2023 is coming to a close and it's time to reflect. I finished the SANS Technology Institute Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity, I completed a 6-month internship with Sans Internet Storm Center, and I broke my personal best in Certifications earned in a single year; all while employed full-time. The training provided not only helped me catch up to cutting edge methodology and tool usage for a variety of subjects; it also enabled me to mature my SOC at incredible speed. Thanks to the amazing Flex-Ed program offered to Booz Allen Hamilton employees, and thanks to the GI Bill I earned from my 7.5 years of service in the US Navy, I was able to earn these certifications for little to no money on my part. Next year is looking to be another productive year, while I aim for the lifetime achievement: GIAC Security Expert (GSE)! I've been asked questions like "Are the certifications worth it?" and "Why do you collect certifications?". The answer is this: Most certifications give an organized structure of concepts that makes it easier for me to ingest. While some of the subjects may start to bleed into each other, there are always nuggets of information that I was completely unaware of. The bottom line is that this knowledge makes my job easier and more enjoyable. I also can rely less on having a unicorn SME in my workplace. These certifications are Lego blocks and my SOC is my masterpiece. Thanks for reading!
Carter R.
10mo
Good job! These are really expensive certs, I was just looking at sans and comparing them to other resources for getting knowledge. A lot of the knowledge from these is likely attained at a cheaper price.
Daniel Kibodeaux
10mo
If it’s free, helps you in your current profession and is allowing you to grow and become a more knowledgeable employee then why stop?
Emil Pinus 🇮🇱
9mo
Not gonna lie learning so much for soc analyst is insane... Here in Israel it's much much easier to get into security field this really depends on your knowledge and self learning skills. Mad respect on certs but hope you at place that pays you well because this degree sounds expensive 🫰
David I.
10mo
I remember when you first started this, great work!
This guy would not achieve these cert unless it was subsidized by tax payers. I commend him for efforts though.
Austin B.
9mo
Congrats on driving hard and accomplishing these milestones. GSE is a great goal. I really liked how you said "certs are Lego blocks and the SOC is your masterpiece." I can relate to that phrase all too well. The SOC is awesome and an art to improve, especially creating and driving multiple initiatives that seem as separate but integrate perfectly, as if they are puzzle pieces meant to be together. Keep up the great work!
Anchal Raheja
10mo
Love this line "These certifications are Lego blocks and my SOC is my masterpiece." Best of luck 🎉
EVP & Chief Information Security Officer at First Resource Bank
10moCongrats, I just completed the Bachelors with SANS also this month. Trying to figure out what I want to pursue in 2024. What made you decide to go for GSE vs the SANS masters program?