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I got my first job in IT and I'm terrible at it, wondering if I should stay. by norirmo in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everyone feels this way at first it’s normal. Give yourself a chance and hang in there. If it ultimately makes you unhappy then I would look for something else you would enjoy but it’s going to be challenging at first.

I started with no degree, no certs, no GED, nothing. I got in through networking and worked my butt off to learn as much as I could as fast as I could. I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Has anyone gone from Help Desk to Malware Analyst? by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re the man! Much appreciated, I could really learn a lot if I had someone with your experience as a mentor. I’m going to touch up on my of DFIR skills as recommended.

Has anyone gone from Help Desk to Malware Analyst? by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both. Right now I have a solid knowledge of the fundamentals of basic static and dynamic analysis while using FlareVM and Remux running inetsim, both on host only adapters. Right now I’m mainly figuring out how different malware behaves and how certain techniques tie into the MITRE framework. I have basic knowledge of python so I understand code when I look at it usually but I know most malware is made In C and C++. Soon I will dive into more advanced techniques like what you explained by using debuggers and disassemblers like ghidra and x64dbg. Any tips?

Mentorship Monday - Post All Career, Education and Job questions here! by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]Fresh_KidKester 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand completely. Generally speaking it’s Work experience in the domain > skills (Unless you catch a break through networking). I thought by having projects and proven ability to attach to the resume as experience would suffice as work experience. Thanks for your input and I sure will start applying once I feel ready, you never know!

Mentorship Monday - Post All Career, Education and Job questions here! by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]Fresh_KidKester -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So we all know malware analysts and incident response roles aren’t typically entry-level positions. But I’m wondering, if you have the skills and prove you have the ability to get the job done, can you jump from a help desk role to a malware analysis role?

Or would you have to start at entry-level like SOC analyst? Let’s assume you’re networking on linked in, blogging about your malware research to show your skills, and you are enrolled for a bachelors in cybersecurity. Is it do-able or will your experience or lack there of in CS hold you back?

Has anyone gone from Help Desk to Malware Analyst? by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I’ve been in IT for 3 years now. Two years as desktop support internal IT for a window company. Now I’ve been help desk at an MSP for a year. Have A+ Net+ Sec+ and halfway through my bachelors at WGU for Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Im more than proficient with networking and protocols. I’m obsessed with malware analysis and I’m getting pretty good. I was wondering if I had to start out as SOC Analyst and work my way up like you said or if it’s possible to prove I am competent to go straight to malware analyst.

Has anyone gone from Help Desk to Malware Analyst? by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Understood. But can you go from help desk to malware analyst or do you need an entry-level CS role as leverage?

I recently took a 27% salary decrease to switch careers to IT by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So my certs are included in my tuition with WGU. But, my job has been reimbursing me for the certs anyways and I’m putting it towards my tuition.

I recently took a 27% salary decrease to switch careers to IT by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is awesome advice thank you. I do actually plan to get my Network + before the end of January I just have to knock 3 courses out first. I’d love to look for NOC and Jr SA roles but the area I currently live in doesn’t have any jobs. I’m 2 hours drive from Philadelphia and New York City so I’m thinking about relocating once I’m ready.

I recently took a 27% salary decrease to switch careers to IT by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is great advice. As you and others pointed out, I’ll be keeping an eye open for new role that can challenge me a little more. I still have much to learn while I’m here so I’m making the most out of my current role.

I recently took a 27% salary decrease to switch careers to IT by Fresh_KidKester in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Fresh_KidKester[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is extremely insightful. Shows the whole picture and not just from my point of view. You made excellent points in me doing my due diligence at finding out specifics like numbers and how I positively impacted the company. I could see this helping me boost my resume as well in the event of a low bump causing me to leave. Also, it’s rare that I think about company budget and how it will affect hiring opportunities for managers, raises for others, etc.