Why the CISSP Changed My Cyber Security Career Forever

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares how obtaining the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification transformed their cybersecurity career. Highlighting their journey through the defense industry, they emphasize the importance of strategic certification choices, starting with Security Plus. The speaker outlines the need for a solid career plan and the value of incremental steps, cautioning against jumping to advanced credentials without foundational experience. Ultimately, they reveal that achieving the CISSP not only opened up higher-paying job opportunities but also provided critical lessons for navigating a successful career in cybersecurity.

Takeaways

• 🚀 **Career Impact:** Key life decisions and certifications, like the CISSP, can profoundly change your career trajectory.
• 📜 **Certification Requirements:** The defense industry mandates specific certifications, such as DOD 8570, to qualify for many jobs.
• 🔍 **Market Demand:** The CISSP certification is highly sought after, with thousands of job postings consistently requiring it across various industries.
• 📈 **Initial Steps:** Starting with foundational certifications, such as Security Plus, can create numerous job opportunities.
• ⏳ **Timing Matters:** Pursuing advanced certifications like the CISSP without adequate experience may not yield immediate benefits.
• 🎓 **Learning Journey:** Engaging with complex material too early can hinder motivation; readiness is key to success.
• 💡 **Growth Through Experience:** Gaining the required experience is crucial for reaping the benefits of certifications.
• 🔗 **Smaller Steps:** Progression in your career should be based on smaller, manageable steps rather than jumping to high-level credentials.
• 🛤️ **Plan Your Path:** Having a clear career plan can guide your certification choices and help avoid poor decisions.
• 🌱 **Embrace Risks:** It's okay to take risks with certifications that may be challenging; sometimes, failing can lead to important growth.

Q & A

What significant impact can relationships or major decisions have on one's career?

Relationships or major decisions, such as moving or acquiring new skills, can significantly influence your career journey, either positively or negatively.

What is the CISSP certification and why is it important in cybersecurity?

The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a widely recognized certification that validates an individual's expertise in managing and implementing cybersecurity policies and practices. It is particularly important as it opens up numerous job opportunities in the cybersecurity field.

What role does the DOD 8570 mandate play in the defense industry?

The DOD 8570 mandate serves as a roadmap for required cybersecurity certifications in the defense industry, ensuring that professionals meet specific credentialing standards for various job roles.

What were the speaker's initial steps towards obtaining cybersecurity certifications?

The speaker's first step was obtaining the Security Plus certification, which was challenging due to the newness of the information, but it was essential for pursuing further opportunities in cybersecurity.

How does the demand for CISSP certification compare across different job markets?

The demand for CISSP certification is high across various job markets, with numerous job postings on platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter consistently listing it as a requirement or highly desired qualification.

What experience is required to obtain the CISSP certification?

To obtain the CISSP certification, candidates must have a minimum of five years of paid work experience in cybersecurity or four years with a one-year waiver.

Why did the speaker initially hesitate to pursue the CISSP certification after obtaining the Security Plus?

The speaker hesitated because they felt they lacked the necessary experience and found the CISSP material to be less engaging, preferring to focus on learning technical topics first.

What are some important lessons learned from the speaker's journey to obtaining the CISSP?

Some key lessons include the importance of incremental steps in career development, the value of taking calculated risks, and the necessity of having a flexible career plan to adapt to changing circumstances.

What is the difference between being an associate of the CISSP and being fully certified?

Being an associate of the CISSP allows individuals to take the exam without meeting the full experience requirement, but it does not carry the same weight as being fully certified, especially in the defense industry.

What advice does the speaker give to others considering pursuing the CISSP certification?

The speaker encourages individuals to follow their career desires, evaluate how certifications align with their goals, and be open to learning and growing throughout their professional journey.