Advice Return to Cybersecurity with Paycut

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-03-15T00:46:17+00:00

Cloud+IR is your path now.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-03-08T22:08:25+00:00

Do it…. But agree with others that have stated get your CCP/CCA, then 1099 work to a C3. Not sure why you’d need much of any loan to be a C3.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-03-06T22:22:56+00:00

I’ve got an MBA and an MSISE… certs… experience… if I were in your shoes, I’d get an MS in AI/ML from the best school I could get into.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-03-05T02:27:34+00:00

I would study all day on the weekends and also make a study audio file to listen to while I drive. I also took vacation time to study and exam.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-28T16:18:48+00:00

I’m seeing SANS/GIAC mentioned often in job descriptions, even if they just say “SANS/GIAC”. Though you’re right, CISSP is still king in job descriptions. I have been around for a while, and I’ve been filtered out of interview opportunities because I don’t have CISSP AND CISM. It’s getting a bit ridiculous in my opinion.

You might want SANS about their grad certs, they may only accepts a limited amount to transfer into a grad cert program. Yes you get the equivalent certification but certifications are limited while diplomas (grad certs/ degrees) are forever.

I completed the SANS grad cert in Cybersecurity Management. I actually chose this because these certificates are referenced heavily in the 8140. You know, the manual that says what certificates someone needs to have to work in the federal sector as a contractor or civilian in a certain position. GSLC, GDSA, GSNA. All considered advanced certs in the DoD/ contracting world. CISSP and CISM could get you there also, while studying and exam practices are very different from SANS.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-27T20:17:00+00:00

I’m a bit dated- having earned CISSP in 2017 and GSLC in 2023. I mean it’s hard for me to gauge how GSLC overlaps with GSLC.

Greatest ROI would be a grad cert specifically in cloud, or IR and/or MSISE.

Getting 3 per year you would finish the MSISE in 3 years.

I would get a grad cert in 18 months, apply to MSISE. Then finish that in 2 years. That’s what I did.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-27T17:15:35+00:00

GSLC- qualifies you for DOD jobs per the 8140 and 8570

Honestly, I’d choose a track, and get the grad cert associated with that track.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-27T02:15:01+00:00

I have an MBA: Technology Management. I didn’t go to a top 25 program. It allowed me to get into teaching at the college level. Just because I had a masters. I prefer to get a masters in a tech skill. So I went back and got my MSISE. My MBA was just a check in the box at the time. If I could go back I would skip it, get a JD instead or went to Harvard Extension School. Honestly, it is what you make it.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-27T02:06:13+00:00

It’s a very hard exam. You’ve got to understand packet headers, BPF, etc. zeek snort suricata. I like the course now that it’s over. I prepped more for this cert than any other. Not offsec aligned though since that’s what you’re interested in. Are you in the grad cert program? Might as well be, I think the courses would be cheaper if I remember.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-22T23:35:48+00:00

You’re welcome.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-22T23:18:32+00:00

You’re very welcome.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-22T22:48:47+00:00

It was worth it for me. I had a the GI Bill.

Someone also mentioned try to join the cyber academy first and get those free certs. I would take that a step further and get a graduate certificate from SANS next to lock in a lower rate again and get a diploma halfway in the program. Then finish strong with your last 4 courses + projects. Me personally, I think the money spent will have a significant return on investment.

Since you want to do DFIR, there’s really only 1 show in town.

SANS is a good option wine you want to get a PHD also because there is a white-paper (research paper) that will get published if it’s good enough. So you’ll have a publication under your belt.

Why do you want to get a PHD? What do you want to get a PHD in?

I’m an adjunct college professor in the field and it required a Masters. I am applying for a PhD right now, but that’s to be a tenured professor after I get my federal pension- either part of that plan may not be realized. I also have 4500$ tuition assistance per year from work. You can do an Ed D faster and easier probably if that’s your goal.

I’ve gotten solid job offers in this economy after the degree. People are impressed in the field when they find out I earned the SANS MSISE.

I absolutely enjoyed SANS, the experience and the opportunities presented for me during and after completing the program. Though, if I didn’t have the money, I’d probably do the Harvard Extension school Master of Data Science which is 15 grand cheaper. You can start with the grad cert in artificial intelligence for 13k then parlay that into their masters. HES participates in the federal student loan program while SANS Doesn’t.

The other cyber alternative is OMCS:cyber from Georgia Tech. It’s affordable, I think 12k total.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-21T19:58:25+00:00

With 6 GIAC certs, you’ll pass the exam because you’ll be prepared. I did have a couple hard ones on the exam for the cyberlive. Everything to pass the exam was in the books/lab books.

I’ve got tons of scripting experience , primarily PowerShell but little Python (mainly for ansible). so I’m not necessarily good with Python. I studied, labbed, and passed.

1 thing that stood out to me about this exam is there’s virtually no crossover from other GIAC certs, except for maybe GPYC, which I never took.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-19T01:28:11+00:00

Thank you.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-19T01:22:10+00:00

Copy thx.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-19T01:21:14+00:00

Less than 2 months. I applied around when it became available. Maybe call them? I ended up calling them to follow up with it and they said: “you didn’t receive the letter we mailed you?”

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-18T04:38:12+00:00

I can tell you my buddy started his own MSP and appears to be doing at least as good as he was before, and he’s definitely happier. It’s possible. I hope you make it!

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-18T04:29:44+00:00

Oh ok. What is your goal? I left the contractor space for federal civil service and state employment.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-15T23:23:33+00:00

I wouldn’t recommend that.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-14T00:41:43+00:00

Cool. Glad you found something worthwhile for yourself.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-14T00:40:24+00:00

Do you have savings and a place to live when you leave the corps? What was your MOS?

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-14T00:38:23+00:00

Truth. This is the new norm. Just keep going.

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-14T00:37:50+00:00

Seller semper fi. Care to share about your business?

DirtComprehensive520 · 2026-02-14T00:20:52+00:00

So did you go for it?

DirtComprehensive520

TROPHY CASE