start uploading again pretty soon though :). Thanks again for watching and commenting!
100% I’ve hired people without degrees and I’ve had other people tell me to apply to their posting even if the job requested a degree as a requirement and said not to worry about that. There are many other factors to consider when hiring.
@@JoshMadakor my first Bachelor’s degree was in Music Performance and after a few years I hit the reality of being in music professionally. I bounced around for a while before beginning my airline career, which I had to leave in August due to the pandemic...the last 10 of which was in management. I’ve always kept myself involved in IT projects at work and at home, so I’ve always had a high competency in basic IT. I passed my A+ (part 1) last week.
@@matthewdodson9422 Thanks for responding. Wow what a diverse background. It's cool that you've kinda had one foot in tech all this time too. Sounds like you're pretty well primed to get into IT at this point lol. Congrats on passing 220-1001 :>
@Violentleigh_ I’m very glad I went through the program. I very quickly found a job in support about one semester in. I was lucky to find a company that allowed me to take on more and more to get experience. Now I’m pretty involved in many cybersecurity responsibilities and starting to search for my next role.
Josh the work you are putting in is amazing, I almost never comment on TH-cam videos, but this information is truly life changing of applied and executed. Man please don’t ever stop uploading you are helping a lot of people !!!
I appreciate the content you provide. Trying to get out of healthcare and want to make six figures in IT someday. Working inpatient doesn't fit my personality as an introvert and analytical thinker that likes to solve technical problems.
I feel you 100%. Whenever I feel nervous about something at work, I always tell myself, "at least I'm not working in healthcare." haha, not that healthcare is bad, it's just that the margin for error is much smaller in that field where something REALLY BAD can happen if you mess up. Feel you on the introvert part as well. I'm pretty introverted, but trying to work on it :P. Thx for watching and commenting btw!
I feel you. I worked in healthcare for 2 years and I dropped out of nursing school after 1 month because of the stress and it simply wasn’t for me. I hope to get a job in tech or cybersec and make just as much (or more) than a nurse
This video gave me a good understanding of how the CEO of the company I work for hears me and the pain he feels when I talk so lightly. This video was so painful to listen to while in the car on the road.
Wow absolutely crazy, just started studying for my bachelors and came across your videos. Started binging a bunch then come to find out we are both in Lynnwood, Wa
Yo I dropped out at 15 too. But my GED says High School Diploma so my resume does too 😎 lol I don’t think it’s illegal or anything and the businesses lie on their job postings too anyway
You're hilarious lmao. But yeah, I have no sympathy for businesses, so do whatever you can. I recommend people to change their job titles or whatever they want on their resume (within reason) to get the job they want. Just be able to back it up and you're good!
Haha I’m just giving you a hard time. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos evolve. Your story is inspiring! Check out the WGU discord if you haven’t already
I have zero experience. Im getting ready to enter the WGU masters cybersecurity program. IM super nervous about finding work after I finish my degree. I look to your videos for inspiration. This video was a little helpful.
Hey Henry, you're definitely going to be able to find a job, just make sure you hit all of the areas discussed here: (11 Pillars of Employment): th-cam.com/video/rrC4U753CI0/w-d-xo.html @14:06. If you are sitting at zero experience, be willing to work in _any_ IT-related job, your first job doesn't necessarily have to be security focused. It's way easier to get into security once you already have tech experience and security credentials. Once you get that first job and are earning money and getting experience, immediately (but take your time) start applying to cybersecurity positions if that's the way you want to go. You're definitely gonna make it :) Thanks for watching!
I'm planning to get into the FBI and I need a BS so I'm starting at WGU next month and am planning to even get my Masters so I can have a higher chance to get in. Also I really want to earn more money I felt that not wanting to be poor I worked my first job as a tier 1 tech earning 11 an hour barely made ends meet now I'm earning okay after getting my A+ but it's not enough. Honestly a 60k salary is all I need to pay my mom's bills and stuff off and finally let her retire but if I get anything higher I won't mind. Also not planning to join the FBI right away as I know their salaries are lower than a private sector cyber security so I'll earn some bread first and experience lol. Really enjoy your videos and I'm definitely using your resume style. I've been using my old style for a while but yours looks so nice and it just pops out.
Hey, thanks for all the kind words, glad you like you like the resume templates! Best of luck with the fbi and good for you for looking after your mom. You're gonna make it! Only a matter of time 👏
@@JoshMadakor Hey Josh, just found your channel, great content. Try clearancejobs.com. Great place to find work as a contractor. Although 90% of them require you to have an active clearance already, if you don't then it will be tough to find an organization to pay for it but it's still possible with a large company. A degree isn't required but it still helps you stand out especially with certs.
About to start my BSCS degree from WGU really the main reason is it will check that relevant degree box for Government and defense contractors. Excited for the degree as well! It will lay a foundation for further studies in the future as well.
Still watching. Thanks for all the content!! I just moved and settling down. After months of having negative free time, I'm considering WGU again. I'm so worried that I will never find the time to complete WGU. But meanwhile, project management as a career is still completely unsatisfying and driving me to force change... Somewhere.
Thanks for watching! And yeah, I'm not really a fan of being the actual PM. I prefer to be one of the cats that's being herded rather than the cat herder lol.
I appreciate your content. I have no IT experience and have my MBA but really wanted to change the trajectory for my kids and from what I’ve seen IT is my route. I start WGU in July BS in Cybersecurity. I’m praying I can break into Tech quick and land a 6 figure job soon after or close to it..
Supply and demand for whatever you are applying for matters quite a bit as does location vs remote positions. Experience matters more after your resume is opened. Knowing someone that can promote you into a role matters even more. However, when appying blind to a job and they get like 800 resumes, and you have lots of experience and no degree, you are not even at the bottom of pile that will be looked at. Layer degrees into that forumula as well (associates vs bachelors vs masters vs MBA vs Phd... And... always remmber that the recruiter or automated system screening your resume is often clueless. I had a recruiter contact me to ask if I had any active security certifications. My name in my resume and email signature are Firstname Lastname, CISSP. Um, yup.
Thank you for all the insight, Josh. I'm surprised no one has noticed the funny things you do at the ending of all your videos hahaha. I always watch to the last second :)
i'm actually getting ready to start my B.S degree in Cybersecurity as well, I ended up accepted by a local university and WGU, oddly enough, I lived in Seattle for almost 5 years before transferring back to Georgia, Augusta, now where they say will be the Cybersecurity place to be, though much smaller city than Seattle, I'm also looking to transfer back to Seattle in my same job while going to school What would be some Pros and Cons between going through with WGU and a traditional university both doing online classes. Thanks!
also, how long did it take for that cybersecurity (Bachelors) at WGU? working full time I'm afraid I'd still be limited on what I could do per term and still end up taking a long time.
Torn on going to WGU for the BS in IT. I am about to separate from the Air Force and have the GI Bill available to me - my entire college tuition cost will be covered and I'll receive a monthly housing rate based on the schools zip code, but since WGU is online the monthly housing rate that I would receive is significantly less, around $900. Could you recommend any in person or hybrid schools for a IT degree?
Oh shoot, I haven't heard of that. You can't use one of WGUs physical addresses in WA state or something like that? Or could you take like, a single class at some random community college, but be doing study(.)com or something on the side in preparation for WGU?
