IT Career Growth, Up Your Game
Today I’m talking about career growth in IT. There are countless opportunities in IT, but how do you get there? Commitment! Learning and experience are the pathway. Commit to expanding your knowledge and reaching your IT career goals. Mike, that is easy to say, but how and where do I transition?
Where do we start?
Many of us start as help desk technicians or support technicians. Helping company employees with computer hardware and software issues teaches you many different aspects and broadens your tech knowledge. For those in these position, the first place to start is where you are now!
1. If you are in these support positions, you ask yourself what is the next step? What other IT positions does your company utilize? Do they have networking or security positions?
2. If your company does not have growth, look at companies that have mid-level positions.
3. Talk to people in the industry to find out the companies who have the career you want next.
4. Complete IT certifications to show your knowledge and let your certs and job experience carry you to the next level.
How do I get there?
Careers in networking or security require technology knowledge and system knowledge. Don’t be the man in the box! What is your interest area of IT? What will keep you focused on your studies?
Start learning the base knowledge for the career path that interests you while you are in your current position. Companies love to fill from within their own environment with people who have the skills and knowledge of the company systems.
Even loftier goals!If you are in a mid-level position, don’t become stagnant. There are so many places to go in an IT career.
Cybersecurity and analytics are at the top hot careers and continue to grow. Cloud computing and the cloud computing job market will continue to grow as companies continue to utilize it.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Only through February 14th, get Security+ on us. Talk to someone who made the change to cybersecurity from an IT career!
Meet with my friend Patrick and tell him Mike sent ya!
You know I have always been a fan of certifications! Don’t miss out on 2023 prices for CompTIA certifications, read how here!
Make your Cybersecurity career a goal and get Security+ on us! 
What if you could engage in interactive instructor-led training, part-time, and from the comfort of your home? Imagine what that would do for your confidence… your career — and at the perfect time ahead of the new year when more jobs are posted and hired than any other time!
Your career in cybersecurity just got 50% closer!
Like any tradecraft, if you want a career in cybersecurity, you need a combination of industry certification and hands-on experience to get the job ✅.
That’s why we created a two-step training program that gets you all you need for the job, all while being 100% live, online, and part-time!
Step 1 – 8 weeks of CompTIA Security+ Certification Training
Step 2 – 12 weeks of on-the-job analyst experience in our S-O-C
Not only that, but our career services support you all the way from resume and LinkedIn building to mock interviews, events, and introductions!
And now through Valentine’s Day, we’re offering you our live 8-week Security+ Training for FREE with your enrollment into our 20-week training program!
So hurry up and grab Security+ while it is still on us
The part-time weekly schedule is simple: Mondays – Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM and Saturdays from 9 – 2 PM (U.S. Central Time).
Total Seminars has resources to help you self-study for your CompTIA Certifications
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Security+ and Security Analysts in a SOC
Continuing how CompTIA Security+ series in cybersecurity, today I’m talking about Security Operations Centers. (SOCs) are the frontline defenders against digital threats, and security analysts are at the helm. Let’s talk about being a security analyst.
Security Analysts are the proactive defenders, monitoring, and analyzing vast data streams to detect, analyze, and mitigate potential security incidents.
Key Responsibilities:
Incident Detection and Response: Real-time monitoring identifying unauthorized access or potential breaches.
Investigation and Analysis: In-depth probes into security incidents to understand their nature and impact.
Alert Triage: Prioritizing alerts based on severity, focusing on critical threats.
Continuous Monitoring: Staying abreast of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and industry trends.
Collaboration: Working closely with IT and security teams to ensure coordinated responses.
Skill Set:
Technical Proficiency: Understanding cybersecurity technologies, including SIEM tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
Analytical Skills: Critical thinking and problem-solving to unravel complex security incidents.
Communication Skills: Clear articulation of technical findings to diverse stakeholders.
Adaptability: Staying updated on evolving cybersecurity trends and threats.
How do I get there?
Becoming a cybersecurity analyst in a Security Operations Center (SOC) involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience. The best way to learn it, is to do it.
IT certifications are a recognized pathway to tech jobs. CompTIA has focused the Security+ SY0-701 certification to cover the skills for cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) covers incident detection, prevention, and response through continuous security monitoring, and can help you get to the next level.
While demanding, the role of a security analyst in a SOC is immensely rewarding. These professionals contribute significantly to fortifying digital defenses, ensuring organizations operate securely in our interconnected world. Security analysts are the guardians, indispensable in the ongoing battle against cyber threats, and integral members of the cybersecurity community.
Now through Valentine’s Day (February 14th), save THOUSANDS on offers like SECURITY+ ON US or CyberBuddy BOGO (details below)!
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Email: enrollment@cybernowlabs.com
Call now or book an appointment!
Get CompTIA Certifications at 2023 prices, while supplies last! Buy Now, Read More
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Maximize Savings on CompTIA Exams: A Strategic Guide for 2024
Mike
Make your Security+ goal with Live Training Offer!
What if you could engage in interactive instructor-led training, part-time, and from the comfort of your home to become Security+ certified? Imagine what that would do for your confidence… your career — and at the perfect time ahead of the new year when more jobs are posted and hired than any other time!
The part-time weekly schedule is simple: Tuesday and Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM and Saturdays from 9 – 2 PM (U.S. Central Time).
