@@jamarengineers let’s go! Great program and you’ll be great. Utilize all the tools the program comes with. Udemy, pluralsight, etc. those are the two I used the most. Good luck!
@@rachidaouaki6396 so I got in based on having my Security+. I had a friend get in after they had him complete some google IT certification that took him like a month
This is what I needed to here. Great info. I am on the fence between the B.S. in Information Technology and the B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance being a long time Systems Admin. I just think I would enjoy the Cyber degree more. You actually answered a question I had previously about what they meant by the Optional Voucher on the CCSP which leads me to a follow on question about that. I have two questions for you. I am scheduled to renew my Security+ before I start with WGU next year so I will be able to transfer that in. You mentioned it took care of 3 courses? Network and Security - Foundations and Network and Security - Applications? Was there actually a third class you got credit for holding the Security+ or just those two because if there is a third, that is generous of WGU and exciting. My second question is in order to pass the other certification path classes like A+, Network+, ITIL, Linux LPI, Project+, PenTest+, CySA+, SSCP, you have to pass the proctored certification exam to get credit for that class but the CCSP is the only exception?
When I came into the program I believe the Security+ took care of 3 classes, but they have since changed some of the classes in the program, so I can't say for sure if it'll be 2 or 3 for you. For your second question, every single exam is proctored (except practice exams). So for your compTIA certs you will still take the test through PearsonVue using a voucher code, then when you pass PearsonVue will send the results to WGU. For ITIL and CCSP they use a different proctor and those results go straight back to the school. For the SSCP I had to go to a physical location to take that test, but it is super super easy. It was 150 questions and I was done in like 25 minutes lol As a sys admin I think it'll be a great program for you! Best of luck!
Definitely shoot for the cyber degree since you have better interest. Im currently in the IT degree program at WGU and the only things I dislike about it is that there is more business classes than I think there should be and a LOT about web development. Ive passed the web dev classes already but it wouldve saved me a lot of time if I just took the Cyber degree instead since a lot of cybersecurity works together.
I'm in that WGU program, in my 3rd Term, currently working on Network +, which is kicking my butt. I'm pretty tech savvy and usually the go to guy for tech help, I even have an associates in computer information systems from some years back, that I've never used... Anyways, which of the courses or certs did you find the most challenging?
@@Denspion most challenging was definitely the PenTest+. That was the only one I didn’t pass the first try… I got like a 746 or something and needed a 750 lol. Devastating. Network+ was second hardest for me for sure! Network stuff is intense lol Something for me is I always did awful on most practice tests but always felt like I’d do well on the actual test and I did. The Jason Dion practice tests I was almost always in the 60% range before taking the actual test and I would pass pretty easily. Keep plugging away!
@@Denspion from experience i learned that the wording on the comptia exams is much more understandable. Once you get to CySA+ they give multiple correct answers and you have to choose the BEST lol..fun GOOD LUCK and keep grinding!
Wait, did they change access for Udemy? I graduated a few months ago and lost access to Udemy. Back in 2021/22 they stated they Udemy was only for current student not alumni.
@@Otakonstar damn you know what. I’m pretty sure when I enrolled in the program that was one of the offered benefits for alumni, but now I’m not seeing it on the list…the others still are. However, I hadn’t thought twice about it cuz my udemy still works. Well that would be a shame…
So I received an associates in mathematics in 2022 and wanted to know if I would be able to use that to start a BS in cyber security with this program. I’ve also obtained my A+ network plus and security plus and want to know if I could just skip those courses if I provided evidence or if I would have to take their test. Lastly, I am a daca recipient which means I do not qualify for financial aid so what did you end up paying and how much did you receive an?
@@BURNTTOAST428 awesome work so far! Yes, you will be able to skip those courses when you provide those certs with transcripts. I was not eligible for financial aid. So I paid full price less what my job reimbursed me for. Best of luck!
Did you actually read and study the course materials? Or did you use a software to help you study the answers to pass your exams? I notice students just want to know the multiple choice questions and that’s it. Just curious.
I read through most of the material. However, I would always start with the pre assessment and use that to focus on my weak points. I listened to a lot of youtube videos on my commutes to work as well and then always finished with a ton of practice tests and questions.
Just "knowing the multiple choice questions" will not help you at all at WGU. The pre-exams and the final exams are entirely different pools of questions. Plus there are certification exams that you pretty much just have to study for.
