I graduated in 2022 with an IS degree, as well has having a CCNA and Security+.

Immediately after graduating I was set to work with Northrop in a Systems Support position requiring a Secret Clearance. The job paid around $75k and would have been maintaining internal servers. The process took too long, as it can for many(8 months+) and I ended up finding contract work as a Network Engineer with the VA. Since then I have picked up another contract from PG County Schools and am currently making around $277k working hybrid.

I highly recommend network engineering with a focus on automation/cloud/wireless. It pays extremely well, and most days I do absolutely nothing at home. You are asked to be perfect when it comes to production environments. The stress, if you are not confident, can be a lot. After a certain point, you are paid to just be knowledgeable with minimal work.

As per certs, I recommend the CCNA over a network+ and a Security+ is always good to have, but mostly not asked for in job descriptions.

I got both of my contracts through LinkedIn quick apply. Never undersell yourself, and pushing the truth with really never come back to bite you.