I just finished 2 coding bootcamps , coding dojo and sabio. I have great understanding of fullstack OOP , front end react, backend java rest sprint boot and mySql DB. I applied for WGU Software Engineer BS program. With my current skills do you think it will be alot easier to speed through? I'm 32 so feel old but I wanna finish as fast as possible to land high paying job and start an actual career to feel accomplished. I used my GI BILL for everything. Side note thinking of attending cyber bootcamp to get Sec plus do you think that be great add on?
Hi Josh, like your videos, but where can I get your templates from? I don't see them on your TH-cam page or comments section. I am especially interested in the spreadsheet for quickening my degree time. I'm going for a BS in business management (Human Resourses) and a MBA in same.
Hey Kathy! Thanks so much for watching! I don't have a template for every single program, but here are some links that might be helpful. Sample Template for the Cybersecurity BS Program. You can go to "File" -> "Make a Copy" if you want to copy/edit it for your program: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ycOHMiu3IThxv6GogyLchUqMlGwK2I1P-F-a0op4mpU/edit#gid=0 Whenever I make a new template, I use this spreadsheet and click the program I want to make a template for. It will take you to WGU's study(.)com course equivalency list for that program where it lists out all the classes. From here, I can click the classes and get the course code for each class and kind of search on reddit to see what kind of class it is (exam based or essay based): docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JR1dubSxj5KU1tOriMbYFmN9GsIBpgyd4RJPfSq82Qw/edit#gid=0 This is a video of how to use Study(.)com in conjunction with WGU. You can potentially save a lot of time and money doing this: th-cam.com/video/H7ViAgdVhFQ/w-d-xo.html This is a video of applying the study(.)com strategy to the BS IT Management degree, for example: th-cam.com/video/Sb4-RY2zoIU/w-d-xo.html Sorry about all the links, hopefully something in here is helpful :)
Hey Josh. What are your favorite sites for job searching? Indeed isn't very effective as it either only shows senior positions or automatically filters you out if you don't have help desk experience. Thanks!
Hey! My approach is a bit weird. I've found a bunch of jobs on Craigslist honestly, as sketchy as that sounds. I even bought a Tesla from Craigslist at a super good price. CL is really sketch, but there is some really good stuff on there if you are careful/lucky (Lol I feel this is borderline bad advice). When I'm job hunting on CL, I will snipe jobs that are very recently posted. I get responses fast if the job is relatively new because the post is usually just being managed by a single person vs a whole team. There are sometimes a lot of help desk-tier jobs on CL too if you're in a metro area. Another strategy I use, is to copy part of a job description from Indeed, for example: "Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) brings together the leading research teams and cancer specialists of Fred Hutch, Seattle Children’s, and UW Medicine." ...and paste this in google with quotes around it. This way, you can see other job sites that have this job posting. Then I will just go to that other site and search for jobs. Either that, or find the original company that has listed this specific job and apply there directly. Please don't tell anyone though, this strategy is top secret (lol). Kind of a weird answer, but I hope this helps!
Hey Malware Man, regardless of how well you score on the finals/papers etc, you will graduate with a 3.0. 3.0 is the max, and min GPA you can get at WGU. Some classes require and exam to pass, some classes require a paper, some classes require both :)
Thank you for consistently providing value through great content. Because of you , I am enrolled in WGU to complete the itmgt degree. I currently work in customer service for a telecommunications company and want to transition to it. After my degree, what is the best way to complete certs to get into cyber security? Should I go the route of comptia a+>Ccna> security + or should I jump back into wgu bs/ms in cybersecurity to get all my certs in sequence ?
Dang that's crazy to hear! Congrats on getting into the program! What I would recommend (you don't have to do this), but after you finish your degree, I would try to complete CompTIA Security+ in parallel with looking for jobs. Try to get any IT or Security job that you can. Often times, it's easier to find an entry-level IT job vs a security job. At this point (imo) experience is paramount, so if a nice looking IT job comes by, I would strongly consider accepting it. Once you are there, just keep working on certs and building out Security-centric resume. After you get your certs, if you can't weasel your way into security at your current job, just continue the job hunt! As far as certs go, it really depends on what you want to do. I would definitely recommend Security+. CCNA is really good for your networking knowledge, but it takes a while to get. Then there is eJPT (easier) and OSCP (harder) for pen testing, and CISSP to serve as the ultimate HR filter. CISSP sucks, but you'll get more interviews if you have it. Sorry I typed a lot lol. Thank you for watching and commenting btw
Josh, I want to get your thoughts, I'm in the last semester of an Associates in Systems Administration and Management and have currently been in a help desk role for 7 months. I'm wanting to stay on the SysAdmin track and eventually get certified in cloud/MCSA but I'm conflicted on whether to pursue certs or a bachelors as the area of the US I live in Jobs can be somewhat limited and I wanted to be able to justify the debt. I'd like to get your thoughts on it. Thank you!!
Hey Colby! I would personally get some certs for the area that you want to move into. Since you're already working, you're way ahead of the game. Want to move into cloud/sys admin? Cool, get AZ-900/500/104 or some AWS cert(s) and start doing your own relevant projects to get some nice experience on your resume/github. One thing that I would recommend is, if you're considering a bachelor's degree as well, try to target the certs that are part of one of the BS degrees, such as the BS in Cloud Computing from WGU (th-cam.com/video/LwynFf46TiQ/w-d-xo.html). That way, when you decide to get your bachelor's degree, you'll have a decent chunk of it done already with your Associates and certs. This is what I've done in the past! Hope this helps!
@@JoshMadakor is there a way I could connect with you and pick your brain a little more on some projects you may have done? I appreciate your time and experience
Hi Josh, I work for a National Defense contractor already but want to get a Bachelors to help for advancement as an ISSO. The defense contractor I work for invented the MITRE Attack framework so you can guess where I work, LOL. I already have Security+, would you recommend the IT management program for speed if I just want the paper? I feel like I can get the other certs later, I felt like A+ was a little too rudimentary but it’s always good to practice the basics. Would you recommend the IT Management degree over the Cybersecurity major? I’m looking more for speed.
Hey, first, thanks for watching! _>would you recommend the IT management program for speed if I just want the paper?_ Yes, 100%. Just get that thing out of the way, then get CISSP afterwards to satisfy your IAT/IAM stuff :) That's what I'd do anyways, haha
Hey Josh great video. I found it extremely valuable. Also, I saw the sneaky fun fact you dropped about you dropping out of highschool when you were 15. Im curious, why did you make that decision, if you dont mind me asking.
Hey Josh, I wanted to start off by saying thanks for the great content and I am very happy I found your channel. I have about 2 years experience working as a SecDevOps engineer with a security + certification. Do you think the CySA+ would be worth getting? I am looking to change roles from a "devops" kind of guy to a cyber securtiy anaylyst/incident response and then I have goals of later this year or early next year to get the CISSP. Do you think this is sound or do you have different reccomendations? I hope to hear back from you.
Hey np, thanks for watching! Your plan actually sounds pretty good. You are already getting your experience, and two additional certs, one which I consider good technical knowledge (CySA), and one which is the ultimate HR filter (CISSP). Sorry I couldn't contribute to your plan, but it sounds pretty solid already lol
@@JoshMadakor It is ok! Reassurance is always a good thing. Thanks again. Looking forward to future videos (also thanks for the pod cast reccomandations).
