Besides Sec+certified, what other IT certifications may help me with my transition to the civilian work force?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 03:41:43 -0500

I currently plan on settling down in Colorado Springs since I own a home there. I still have around three years until making my transition.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 6:41 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 06:41:26 -0500

CISSP, MCSE, VCAP, CCIE, CCNA, ACMA, CCNP, VMware, VCP6, NCDA, VCIX, ITIL.

I don't know what these all are but I'm in a Signal Command now and these are what they want from contractors. I do know what PMP is and that will help you as well.

Good Luck.

Response by Maj Chuck "DATA" Danley made Dec 26 at 2019 9:28 AM

Maj Chuck "DATA" Danley — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 09:28:36 -0500

What goals do you have for future jobs? forensics, offensive, defensive, SysAd .......

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 26 at 2019 11:00 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 11:00:41 -0500

Look at job postings for positions you'd like, the IT ones are hyper specific about what qualifications they want

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 26 at 2019 2:08 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:08:43 -0500

Some quick easy ones:
A+, Network+, QIR
If you dont have a bachelors get a degree with a concentration in information technology

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2019 10:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 10:14:05 -0500

It all depends on what career path you are going to pursue. Do you want you focus on desktop/server support, networking, programming, etc. Each specific field of IT has a different set of certifications. Once you have chosen a specific field, then you also different level such as entry, advanced, and expert level certifications. You have to always improve and expand you knowledge and skills to maintain competitive in the filed.

Response by SPC(P) Andrew Smith made Dec 29 at 2019 7:48 PM

SPC(P) Andrew Smith — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 19:48:31 -0500

I would recommend CCNA if you can get it before feb 24, 2020 even better. Also to complement the Sec+ I would say the CySA+ and look into CASP+ as well.

Response by CPL(P) Kevin Koch made Dec 31 at 2019 1:35 AM

CPL(P) Kevin Koch — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 01:35:59 -0500

Any certifications you can get. Just know that going from active duty to civilian is a culture shock. While on active duty, I was expected to know and do everything IT related. I installed networks from no prior IT resources available. In the civilian world, you specialize in either systems or network administrations. Pick what side you want to work and get certifications for that side. Easiest way to figure out what is what, if it's a destination on the network to be accessed, it's systems admin. If it's connecting destinations to be accessed on the network, it's network.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2020 7:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 19:40:37 -0400

As some have already stated, it depends on what jobs you are interested in pursuing in the civilian sector. It is important to diversify, but then at some point, you need to start narrowing in your focus and choosing a path you want to pursue.

Do you want to go into cybersecurity/forensics? Get your PenTest+, CISA, CASP+, CEH, CySA+, or CCSP
Cybersecurity management or IT management? CISSP, CISM, or PMP.
Networking Administrator? CCNP, SCP, or WCNA.
Helpdesk? Microsoft Server 2019, A+, Network+, or ITIL.

There are also cloud computing certifications worth noting if you are interested in getting your foot into the door of the future.

I am pursuing the cybersecurity route and have my Sec+ and CASP+. Next on the table for me is achieving my CCSP, CISSP, and CEH.

Certifications can help land an interview, but I can not stress it enough that having a degree is necessary when looking at good-paying jobs, and especially jobs in management positions.
I am currently working on a degree in cybersecurity because this is my focus. The school I am attending waives a significant amount of classes in the degree plan if you already have certifications. This may be worth taking a further look into it and seeing if this is something you want to pursue.

As soldiers, we receive TA to pay for our degrees, but now we have CA (Certification Assistance) to pay for our industry certifications. Starting January 1st, 2020, any soldier in the Army can get their certifications paid for, while serving, without having to be a part of a specific MOS. Having the option for CA is a critical program to know if your unit is being picky about using their funds to pay for your certifications.

Hopefully, this is useful information and can help guide you on your road to success.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2020 5:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 05:00:48 -0400

CCNA, server 2016, and despite what people say getting your net+ is worth it. Being in the reserves Ive seen the civilian side of it. If you want to get a job you better know your shit and you better be motivated because your "military experience" is considered worthless in the civilian world.