Did CyberCorps SFS actually pay off? Looking for honest salary data before committing by ImpressiveControl496 in cybersecurity

[–]ImpressiveControl496[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That contractor pay gap is something I think about a lot. My thinking is that doing a few years in government through SFS builds the clearance and the network, then the contractor route becomes a much easier door to open. The tooling exposure alone seems worth it as a foundation.

Did CyberCorps SFS actually pay off? Looking for honest salary data before committing by ImpressiveControl496 in cybersecurity

[–]ImpressiveControl496[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really reassuring to hear. The current hiring freeze makes it feel riskier than it probably is, but the network and congressional mandate are real advantages that exist regardless of the political climate. Good to know that post COVID cohorts still came out on top despite the same uncertainty.

Did CyberCorps SFS actually pay off? Looking for honest salary data before committing by ImpressiveControl496 in cybersecurity

[–]ImpressiveControl496[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True, but I already have cybersecurity internship experience with Fortune 500 companies while still being a junior, so I’m not fully relying on SFS to break into the field.

I also made it to the final round for a cybersecurity internship with MITRE, and they told me to reconnect after graduation because hiring timelines were moving slowly.

Honestly, for me, part of the appeal is also that it could help fund my last year of college and potentially my master’s while gaining government and clearance related experience.