Hey Josh, love your videos, it’s allowing me to focus on my career goals and I have been sharing your videos with my friends. I’m a recent graduate with MIS and in the process of obtaining a CompTIA Sec+ as I want to enter Cybersecurity or IT in general. I heard that obtaining the Sec+ would attract military/government contractors, I saw the video where you discussed your time in Japan as well. Is it realistic to say that just having the Sec+ would give me a better chance, at least, in obtaining an interview for a Military/Government IT job? I also have corporate Training (certificate of completion: Cybersecurity Analyst) from a Cybersecurity firm, I tend to add that training into my resume under technologies (particularly IBM QRadar). My current goal is to obtain the Sec+ and start applying again.
Hey! Congrats on the MIS. The Security+ was probably the most fun cert I ever got. You're right that getting Sec+ is good for dod contracts/govts. In fact it's pretty much a requirement to work in IT in any capacity. Look up " DOD8140" www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-dod-8140-cybersecurity-certifications-and-requirements So having Sec+ would definitely give you a better chance. The hard part is actually finding somebody who will sponsor you for a clearance. But the "better you are" the more likely it is to happen, if that makes sense. Good luck on your journey, it sounds exciting. I always think about trying defense again.
Doubt you still read these comments, but I am going into my last year for my BS in Networking and Data security from Tacoma Community, along with getting miscellaneous certs along the way. Sec+ Cloud+ CySA+, CCNA, AZ-900, and AWS Cloud Practioner. But, I am torn if I want to try and switch industries after I graduate, or if I want to pursue my Masters at WGU in their cloud program. Would you happen to have any advice?
So, I have a couple questions. How do you know which direction you wanna go? IT is so vast and there's so many different areas it's a little overwhelming. Do you start to understand the different areas when you're working on the degree? Then you can kinda see where you'd like to work? Or does that happen after you start working in the field?
A little bit of both honestly. When you study, you don't actually know what you're going to do when you actually start working. A good example of this is my wife. She was studying networking really really hard, had a full blown physical Cisco lab in a rack and worked hard and got her CCNA. Her very first job was as a DNS/web services admin, her second job was a Support Engineer for MS Azure. You don't HAVE to get hired for the stuff you studied. A lot of the time you'll get hired for your aptitude and then trained up once you're on the job. A really clear example of this, imagine a MD (doctor). They have gone through the rigors of med school and residency. Although they don't have experience teaching, you would probably feel comfortable hiring them as an anatomy and physiology teacher. It's kind of the same with IT. If you have a degree in cybersecurity with a few certs, it's entirely possible someone will recognize your aptitude and then hire you to work for AWS doing enterprise support, even though you don't have any AWS certs or AWS exp. What I would do if I were you, is just pick an area that looks most interesting to you, and go HARD on it. Get certs or a degree and generate some experience for yourself via personal projects. Then, you can just apply to a lot of things that seem interesting even though they don't exactly match what you studied (or maybe they do match!) I hope this helps, I could type more but it's getting kind of long, haha.
I have most of the certs that are listed on the resume in red. Do you think they would give me credit for them so I wouldn't have to take these classes?
Hey Gibson! I believe there is a time-limit cutoff for SOME of the certs, but yes, you'd definitely get credit for them. This is a strategy a lot of people do; completing the certs outside, transferring them in, and then finishing the degree quickly. Just get in touch with an enrollment counselor and they will evaluate your credits for you :)
Hey Justin! I need to look into Purdue Global some more so I can't answer very well, but it sounds pretty good. Another one that's really similar to WGU (takes credits from study.com, etc) is Thomas Edison State University--might be worth checking that out as well :P
There are no rules about this, but generally speaking, 1) help desk jobs are the easiest to get, and 2) experience is paramount. The fatser you get experience, the better. Because of these two things, a lot of people will typically just go help desk to start working asap, then branch off from there. Of course you don't HAVE to do this, but it just might take a bit longer to land a mid-level role vs entry/help desk. Hope this helps!
Hey Muhammad, thanks so much for watching! I hadn't heard of station X until just now, but I googled them! They seem to be decent priced, but I'm not really sure how the curriculum compares to WGU. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to get a bit of extra knowledge beforehand if you have a few months before you start wgu. Thanks again!
@@JoshMadakor Station X combines all the top courses on hacking , cloud and cyber security and casts it on one single platform for a very cheap price of $149/year. I have been using it for the last two months and I am satisfied as hell. I was wondering if I could just prepare for all the certifications that you get by the end of B.S cyber security from WGU and went in to just take exam for all cyber related courses. Would that help?
Josh, question...I already have a general IT degree but no certifications (e.g. Network+, Security+....). I want to pursue a Master in Cybersecurity at WGU. Should I go for my certifications first or go for my Master directly? I have been out of IT field for 10+ years
This is a super good question and a really good thing to think about. So the only two industry certs in the MSCSIA are CEH and CHFI, though taking the CHFI is no longer required, but a WGU version of the CHFI. I would recommend studying for the CEH and CHFI pre-enrollment, then just knocking them out once you're in the program. No need to spend your precious enrollment time studying for CEH/CHFI. I would just find some good quizlets or something and just drill those prior to enrollment :)
Oh I just no realized I didn't understand your question! It just depends on the area that you want to go in and how much experience you feel like you have. Getting Certs is a really great way to "break into" something. Like if you're new and trying to get your first job, or if you're in a job, but want to "level-up" to a more difficult position or something like this. I would probably recommend a cert or two before getting the MSCSIA. With your experience, I might skip A+ and maybe just get CompTIA Security+, plus one more cert, that matches the area where you want to work (eJPT, CySA, etc.). Once you get a job, just start studying for CISSP. This will kill two birds with one stone, since the MSCSIA is largely based off of the CISSP. Then when you're ready, I might take the CISSP first, bang out the master's real quick. Of course you don't HAVE to do it this way, it's just one of the ways that makes sense in my head. Feel free to modify lol :)
Like I have B.S and master degree in psychology, but i want to switch to IT field, should I go to school to get IT degree or just IT certified is enough?
hello Josh! love your videos . I'm currently considering switching careers to Cyber Security. I got my bachelors in Political science so I'm not familiar with IT field at all other than a few Udemy courses. Do you suggest me to enroll for the BS at WGU or should I go with the MS program? also do you think I should be able to apply for jobs while I'm in school? thank you in advance
Hey, thanks so much for watching my content! I'll answer in-line below: _>Do you suggest me to enroll for the BS at WGU or should I go with the MS program?_ A degree isn't really necessary to get into IT/security, but if you aren't hurting for time/money and just really want to get into security, the BS in Cyber and IA will give you more technical depth as a new person and will be more useful than the Cyber Master's in my opinion. The downside is it will more than likely take longer than the cyber masters. Another approach would be to study and get a few certs on your own (Security+, eJPT, and possibly CISSP, etc.), "make your own experience", then just start applying for jobs and doing the cyber masters at the same time. _>also do you think I should be able to apply for jobs while I'm in school? _ You absolutely can! School is just a means to an end (getting a job and experience), and cyber doesn't REQUIRE you to have a degree to start working. If you got a job, you could just start working and slow down the school as needed Extra Videos that kinda support what I talked about here: About CISSP, since I mentioned it in this post: th-cam.com/video/TOmPQmCFv6k/w-d-xo.html How to make your own experience: th-cam.com/video/UasHPQ0VBOc/w-d-xo.html How to job hunt in IT (or cyber): th-cam.com/video/5thkwBIZph4/w-d-xo.html I know I kinda wrote a wall of text, but I hope it helps a bit!