Man, how did you get so lucky to land a ex-Green Beret as your Mentor amd one thats not transitioned into DevSecOps since leaving the teams? Were you ex-militart of some sorts too and by association that made it easy for them to link him with you? I just find that interesting
@@Maestro-anon great question. My current job has a good tuition reimbursement program but it does not cover masters degrees. In the future if I find a company that pays for a masters program I will likely go back!
If I may ask if you are doing solo game dev wouldn't computer science degree be more valuable (forgive me if you stated why in the vid I am half asleep right now studying the Odin Project)
haha no I didn't state why. Cybersecurity was the right choice for me as I want to be a pentester. Game development is more of my passion project, something I really enjoy. Computer science wouldn't cover art, music, business and all that which is heavy in game development. Work hard at the Odin Project and good luck!
I paused my search. I put a good amount of applications and only got one call back. Not making excuses, but election year and a really strange economy in the US led us to the record lowest amount of hires this last 6 months. BUT I could have tried a lot harder than I did so don't use me as an example
@@dirtyderkus keep applying I took 2 months and the last week of my search, I got 3 back to back interviews and 3 offers. also use chatGPT to make your resume better. that's the only change when I applied to those jobs I got offers from. also do not be afraid to start from the bottom and work your way up. Nothing wrong with a JR sys admin job, Helpdesk, IT engineer level 1. etc.
5:20 you mentioned passing the exam. How do you know when you ready for taking the test. Is that something you discussed with your mentor before hand. Thank you
So for specific classes you will have an instructor you can utilize. I never used them lol but there is often a pre assessment you have to pass before registering for the exam. This is a good guideline as well as other practice exams. Honestly, a lot of the practice tests are harder than the actual exam. I just knew it was time to take the exam when I felt like I knew enough to eliminate the incorrect answers. Thanks for the comment and good luck!
A degree certainly helps, but I don't believe it is entirely necessary. That's just my personal opinion and I had that opinion since before I even got my first Bachelors. My philosophy is to be so good they can't ignore you. (there's a book called that "So Good They Can't Ignore You") Great read. Good luck!
@@dirtyderkus I agree because HR uses ATS to weed out people without formal education and specific keywords related to job descriptions. It’s a tough job market right now.. while I like cybersecurity and want to learn more, I believe it’s better to keep working hard towards goals. Eventually things will fall into place
@@corpuzone agreed the market is BRUTAL. I’m lucky to still be in a decent paying job for now and can work some side stuff for the time being. Hang in there!
@@alyihasimpson8200 I wouldn’t say hard and it depends on what program you go for. I got accepted based on my previous bachelors degree and even more so because I had my Security+
@@KingKrisWithThrone no I did not have to take any tests to get in. I had my security + and another bachelors already that got me accepted into the program
@@KingKrisWithThrone I’d imagine for associates you’d be okay but best bet is to get in touch with school itself. can probably find that info on their website as well!
can we connect on linkedin? i aspire to break into cybersecurity as well. I had my eyes set on studying for security plus as my first cert but have been reading that it doesn't guarantee a job and is more or less a foot in the door. What are your thoughts on the weight that certs have in the application process?
@@ARE_Andon I would definitely still get it because a lot of jobs will have it as a base requirement and you will learn a lot from it. Once you’re done with that, I would then learn the tools necessary for the part of cybersecurity you wanna get into. You definitely need to understand networks in depth. So Network+, maybe CCNA would be good network certs to have. Good luck!
Bro, I just saw your video. You spoke on the degree I was thinking about getting. How can I speak to you? I got a couple of questions for your feedback
bruh hahaha it's wild cuz I already knew some python but that course had me. I actually decided to not study 3 of the practice questions and just made sure I got the other 12 right that way when I took the test I would pass on the number. Hated that class. Hated working with files
Question, with you having a kid and a full time job, how many days during the week did you get a chance to study? Did you have designated days you focused solely on school?
oh man i had a lot going on during the program. In the beginning I had a newborn so I would study during her naps, and on my nights off (I worked nights). Then I started going through a divorce, selling the house, moving and all that, so I took a 3 month break after the first term. Then again I would study during my kid's naps, on my nights off, and on the two days that I usually didn't have her. I can truthfully say I put in a solid 20 -25 hours a week of studying to finish in about 17 months. and I can honestly say I could have done a lot more. I don't care to go out so for me it's all grind grind grind. Hope that helps!
Im currently in the process of applying, i was very interested in software engineer degree, do you think im making a good choice or should i got for computer science and learn software engineering after?
I don't think there is a wrong answer here. If you think cyber security is something you really want to do I would go for it! I will say from experience I am currently having a hard time finding the right job, but my monthly expenses are high so I can't just go take a pay cut to accept any role. Important thing to remember is you can always learn through resources outside of school. You can learn to develop software in many other ways. Best of luck!
