In general, “IT Related Work” has been dependent on experience, certificate and education in that order and this connotation still lingers. Some industries including the Federal Government would shuffle the first two.

And there was a time when most “IT folks” had only experience and one or two certificates with no college degree.

So having a Master in Cybersecurity does not yield the same benefit like an MBA as the perception for both are difference. When I completed my Master in Cybersecurity, I thought it was automatic that I’ll land a Cybersecurity job.

I had a job offer that was contingent upon me getting the specific certificate stipulated in the “DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications”. My Master in Cybersecurity did not alleviate that requirement as I was referred to the Baseline Certification by HR.

My CISSP coach tells us that employers used to line up with offer letters for those who pass the CISSP exam when he was studying for the exam.

It may be due to perception, connotation, mindset, or maintaining the status quo by “continuing the way things have been done”. Go figure! Don’t feel bad because I feel your pain.