Hi Josh, I'm currently attending BS IT degree and im like 60% complete I also live in the Seattle area. I'm self teaching myself nest JS and react to build an e-commerce website.
Dang, good for you. That's the way to do it! I really enjoyed React btw. I'd like to dive deeper into it someday when I get the time and energy. Good luck with your degree too. Sounds like you'll be done p soon :>👏
Your portfolio/blog/TH-cam whatever you create that they employer can observe will serve as a reference, then just use a personal reference if you don't have a professional one :)
I've had this request a bunch! I might look into it and do a video on it. I've been thinking of trying to get my wife to do this degree since she now works in cloud haha. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching :)
@@JoshMadakor there is a bachelors for Cloud? I'm interested. Which school? Btw, U and Sandra are my go too for all things Cyber education. Thank U Josh!
You mean this one? haha: th-cam.com/video/UasHPQ0VBOc/w-d-xo.html This video is for IT in general, but the same concepts can be applied for Cyber. I also include examples of a cyber resume for someone who has made experience for themselves, so check it out. @ Sandra - Tech & Lifestyle also made a decent video on this, so check out her video too: th-cam.com/video/joUYptrxz-Y/w-d-xo.html
@@JoshMadakor sure did, good thing I stumbled on this masterpiece, just graduated with an associate In Cyber Security, network engineering and cloud computing looking forward to Join WGU for Bach in all three domains.
@@JoshMadakor lmao, idk why theyre so popular. i highly recommend trying "clear american" instead which you can find at most walmarts. tastes just like soda, but zero everything. sugars, calories, etc.
Hey! Hilariously enough, I made a couple videos addressing just this!! th-cam.com/video/UasHPQ0VBOc/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/5thkwBIZph4/w-d-xo.html Basically, you can make your own work experience and put it on your resume. The second video talks about the other stuff you can do to kinda increase your chances of finding a job. Hope this helps!
🖥 Break into IT in ~3 Months with my Hands-On Practical Course! 🖥
coursecareers.com/explore/it/ref/18242/
I got a computer science degree in just 2 years since I already had an associate degree. I must say WGU is very hard if you work full time and do this at nights. It was perhaps the greatest challenge of my life but now I'm making 5x what I made before getting my degree. It's not easy and I felt like I wasted 2 years of my life plus the tuition money since I applied and wasn't lucky until someone finally noticed me and gave me a shot. It's all paying off now.
Hey, congrats on getting the CS degree. I will definitely agree it's the hardest thing I've done academically speaking. Glad your effort paid off. Also, thanks for taking the time to share your experience :)
I am currently working full time. I’m about to go for my BSNOS. Would you be willing to elaborate on your experience a bit?
I’m doing cloud computing because I want to be a cloud architect
I’m currently contemplating either doing the IT, CS, or cybersec degree through WGU. I work full time. How were you able to get your degree while working?
Currently in the same boat right now. I work graveyard shifts and try to do a few chapters a day when I can. It is indeed tough but we're all gonna make it!
Hey Bro that was not a dumb reason to get certs...Being poor sucks!!!! When I was let go of my job in March 2017 I was broke and in debt with a wife and kid to take care of...I told myself that I will never allow that to happen again. I studied my butt off when it came to coding and finally got a job Feb 2018. Do what you can to never be broke again...become so good that the industry cant ignore you...
Thanks man, yeah I feel you. It was a super motivator for me. "I CANT GO BACK TO THE WAY I WAS BEFORE OMG!". I remember I had a 1999 Integra and the timing belt snapped and bent a bunch of valves. The repair bill was ~$1600. I was 23 and asked my mom to help me pay for it, and she was like, "I don't have any mother either lol." So i just stopped paying the car payment and the bank repo'd my car lmao. Not tryna go back to that
@@JoshMadakor fuck man that's real. I'm past those days but just barely, and my car factory job is not fulfilling nor does it pay enough for me to be too comfortable. Thanks for all the advice and motivation, I'll have to work hard but my goal is to be where you're at some day!
"i never wanted to be poor again" lmaooo yeah. true words.
Lmao
exact words i said lmaoo , i’m trying to do the same thing and go to wgu
Yeah me too! I will even get a fast track masters too because i want to be extra qualified
Sometimes I just want to be poor, for the nostalgia of it.
Hit a bump in the road recently. I work in the home furnishings field and it’s having more cons than pros. Never went to college and I wanted to get done and graduate quickly. Thanks to your videos I’m looking into WGU and I finally have purpose in my life. Thanks man.. seriously
Dang man, I'm super glad the videos were helpful. Best of luck with whatever program you choose. I really love WGU since you can totally control (for the most part) your speed of graduation. I'm not trying to spend another 2, 3, or 4 years on a BS/MS when I can finish it in ~1yr or less. Check out reddit--there are a lot of strategies on how to efficiently pass each class for whatever degree you choose. Best of luck with WGU and the career shift!
Update. How’s it going Keaton?
Yeah brother can you give us an update?
@@ameerr.7614 Was supposed to start a lot sooner but with Covid going on, I decided to wait to ensure I have the income to pay for it. The process is great though and is definitely legit man
@@agricolaregs Covid has kept me from starting sooner than I’d like to. Seems like income is becoming less reliable these days
“Not wanting to be poor again.” Literally my life right now. I have no experience at all.. the only job I had was one week at homegoods and never again I wanna do that! 😂 gonna grind and pray some company takes me!
I ran across your channel recently when working on preparing for starting a BS in Cloud Computing at WGU, and I'm so glad I did. I've been binging basically all of your videos, and you have such quality content. I just did a call with my enrollment counselor and he was surprised at how well prepared I was because I've been getting everything lined up based off your video on how you're attacking your BS CS.
Also, I'm stealing your document on interview questions from the description because we do group interviews for new hires for our team, and I'm always looking for good questions to ask interviewees so I actually have something to contribute lol.
Hope all is going well with your latest BS degree. I don't know how you're able to keep up with everything you do, but you're killing it!
Hey, thanks so much for watching, and congrats on getting started in the BS in CC, that one looks pretty dope and I'm considering trying to push it on my wife LOL. She just got a cloud-centric job so..
But yeah, feel free to steal anything, I'm glad I can make something that's useful to someone. I kind of take breaks between things because it gets to be too much. I'll start uploading again pretty soon though :). Thanks again for watching and commenting!
100% I’ve hired people without degrees and I’ve had other people tell me to apply to their posting even if the job requested a degree as a requirement and said not to worry about that. There are many other factors to consider when hiring.
Thanks for the insights!!
Currently in the Cybersecurity B.S. program at WGU, and I’m a mid-career changer. Enjoying your content.
Thank you so much! And thanks for watching. What career are you transitioning from if I might ask?
@@JoshMadakor my first Bachelor’s degree was in Music Performance and after a few years I hit the reality of being in music professionally. I bounced around for a while before beginning my airline career, which I had to leave in August due to the pandemic...the last 10 of which was in management. I’ve always kept myself involved in IT projects at work and at home, so I’ve always had a high competency in basic IT. I passed my A+ (part 1) last week.