@@FontaineFuturistics oooo hardest for me was definitely the PenTest+, the last course before the capstone project. It’s the only test I didn’t pass the first try… second to that was probably the network+ but it wasn’t terrible.
thanks for this vid man, def gonna look into wgu for sure, i like how you kept it real with your experience!
for sure man! best of luck to you :)
Thank you for this awesome info. I am starting my first term next month and I cannot WAIT! This is inspiring, good luck to you.
@@tigerpaw7551 you can do it!
I should be starting this program soon! Thanks for the information, good video!
Thanks! You’ll love the program. Great school.
thanks for sharing your experience with wgu. keep us updated on how your journey is breaking into cybersecurity industry.
Great video bro. I start the Cybersecurity program September 1st.
@@jamarengineers let’s go! Great program and you’ll be great. Utilize all the tools the program comes with. Udemy, pluralsight, etc. those are the two I used the most. Good luck!
@@dirtyderkuscan you do this program if you have no technology background ?
@@rachidaouaki6396 so I got in based on having my Security+. I had a friend get in after they had him complete some google IT certification that took him like a month
I start my Cybersecurity program 1st as well. Lets link up and work together. Great video bro.
You’re the Man
I start in December and I have the ITF+ Cert.
lets go! best of luck and put the work in!
Good video, but the music is very distracting.
It is good music
This is what I needed to here. Great info. I am on the fence between the B.S. in Information Technology and the B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance being a long time Systems Admin. I just think I would enjoy the Cyber degree more. You actually answered a question I had previously about what they meant by the Optional Voucher on the CCSP which leads me to a follow on question about that. I have two questions for you. I am scheduled to renew my Security+ before I start with WGU next year so I will be able to transfer that in. You mentioned it took care of 3 courses? Network and Security - Foundations and Network and Security - Applications? Was there actually a third class you got credit for holding the Security+ or just those two because if there is a third, that is generous of WGU and exciting. My second question is in order to pass the other certification path classes like A+, Network+, ITIL, Linux LPI, Project+, PenTest+, CySA+, SSCP, you have to pass the proctored certification exam to get credit for that class but the CCSP is the only exception?
When I came into the program I believe the Security+ took care of 3 classes, but they have since changed some of the classes in the program, so I can't say for sure if it'll be 2 or 3 for you.
For your second question, every single exam is proctored (except practice exams). So for your compTIA certs you will still take the test through PearsonVue using a voucher code, then when you pass PearsonVue will send the results to WGU. For ITIL and CCSP they use a different proctor and those results go straight back to the school. For the SSCP I had to go to a physical location to take that test, but it is super super easy. It was 150 questions and I was done in like 25 minutes lol
As a sys admin I think it'll be a great program for you! Best of luck!
Definitely shoot for the cyber degree since you have better interest. Im currently in the IT degree program at WGU and the only things I dislike about it is that there is more business classes than I think there should be and a LOT about web development. Ive passed the web dev classes already but it wouldve saved me a lot of time if I just took the Cyber degree instead since a lot of cybersecurity works together.
i did security + on my own time but no job offers came from it so im about to double down with the program. I start in December.
exactly what i did. If you can, try to get a job in IT while doing the program to help set you up for a transition into cyber!
Best of luck!
I'm in that WGU program, in my 3rd Term, currently working on Network +, which is kicking my butt. I'm pretty tech savvy and usually the go to guy for tech help, I even have an associates in computer information systems from some years back, that I've never used... Anyways, which of the courses or certs did you find the most challenging?
@@Denspion most challenging was definitely the PenTest+. That was the only one I didn’t pass the first try… I got like a 746 or something and needed a 750 lol. Devastating. Network+ was second hardest for me for sure! Network stuff is intense lol
Something for me is I always did awful on most practice tests but always felt like I’d do well on the actual test and I did. The Jason Dion practice tests I was almost always in the 60% range before taking the actual test and I would pass pretty easily.
Keep plugging away!
@@dirtyderkus that’s about my range!
@@Denspion from experience i learned that the wording on the comptia exams is much more understandable. Once you get to CySA+ they give multiple correct answers and you have to choose the BEST lol..fun GOOD LUCK and keep grinding!
@@dirtyderkus oh yay lol
Wait, did they change access for Udemy? I graduated a few months ago and lost access to Udemy. Back in 2021/22 they stated they Udemy was only for current student not alumni.