Total Seminars has resources to help you self-study for your CompTIA Certifications
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Security+ and Incident Response Analyst
Today I’m starting a new series on how CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) can help with your career move. Let’s talk about being an incident response analyst and how you can move into a great cybersecurity career.
Incident response is a professional career where you react to a cyberattack or a breach in a company’s security. Incident response analysts are professionals who stop the attack, assess, and remediate damage to the company systems.
An incident response analyst not only needs to have the technical knowledge to determine what occurred, but also deal with what occurred in the attack. Much like “first responders” incident response analysts need to keep a cool head and be able to guide a team of responders to minimize any effect of an attack or breach of company’s network or data.
An incident response analyst works to identify and monitor security threats in corporate cyber systems. Responsibilities include:
Prevent escalation of severe security threats
Provide reports to corporate security teams
Utilize tools to minimize the effects of a security breach on corporate networks
Perform analysis to ensure a corporate computer network is clear of threats.
Implement and optimize security tools to prevent the same security issues from reoccurring (create security procedures)
An incident response analyst role in categorized under cybersecurity analyst. While a cybersecurity analyst is responsible for detecting cyber threats and then implementing changes to protect an organization, an incident response analyst is focused on specific security events. Success in the industry requires that you are able assess and react quickly. Incident response analysts must provide direction for a team of responders. Analysts must use their knowledge of cybersecurity and industry tools.
How do I get there?
You need to spend two to three years gaining knowledge as a cyber security analyst. Cyber security analysts work in a security operations center.
IT certifications are a recognized pathway to tech jobs. CompTIA has focused the Security+ SY0-701 certification to cover the skills for cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) covers incident detection, prevention, and response through continuous security monitoring, and can help you get to the next level.
Incident responder analysts start at $85k in the US and overall cybersecurity analysts roles have an average salary of $112k in the US. Whether you prefer self-study or want live training, I can help you get your start today to build your path to a successful career in cybersecurity. Don’t delay, keep your New Year’s resolutions and get studying.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Make your Security+ goal apart of “new year, new me” resolutions with $500 Live Training New Years Offer!
What if you could engage in interactive instructor-led training, part-time, and from the comfort of your home to become Security+ certified? Imagine what that would do for your confidence… your career — and at the perfect time ahead of the new year when more jobs are posted and hired than any other time!
The part-time weekly schedule is simple: Mondays – Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM and Saturdays from 9 – 2 PM (U.S. Central Time) starting January 13th and finishing March 7th.
PLUS: Even though you’ll receive tons of materials (references) and have 6+ hours of live practice sessions each week, I’m throwing in the ultimate reference, my video training course FREE!
Total Seminars has resources to help you self-study for your CompTIA Certifications
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Are Certifications Worth Their Cost?
A lot of people ask me: “Mike, should I get CompTIA certifications?”
My answer isn’t just yes, it’s YES and here’s WHY these are steppingstones for you. Becoming a great IT Tech is about learning the fundamentals and adding to your skills one building block of knowledge at a time. Any successful career is about starting with a firm foundation.
Getting your A+ and Network+ certifications makes the Security+ journey easier and more rewarding as you invest in bettering yourself. This breadth of knowledge will open doors of opportunity. Having these foundational certifications gives you a better understanding of a growing body of knowledge and builds your confidence. Knowing the terminology helps you master each next step.
Most recruiters now use automated scanners to scan for credentials. These CompTIA Certifications helps your resume get to the top of their list. Having certifications makes it A LOT easier to get an interview, and tells interviewers that you love tech much that you were willing to put in the time and effort to learn the basics and build your skills. In other words, the certifications provide tangible proof of your commitment; talking the talk in an interview lets potential employers feel confident in your skills
Then they ask: “How do I get prepared for the certifications?”
Everyone learns differently, and you have to be honest with your study skills. Self-study is ideal for basic IT skills both for building certifications on your resume. As you build your skills and advance your career there comes a point where you need hands-on training to learn the material properly.
When do you need to move from self-study to hands-on? As you advance, the skills become harder but from a learning standpoint it depends on how hard you want to work with self-study and your own learning ability, it is different for everyone. You will know when you need the extra help that hands-on provides when you find it hard to fully understand the skills through only self-study.
DON’T FORGET! CompTIA will be increasing their exam prices February 1st. If you are taking CompTIA exam in 2024, purchase an exam voucher now and pay 2023 prices for your certification exam in 2024!
In the IT industry more certifications is key to not only getting in to a career, but also advancing in your career. It’s a New Year, start working on your certifications now and get where you want to be in your career in 2024.
Don’t miss my offer below to get your Security+ certification with live training!
See ya,
Mike
Make your Security+ goal apart of “new year, new me” resolutions with $500 Live Training New Years Offer!
What if you could engage in interactive instructor-led training, part-time, and from the comfort of your home to become Security+ certified? Imagine what that would do for your confidence… your career — and at the perfect time ahead of the new year when more jobs are posted and hired than any other time!
The part-time weekly schedule is simple: Mondays – Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM and Saturdays from 9 – 2 PM (U.S. Central Time) starting January 13th and finishing March 7th.
PLUS: Even though you’ll receive tons of materials (references) and have 6+ hours of live practice sessions each week, I’m throwing in the ultimate reference, my video training course FREE!
Total Seminars has resources to help you self-study for your CompTIA Certifications
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.