@@matthewdodson9422 Thanks for responding. Wow what a diverse background. It's cool that you've kinda had one foot in tech all this time too. Sounds like you're pretty well primed to get into IT at this point lol. Congrats on passing 220-1001 :>
@@JoshMadakor thanks - I'm working a contract for the NYC Dept of Education supporting remote learning right now, but looking for a "real" job. lol
@Violentleigh_ I’m very glad I went through the program. I very quickly found a job in support about one semester in. I was lucky to find a company that allowed me to take on more and more to get experience.
Now I’m pretty involved in many cybersecurity responsibilities and starting to search for my next role.
Josh the work you are putting in is amazing, I almost never comment on TH-cam videos, but this information is truly life changing of applied and executed. Man please don’t ever stop uploading you are helping a lot of people !!!
That poverty got my man all degreed up 😂😂😂
“I just didn’t want to be poor again”
Lmao, big truth
Being poor is a very good reason , I am transitioning from teaching to Cybersecurity and I'm looking into WGU
I appreciate the content you provide. Trying to get out of healthcare and want to make six figures in IT someday. Working inpatient doesn't fit my personality as an introvert and analytical thinker that likes to solve technical problems.
I feel you 100%. Whenever I feel nervous about something at work, I always tell myself, "at least I'm not working in healthcare." haha, not that healthcare is bad, it's just that the margin for error is much smaller in that field where something REALLY BAD can happen if you mess up. Feel you on the introvert part as well. I'm pretty introverted, but trying to work on it :P. Thx for watching and commenting btw!
I feel you. I worked in healthcare for 2 years and I dropped out of nursing school after 1 month because of the stress and it simply wasn’t for me. I hope to get a job in tech or cybersec and make just as much (or more) than a nurse
This video gave me a good understanding of how the CEO of the company I work for hears me and the pain he feels when I talk so lightly. This video was so painful to listen to while in the car on the road.
What do you mean? lol, like i was quiet?
You answered the question in the first minute, if you really wanna get a job then you’ll find a way
Wow absolutely crazy, just started studying for my bachelors and came across your videos. Started binging a bunch then come to find out we are both in Lynnwood, Wa
Yo I dropped out at 15 too. But my GED says High School Diploma so my resume does too 😎 lol I don’t think it’s illegal or anything and the businesses lie on their job postings too anyway
You're hilarious lmao. But yeah, I have no sympathy for businesses, so do whatever you can. I recommend people to change their job titles or whatever they want on their resume (within reason) to get the job they want. Just be able to back it up and you're good!
Claiming that you live in Seattle when you clearly live in Lynnwood is the most Seattle thing I’ve ever seen
Hahahaha, absolutely called out. I'm in Edmonds RIGHT on the border to Lynnwood. How'd you know?
Haha I’m just giving you a hard time. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos evolve. Your story is inspiring! Check out the WGU discord if you haven’t already
@@JoshMadakor It was on your resume 😁
🤣🤣🤣 So true. Born and Raised. I can attest to this lmao
Solid video!! I liked your no experience resume. I never thought of structuring it like that.
Dope! Glad it was useful!
Dudeeee. We live in the same area!!! It cool seeing other people who live near you.
Lol that's dope. Yeah It's cool to hear when people are nearby :p
I have zero experience. Im getting ready to enter the WGU masters cybersecurity program. IM super nervous about finding work after I finish my degree. I look to your videos for inspiration. This video was a little helpful.
Hey Henry, you're definitely going to be able to find a job, just make sure you hit all of the areas discussed here: (11 Pillars of Employment): th-cam.com/video/rrC4U753CI0/w-d-xo.html @14:06.
If you are sitting at zero experience, be willing to work in _any_ IT-related job, your first job doesn't necessarily have to be security focused. It's way easier to get into security once you already have tech experience and security credentials. Once you get that first job and are earning money and getting experience, immediately (but take your time) start applying to cybersecurity positions if that's the way you want to go. You're definitely gonna make it :)
Thanks for watching!
Same I’m gonna start my bachelors in January and I’m super nervous about that too! 🥲
did u enter WGU? how’s it going so far
hows it going now after 2 years
I'm planning to get into the FBI and I need a BS so I'm starting at WGU next month and am planning to even get my Masters so I can have a higher chance to get in. Also I really want to earn more money I felt that not wanting to be poor I worked my first job as a tier 1 tech earning 11 an hour barely made ends meet now I'm earning okay after getting my A+ but it's not enough. Honestly a 60k salary is all I need to pay my mom's bills and stuff off and finally let her retire but if I get anything higher I won't mind. Also not planning to join the FBI right away as I know their salaries are lower than a private sector cyber security so I'll earn some bread first and experience lol. Really enjoy your videos and I'm definitely using your resume style. I've been using my old style for a while but yours looks so nice and it just pops out.
Hey, thanks for all the kind words, glad you like you like the resume templates! Best of luck with the fbi and good for you for looking after your mom. You're gonna make it! Only a matter of time 👏
Did you make it brother?
No degree required for the gov. Experience and certs have been my friends for DoD and The VA.
Dang really? Thanks so much. Can I ask, what sites do you use to find govt contracts these days?
@@JoshMadakor Hey Josh, just found your channel, great content. Try clearancejobs.com. Great place to find work as a contractor. Although 90% of them require you to have an active clearance already, if you don't then it will be tough to find an organization to pay for it but it's still possible with a large company. A degree isn't required but it still helps you stand out especially with certs.
Thanks so much for the reply!
About to start my BSCS degree from WGU really the main reason is it will check that relevant degree box for Government and defense contractors.
Excited for the degree as well! It will lay a foundation for further studies in the future as well.
Wgu needs to hire you as a counselor
Yeah, or at least give me a hat lol
Still watching. Thanks for all the content!! I just moved and settling down. After months of having negative free time, I'm considering WGU again. I'm so worried that I will never find the time to complete WGU. But meanwhile, project management as a career is still completely unsatisfying and driving me to force change... Somewhere.
Thanks for watching! And yeah, I'm not really a fan of being the actual PM. I prefer to be one of the cats that's being herded rather than the cat herder lol.
You're really just giving the gems ! Thank you !
So nice of you to say :>
Thanks Josh, I’ve been watching your videos regularly now. Im looking forward to joining your cybersecurity course.
Awesome, thank you!
I appreciate your content. I have no IT experience and have my MBA but really wanted to change the trajectory for my kids and from what I’ve seen IT is my route. I start WGU in July BS in Cybersecurity. I’m praying I can break into Tech quick and land a 6 figure job soon after or close to it..
Updates?
@@Apocalypsewar1188How is it going so far ?
Supply and demand for whatever you are applying for matters quite a bit as does location vs remote positions. Experience matters more after your resume is opened. Knowing someone that can promote you into a role matters even more. However, when appying blind to a job and they get like 800 resumes, and you have lots of experience and no degree, you are not even at the bottom of pile that will be looked at. Layer degrees into that forumula as well (associates vs bachelors vs masters vs MBA vs Phd...
And... always remmber that the recruiter or automated system screening your resume is often clueless. I had a recruiter contact me to ask if I had any active security certifications. My name in my resume and email signature are Firstname Lastname, CISSP. Um, yup.
Lol yeah, I don't have much faith in the actual HR humans they have no idea. Thanks for the insights :)
Your videos are extremely helpful and inspiring. Thank you!
Thanks Ryan! Glad you find them useful :). Appreciate you commenting!
Staring in January, cant wait!!
I’m finding your content really helpful Josh! Thank you so much
Hey again! haha! Glad you're liking the content!
Yayyy!!! Thank you for this!!