@@Otakonstar damn you know what. I’m pretty sure when I enrolled in the program that was one of the offered benefits for alumni, but now I’m not seeing it on the list…the others still are. However, I hadn’t thought twice about it cuz my udemy still works. Well that would be a shame…
So I received an associates in mathematics in 2022 and wanted to know if I would be able to use that to start a BS in cyber security with this program. I’ve also obtained my A+ network plus and security plus and want to know if I could just skip those courses if I provided evidence or if I would have to take their test. Lastly, I am a daca recipient which means I do not qualify for financial aid so what did you end up paying and how much did you receive an?
@@BURNTTOAST428 awesome work so far! Yes, you will be able to skip those courses when you provide those certs with transcripts.
I was not eligible for financial aid. So I paid full price less what my job reimbursed me for.
Best of luck!
Did you actually read and study the course materials? Or did you use a software to help you study the answers to pass your exams? I notice students just want to know the multiple choice questions and that’s it. Just curious.
I read through most of the material. However, I would always start with the pre assessment and use that to focus on my weak points. I listened to a lot of youtube videos on my commutes to work as well and then always finished with a ton of practice tests and questions.
Just "knowing the multiple choice questions" will not help you at all at WGU. The pre-exams and the final exams are entirely different pools of questions. Plus there are certification exams that you pretty much just have to study for.
Man, how did you get so lucky to land a ex-Green Beret as your Mentor amd one thats not transitioned into DevSecOps since leaving the teams?
Were you ex-militart of some sorts too and by association that made it easy for them to link him with you?
I just find that interesting
@@1anre I just got really really lucky! No military experience. A close friend of mind did not get as lucky :/
So why not the masters cybersecurity program instead since you already had a bachelors ?
@@Maestro-anon great question. My current job has a good tuition reimbursement program but it does not cover masters degrees. In the future if I find a company that pays for a masters program I will likely go back!
Do you have to drug test for Mar-iguana
no lol
If I may ask if you are doing solo game dev wouldn't computer science degree be more valuable (forgive me if you stated why in the vid I am half asleep right now studying the Odin Project)
haha no I didn't state why. Cybersecurity was the right choice for me as I want to be a pentester. Game development is more of my passion project, something I really enjoy. Computer science wouldn't cover art, music, business and all that which is heavy in game development. Work hard at the Odin Project and good luck!
thanks man best luck to you as well
How much math is involved in these courses
not too much... you'll need to know some for the python course and a few others, but not like anything super advanced beyond algebra
HOw long did it take you to secure a job after graduation?
I paused my search. I put a good amount of applications and only got one call back. Not making excuses, but election year and a really strange economy in the US led us to the record lowest amount of hires this last 6 months.
BUT I could have tried a lot harder than I did so don't use me as an example
@@dirtyderkus keep applying I took 2 months and the last week of my search, I got 3 back to back interviews and 3 offers. also use chatGPT to make your resume better. that's the only change when I applied to those jobs I got offers from.
also do not be afraid to start from the bottom and work your way up. Nothing wrong with a JR sys admin job, Helpdesk, IT engineer level 1. etc.
5:20 you mentioned passing the exam. How do you know when you ready for taking the test. Is that something you discussed with your mentor before hand.
Thank you
So for specific classes you will have an instructor you can utilize. I never used them lol but there is often a pre assessment you have to pass before registering for the exam. This is a good guideline as well as other practice exams. Honestly, a lot of the practice tests are harder than the actual exam. I just knew it was time to take the exam when I felt like I knew enough to eliminate the incorrect answers. Thanks for the comment and good luck!
@@dirtyderkus awesome.... I truly appreciate this.
So no need for a degree? You think going for certifications is better?
A degree certainly helps, but I don't believe it is entirely necessary. That's just my personal opinion and I had that opinion since before I even got my first Bachelors. My philosophy is to be so good they can't ignore you. (there's a book called that "So Good They Can't Ignore You") Great read. Good luck!
@@dirtyderkus I agree because HR uses ATS to weed out people without formal education and specific keywords related to job descriptions. It’s a tough job market right now.. while I like cybersecurity and want to learn more, I believe it’s better to keep working hard towards goals. Eventually things will fall into place
@@corpuzone agreed the market is BRUTAL. I’m lucky to still be in a decent paying job for now and can work some side stuff for the time being. Hang in there!
Is there any books you had to use throughout the course?
all the required books are supplied via e books!
Is it hard to get into this school?