No problemo! Thanks you for commenting :D
Thank you for all the insight, Josh. I'm surprised no one has noticed the funny things you do at the ending of all your videos hahaha. I always watch to the last second :)
Hahaha! Np, and thanks for noticing my efforts at the end 😂😂. Much appreciated 😊
i'm actually getting ready to start my B.S degree in Cybersecurity as well, I ended up accepted by a local university and WGU, oddly enough, I lived in Seattle for almost 5 years before transferring back to Georgia, Augusta, now where they say will be the Cybersecurity place to be, though much smaller city than Seattle, I'm also looking to transfer back to Seattle in my same job while going to school What would be some Pros and Cons between going through with WGU and a traditional university both doing online classes. Thanks!
After an associates degree, what are your thoughts on WGU BS IT vs Course Careers?
also, how long did it take for that cybersecurity (Bachelors) at WGU? working full time I'm afraid I'd still be limited on what I could do per term and still end up taking a long time.
You did an amazing job explaining as always I love you videos. 😊💯
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching :)
Torn on going to WGU for the BS in IT. I am about to separate from the Air Force and have the GI Bill available to me - my entire college tuition cost will be covered and I'll receive a monthly housing rate based on the schools zip code, but since WGU is online the monthly housing rate that I would receive is significantly less, around $900. Could you recommend any in person or hybrid schools for a IT degree?
Oh shoot, I haven't heard of that. You can't use one of WGUs physical addresses in WA state or something like that? Or could you take like, a single class at some random community college, but be doing study(.)com or something on the side in preparation for WGU?
Fellow Washingtonian dope! I'm 24 and i want to start a cyber security degree, cheers from central Washington. Quincy, Wa!
Ayyy dope! thanks for watching! Gl with the cyber degree if you do it, it's pretty fun. Listen to the darknet diaries podcast for motivation lol
@@JoshMadakor update I’ve got everything done brother I start working towards the goal in July 1st! Any advice is welcome 🙏🏻
Great job and best of luck! Just don't burn yourself out and try to enjoy the topics :)
Great advice
Thanks! Glad you found it useful 😇
I just finished 2 coding bootcamps , coding dojo and sabio. I have great understanding of fullstack OOP , front end react, backend java rest sprint boot and mySql DB. I applied for WGU Software Engineer BS program. With my current skills do you think it will be alot easier to speed through? I'm 32 so feel old but I wanna finish as fast as possible to land high paying job and start an actual career to feel accomplished. I used my GI BILL for everything. Side note thinking of attending cyber bootcamp to get Sec plus do you think that be great add on?
Hi Josh, like your videos, but where can I get your templates from? I don't see them on your TH-cam page or comments section. I am especially interested in the spreadsheet for quickening my degree time. I'm going for a BS in business management (Human Resourses) and a MBA in same.
Hey Kathy! Thanks so much for watching! I don't have a template for every single program, but here are some links that might be helpful.
Sample Template for the Cybersecurity BS Program. You can go to "File" -> "Make a Copy" if you want to copy/edit it for your program:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ycOHMiu3IThxv6GogyLchUqMlGwK2I1P-F-a0op4mpU/edit#gid=0
Whenever I make a new template, I use this spreadsheet and click the program I want to make a template for. It will take you to WGU's study(.)com course equivalency list for that program where it lists out all the classes. From here, I can click the classes and get the course code for each class and kind of search on reddit to see what kind of class it is (exam based or essay based): docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JR1dubSxj5KU1tOriMbYFmN9GsIBpgyd4RJPfSq82Qw/edit#gid=0
This is a video of how to use Study(.)com in conjunction with WGU. You can potentially save a lot of time and money doing this:
th-cam.com/video/H7ViAgdVhFQ/w-d-xo.html
This is a video of applying the study(.)com strategy to the BS IT Management degree, for example:
th-cam.com/video/Sb4-RY2zoIU/w-d-xo.html
Sorry about all the links, hopefully something in here is helpful :)
Hey Josh. What are your favorite sites for job searching? Indeed isn't very effective as it either only shows senior positions or automatically filters you out if you don't have help desk experience. Thanks!
Hey! My approach is a bit weird. I've found a bunch of jobs on Craigslist honestly, as sketchy as that sounds. I even bought a Tesla from Craigslist at a super good price. CL is really sketch, but there is some really good stuff on there if you are careful/lucky (Lol I feel this is borderline bad advice). When I'm job hunting on CL, I will snipe jobs that are very recently posted. I get responses fast if the job is relatively new because the post is usually just being managed by a single person vs a whole team. There are sometimes a lot of help desk-tier jobs on CL too if you're in a metro area.
Another strategy I use, is to copy part of a job description from Indeed, for example:
"Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) brings together the leading research teams and cancer specialists of Fred Hutch, Seattle Children’s, and UW Medicine."
...and paste this in google with quotes around it. This way, you can see other job sites that have this job posting. Then I will just go to that other site and search for jobs. Either that, or find the original company that has listed this specific job and apply there directly. Please don't tell anyone though, this strategy is top secret (lol).
Kind of a weird answer, but I hope this helps!
@@JoshMadakor Thank you this is helpful!
Hey Josh, are the final exams the ONLY assessments that count towards your grade at WGU or are they just a big portion of it? Thanks.
Hey Malware Man, regardless of how well you score on the finals/papers etc, you will graduate with a 3.0. 3.0 is the max, and min GPA you can get at WGU. Some classes require and exam to pass, some classes require a paper, some classes require both :)
@@JoshMadakor Thank you for replying.
Thank you for consistently providing value through great content. Because of you , I am enrolled in WGU to complete the itmgt degree. I currently work in customer service for a telecommunications company and want to transition to it. After my degree, what is the best way to complete certs to get into cyber security? Should I go the route of comptia a+>Ccna> security + or should I jump back into wgu bs/ms in cybersecurity to get all my certs in sequence ?
Dang that's crazy to hear! Congrats on getting into the program! What I would recommend (you don't have to do this), but after you finish your degree, I would try to complete CompTIA Security+ in parallel with looking for jobs. Try to get any IT or Security job that you can. Often times, it's easier to find an entry-level IT job vs a security job. At this point (imo) experience is paramount, so if a nice looking IT job comes by, I would strongly consider accepting it. Once you are there, just keep working on certs and building out Security-centric resume. After you get your certs, if you can't weasel your way into security at your current job, just continue the job hunt!
As far as certs go, it really depends on what you want to do. I would definitely recommend Security+. CCNA is really good for your networking knowledge, but it takes a while to get. Then there is eJPT (easier) and OSCP (harder) for pen testing, and CISSP to serve as the ultimate HR filter. CISSP sucks, but you'll get more interviews if you have it.
Sorry I typed a lot lol. Thank you for watching and commenting btw
@@JoshMadakor thanks so much .. experience>certs> degrees
You mentioned at the end you are really introverted. Could you make a video on a remote career path in I.T.?
Hey! Yeah i'm introverted haha. And yeah, I will ad this to my list of videos to make :)
Hey Josh I'm getting my BS in IT at WGU .
Josh, I want to get your thoughts, I'm in the last semester of an Associates in Systems Administration and Management and have currently been in a help desk role for 7 months. I'm wanting to stay on the SysAdmin track and eventually get certified in cloud/MCSA but I'm conflicted on whether to pursue certs or a bachelors as the area of the US I live in Jobs can be somewhat limited and I wanted to be able to justify the debt. I'd like to get your thoughts on it. Thank you!!
Hey Colby! I would personally get some certs for the area that you want to move into. Since you're already working, you're way ahead of the game. Want to move into cloud/sys admin? Cool, get AZ-900/500/104 or some AWS cert(s) and start doing your own relevant projects to get some nice experience on your resume/github.
One thing that I would recommend is, if you're considering a bachelor's degree as well, try to target the certs that are part of one of the BS degrees, such as the BS in Cloud Computing from WGU (th-cam.com/video/LwynFf46TiQ/w-d-xo.html). That way, when you decide to get your bachelor's degree, you'll have a decent chunk of it done already with your Associates and certs. This is what I've done in the past! Hope this helps!
@@JoshMadakor is there a way I could connect with you and pick your brain a little more on some projects you may have done? I appreciate your time and experience
Hi Josh, I work for a National Defense contractor already but want to get a Bachelors to help for advancement as an ISSO. The defense contractor I work for invented the MITRE Attack framework so you can guess where I work, LOL. I already have Security+, would you recommend the IT management program for speed if I just want the paper? I feel like I can get the other certs later, I felt like A+ was a little too rudimentary but it’s always good to practice the basics. Would you recommend the IT Management degree over the Cybersecurity major? I’m looking more for speed.
Hey, first, thanks for watching!
_>would you recommend the IT management program for speed if I just want the paper?_
Yes, 100%. Just get that thing out of the way, then get CISSP afterwards to satisfy your IAT/IAM stuff :) That's what I'd do anyways, haha
@@JoshMadakor Thanks Josh!
Hey Josh great video. I found it extremely valuable. Also, I saw the sneaky fun fact you dropped about you dropping out of highschool when you were 15. Im curious, why did you make that decision, if you dont mind me asking.
No you don’t need degree for federal government. 👍🏼
Great content
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!
Hey Josh, I wanted to start off by saying thanks for the great content and I am very happy I found your channel.
I have about 2 years experience working as a SecDevOps engineer with a security + certification. Do you think the CySA+ would be worth getting? I am looking to change roles from a "devops" kind of guy to a cyber securtiy anaylyst/incident response and then I have goals of later this year or early next year to get the CISSP.
Do you think this is sound or do you have different reccomendations? I hope to hear back from you.
Hey np, thanks for watching! Your plan actually sounds pretty good. You are already getting your experience, and two additional certs, one which I consider good technical knowledge (CySA), and one which is the ultimate HR filter (CISSP). Sorry I couldn't contribute to your plan, but it sounds pretty solid already lol
@@JoshMadakor It is ok! Reassurance is always a good thing. Thanks again. Looking forward to future videos (also thanks for the pod cast reccomandations).
Hey Josh, love your videos, it’s allowing me to focus on my career goals and I have been sharing your videos with my friends. I’m a recent graduate with MIS and in the process of obtaining a CompTIA Sec+ as I want to enter Cybersecurity or IT in general. I heard that obtaining the Sec+ would attract military/government contractors, I saw the video where you discussed your time in Japan as well. Is it realistic to say that just having the Sec+ would give me a better chance, at least, in obtaining an interview for a Military/Government IT job? I also have corporate Training (certificate of completion: Cybersecurity Analyst) from a Cybersecurity firm, I tend to add that training into my resume under technologies (particularly IBM QRadar). My current goal is to obtain the Sec+ and start applying again.
Hey! Congrats on the MIS. The Security+ was probably the most fun cert I ever got. You're right that getting Sec+ is good for dod contracts/govts. In fact it's pretty much a requirement to work in IT in any capacity. Look up " DOD8140" www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-dod-8140-cybersecurity-certifications-and-requirements
So having Sec+ would definitely give you a better chance. The hard part is actually finding somebody who will sponsor you for a clearance. But the "better you are" the more likely it is to happen, if that makes sense. Good luck on your journey, it sounds exciting. I always think about trying defense again.
@@JoshMadakor Thanks for the link & insight, definitely going to keep getting better haha!
Doubt you still read these comments, but I am going into my last year for my BS in Networking and Data security from Tacoma Community, along with getting miscellaneous certs along the way. Sec+ Cloud+ CySA+, CCNA, AZ-900, and AWS Cloud Practioner. But, I am torn if I want to try and switch industries after I graduate, or if I want to pursue my Masters at WGU in their cloud program. Would you happen to have any advice?
So, I have a couple questions. How do you know which direction you wanna go? IT is so vast and there's so many different areas it's a little overwhelming. Do you start to understand the different areas when you're working on the degree? Then you can kinda see where you'd like to work? Or does that happen after you start working in the field?
A little bit of both honestly. When you study, you don't actually know what you're going to do when you actually start working. A good example of this is my wife. She was studying networking really really hard, had a full blown physical Cisco lab in a rack and worked hard and got her CCNA. Her very first job was as a DNS/web services admin, her second job was a Support Engineer for MS Azure. You don't HAVE to get hired for the stuff you studied. A lot of the time you'll get hired for your aptitude and then trained up once you're on the job.
A really clear example of this, imagine a MD (doctor). They have gone through the rigors of med school and residency. Although they don't have experience teaching, you would probably feel comfortable hiring them as an anatomy and physiology teacher. It's kind of the same with IT. If you have a degree in cybersecurity with a few certs, it's entirely possible someone will recognize your aptitude and then hire you to work for AWS doing enterprise support, even though you don't have any AWS certs or AWS exp.
What I would do if I were you, is just pick an area that looks most interesting to you, and go HARD on it. Get certs or a degree and generate some experience for yourself via personal projects. Then, you can just apply to a lot of things that seem interesting even though they don't exactly match what you studied (or maybe they do match!)
I hope this helps, I could type more but it's getting kind of long, haha.
@@JoshMadakor this is great! Thank you, Josh!
I have most of the certs that are listed on the resume in red. Do you think they would give me credit for them so I wouldn't have to take these classes?
Hey Gibson! I believe there is a time-limit cutoff for SOME of the certs, but yes, you'd definitely get credit for them. This is a strategy a lot of people do; completing the certs outside, transferring them in, and then finishing the degree quickly. Just get in touch with an enrollment counselor and they will evaluate your credits for you :)
@@JoshMadakor thanks, Josh!
Would you suggest WGU over Perdue Global? looking to transition from healthcare! looking for some help to start somewhere in the fall! thanks :)
Hey Justin! I need to look into Purdue Global some more so I can't answer very well, but it sounds pretty good. Another one that's really similar to WGU (takes credits from study.com, etc) is Thomas Edison State University--might be worth checking that out as well :P
@@JoshMadakor Hey! just checked out Thomas edison based out of trenton. THank you so much!
So for your first job after graduation with BSIT/ BSCSIA it should be help desk? And then from there you just get promoted?
There are no rules about this, but generally speaking,
1) help desk jobs are the easiest to get, and
2) experience is paramount. The fatser you get experience, the better.
Because of these two things, a lot of people will typically just go help desk to start working asap, then branch off from there. Of course you don't HAVE to do this, but it just might take a bit longer to land a mid-level role vs entry/help desk. Hope this helps!
Hey Josh! huge fan here bro! Just wondering if station X is a good way to prestudy for b.s cyber security at WGU?