@@alyihasimpson8200 I wouldn’t say hard and it depends on what program you go for. I got accepted based on my previous bachelors degree and even more so because I had my Security+
Is this hands on?
they got rid of udemy for alumni unfortunately
@@columbia540 that’s what I’ve heard..wonder if I slipped through the cracks…🤫
@@dirtyderkus that would be insanely luckily. Maybe you were grandfathered in? Now I need to go buy those Dion CASP+ practice tests…
@@columbia540 hahahah bruh…I was like well I haven’t used udemy in a couple weeks lemme just go check….DENIED 😂💀
@@dirtyderkus ahh RIP it was great while it lasted. LinkedIn learning just doesnt hit the same
@@columbia540 no....no it doesnt lol
Can you repeat test if you fail a comptia or do you have to repay for the voucher?
@@morethanmello so you get 2 attempts included with tuition. After 2 you pay a discounted rate, but I promise you won’t fail twice!
@@dirtyderkus appreciate your videos and response, keep us updated on your job search. Rooting for you.
@@morethanmello thank you! good luck to you!
Do you have to take any pre assessment tests to get into this college ? Kinda like how you would have to at an adult career center ?
@@KingKrisWithThrone no I did not have to take any tests to get in. I had my security + and another bachelors already that got me accepted into the program
@@dirtyderkus would I have to take one ? With no background knowledge ?
And I will be going in for my associates
@@KingKrisWithThrone I’d imagine for associates you’d be okay but best bet is to get in touch with school itself. can probably find that info on their website as well!
can we connect on linkedin? i aspire to break into cybersecurity as well. I had my eyes set on studying for security plus as my first cert but have been reading that it doesn't guarantee a job and is more or less a foot in the door. What are your thoughts on the weight that certs have in the application process?
@@ARE_Andon I would definitely still get it because a lot of jobs will have it as a base requirement and you will learn a lot from it. Once you’re done with that, I would then learn the tools necessary for the part of cybersecurity you wanna get into. You definitely need to understand networks in depth. So Network+, maybe CCNA would be good network certs to have. Good luck!
Bro, I just saw your video. You spoke on the degree I was thinking about getting. How can I speak to you? I got a couple of questions for your feedback
@@BigBrother619 for sure shoot me an email! dirtyderkus@yahoo.com
What school did you go to before?
@@LilJoe2424 Columbia southern university which was online as well. Very cheap and again my work paid for most of it. Hardly learned a thing there lol
Did you land a job after getting your certification?
I have not. I am currently on a pause from the job hunt to focus on some other things!
Python is whoopin my ass 🤦🏾♂️
bruh hahaha it's wild cuz I already knew some python but that course had me. I actually decided to not study 3 of the practice questions and just made sure I got the other 12 right that way when I took the test I would pass on the number.
Hated that class. Hated working with files
You’re not alone, Python has me contemplating I the time I need to learn the basics, that bad!!!
@@rustyshackleford2841 you can do it! a pain but valuable for sure
Williams Sandra Perez Donald Hall Anthony
Question, with you having a kid and a full time job, how many days during the week did you get a chance to study? Did you have designated days you focused solely on school?
oh man i had a lot going on during the program. In the beginning I had a newborn so I would study during her naps, and on my nights off (I worked nights). Then I started going through a divorce, selling the house, moving and all that, so I took a 3 month break after the first term. Then again I would study during my kid's naps, on my nights off, and on the two days that I usually didn't have her. I can truthfully say I put in a solid 20 -25 hours a week of studying to finish in about 17 months. and I can honestly say I could have done a lot more. I don't care to go out so for me it's all grind grind grind. Hope that helps!
@@dirtyderkusdamn dude you went through a lot to achieve this, you have my respect
@@jacrispy219r5 haha thanks! It was a crap ton of work and caffeine 😅
Walker Shores
Im currently in the process of applying, i was very interested in software engineer degree, do you think im making a good choice or should i got for computer science and learn software engineering after?
I don't think there is a wrong answer here. If you think cyber security is something you really want to do I would go for it! I will say from experience I am currently having a hard time finding the right job, but my monthly expenses are high so I can't just go take a pay cut to accept any role.
Important thing to remember is you can always learn through resources outside of school. You can learn to develop software in many other ways.
Best of luck!
If you’re willing to become SE go to engineering program which is more make sense
What was the hardest course?
@@FontaineFuturistics oooo hardest for me was definitely the PenTest+, the last course before the capstone project. It’s the only test I didn’t pass the first try… second to that was probably the network+ but it wasn’t terrible.
2671 Langworth Skyway
So if you get the A+ Network + etc, does that count towards the classes?
that is correct!
Garcia Sandra Wilson Margaret Martin Ruth