Hey Muhammad, thanks so much for watching! I hadn't heard of station X until just now, but I googled them! They seem to be decent priced, but I'm not really sure how the curriculum compares to WGU. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to get a bit of extra knowledge beforehand if you have a few months before you start wgu. Thanks again!
@@JoshMadakor Station X combines all the top courses on hacking , cloud and cyber security and casts it on one single platform for a very cheap price of $149/year. I have been using it for the last two months and I am satisfied as hell. I was wondering if I could just prepare for all the certifications that you get by the end of B.S cyber security from WGU and went in to just take exam for all cyber related courses. Would that help?
Josh, question...I already have a general IT degree but no certifications (e.g. Network+, Security+....). I want to pursue a Master in Cybersecurity at WGU. Should I go for my certifications first or go for my Master directly? I have been out of IT field for 10+ years
This is a super good question and a really good thing to think about. So the only two industry certs in the MSCSIA are CEH and CHFI, though taking the CHFI is no longer required, but a WGU version of the CHFI. I would recommend studying for the CEH and CHFI pre-enrollment, then just knocking them out once you're in the program. No need to spend your precious enrollment time studying for CEH/CHFI. I would just find some good quizlets or something and just drill those prior to enrollment :)
Oh I just no realized I didn't understand your question! It just depends on the area that you want to go in and how much experience you feel like you have. Getting Certs is a really great way to "break into" something. Like if you're new and trying to get your first job, or if you're in a job, but want to "level-up" to a more difficult position or something like this. I would probably recommend a cert or two before getting the MSCSIA. With your experience, I might skip A+ and maybe just get CompTIA Security+, plus one more cert, that matches the area where you want to work (eJPT, CySA, etc.). Once you get a job, just start studying for CISSP. This will kill two birds with one stone, since the MSCSIA is largely based off of the CISSP. Then when you're ready, I might take the CISSP first, bang out the master's real quick.
Of course you don't HAVE to do it this way, it's just one of the ways that makes sense in my head. Feel free to modify lol :)
@@JoshMadakor Josh, Thanks for your input much appreciated.
np! I just made a video response to your question, it will release at 11.30am PST. just fyi!
Which is a more lucrative degree for someone with no experience I.T., Computer Science, or Cyber Security
It a good thing you have your mask on in your thumbnail 😀
In the ransomware video? lol yeah.
Hey thanks for the videos... I'm doing MBA in marketing @ wgu, however still very motivating👍
Like I have B.S and master degree in psychology, but i want to switch to IT field, should I go to school to get IT degree or just IT certified is enough?
hello Josh! love your videos . I'm currently considering switching careers to Cyber Security. I got my bachelors in Political science so I'm not familiar with IT field at all other than a few Udemy courses. Do you suggest me to enroll for the BS at WGU or should I go with the MS program? also do you think I should be able to apply for jobs while I'm in school? thank you in advance
Hey, thanks so much for watching my content! I'll answer in-line below:
_>Do you suggest me to enroll for the BS at WGU or should I go with the MS program?_
A degree isn't really necessary to get into IT/security, but if you aren't hurting for time/money and just really want to get into security, the BS in Cyber and IA will give you more technical depth as a new person and will be more useful than the Cyber Master's in my opinion. The downside is it will more than likely take longer than the cyber masters. Another approach would be to study and get a few certs on your own (Security+, eJPT, and possibly CISSP, etc.), "make your own experience", then just start applying for jobs and doing the cyber masters at the same time.
_>also do you think I should be able to apply for jobs while I'm in school? _
You absolutely can! School is just a means to an end (getting a job and experience), and cyber doesn't REQUIRE you to have a degree to start working. If you got a job, you could just start working and slow down the school as needed
Extra Videos that kinda support what I talked about here:
About CISSP, since I mentioned it in this post: th-cam.com/video/TOmPQmCFv6k/w-d-xo.html
How to make your own experience: th-cam.com/video/UasHPQ0VBOc/w-d-xo.html
How to job hunt in IT (or cyber): th-cam.com/video/5thkwBIZph4/w-d-xo.html
I know I kinda wrote a wall of text, but I hope it helps a bit!
Hi Josh, I'm currently attending BS IT degree and im like 60% complete I also live in the Seattle area. I'm self teaching myself nest JS and react to build an e-commerce website.
Dang, good for you. That's the way to do it! I really enjoyed React btw. I'd like to dive deeper into it someday when I get the time and energy. Good luck with your degree too. Sounds like you'll be done p soon :>👏
Any update?
If you make your own work experience who will be your reference?
Your portfolio/blog/TH-cam whatever you create that they employer can observe will serve as a reference, then just use a personal reference if you don't have a professional one :)
Notiiii squad, I am 2 hours late because I had a “quick” nap ffs 😂😂😂
Hahaha thank you for coming thru
Can you do a segment on the bachelor degree for cloud computing?
I've had this request a bunch! I might look into it and do a video on it. I've been thinking of trying to get my wife to do this degree since she now works in cloud haha. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching :)
@@JoshMadakor there is a bachelors for Cloud? I'm interested. Which school? Btw, U and Sandra are my go too for all things Cyber education. Thank U Josh!
About Computer science how you pass it?
How'd I pass it? Check out this video: th-cam.com/video/d3iKMoCIclA/w-d-xo.html
Can you copy the link of the video on how to gain experience in cyber security?
You mean this one? haha: th-cam.com/video/UasHPQ0VBOc/w-d-xo.html
This video is for IT in general, but the same concepts can be applied for Cyber. I also include examples of a cyber resume for someone who has made experience for themselves, so check it out. @ Sandra - Tech & Lifestyle also made a decent video on this, so check out her video too: th-cam.com/video/joUYptrxz-Y/w-d-xo.html
WGU= Migraine
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Do you have any advice for making a linked in profile?
Make a video on oregon state university bachelorette is it worth the cost its online and only the core classes
Oh shoot, thanks
Mention scholarships for women in tech !
Will my credits earned from my associates degree transfer over?
Yes! It depends on the school and the program you select, but they should definitely transfer if your associates is accredited.
Nnamdi bro you Nigerian, I wonder why I liked you already 😂😂
Hahaha, you noticed? Thanks man 😂😂
@@JoshMadakor sure did, good thing I stumbled on this masterpiece, just graduated with an associate In Cyber Security, network engineering and cloud computing looking forward to Join WGU for Bach in all three domains.
Do you need an IT degree to work as a scrum master ?
I don't think so! I don't think you need any degree do you? (I just did some quick Googling).
wtf was that random outro???
Lmao
Japanese, “what’s your favorite sparkling water? Ah, I can’t read it. This one is mine.”
@@JoshMadakor lmao, idk why theyre so popular. i highly recommend trying "clear american" instead which you can find at most walmarts. tastes just like soda, but zero everything. sugars, calories, etc.
👍
Thanks for the 👍 and taking the time to watch and comment, it's much appreciated 😊
lol cry, how about with no experience???
Hey! Hilariously enough, I made a couple videos addressing just this!!
th-cam.com/video/UasHPQ0VBOc/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/5thkwBIZph4/w-d-xo.html
Basically, you can make your own work experience and put it on your resume. The second video talks about the other stuff you can do to kinda increase your chances of finding a job. Hope this helps!
@@JoshMadakor thanks for all you do
AI is here to make you poor again
The snobby upspeak uggggggh
*Josh my man you have added so much value to youtube and the tech community. Thanks*DEXTEROUSX
I really appreciate that, thanks so much :)