network security advice and certificates?

Question

Hi,
I am currently working on a master's degree in network security and I have a bachelor's degree in networking. Many friends keep telling me that if I really want to be competitive in networking I should study to get certificates because anyone with certificates will get a job over me and my degrees. If anyone with experience can help me out with some advice I would be very grateful. Thank you in advance.

I need advice on whether i should put my degree ambitions on hold and go after certification or continue my master degree program. Thanks in advance for your time.

Answer 1

Perhaps what your friends are referring to is the various Microsoft certifications that are available. See if this webpage is what you are looking for. On the left you will see Microsoft Certifications and a drop list appears with all the various options.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/default.mspx

Answer 2

From one who has been in the industry for years (way more than I want to admit) Degrees are always in more demand than Certificates.. Certs mean you can pass a test, a degree means you have learned the subject. I know I will catch a bunch of flack for that statement but that is the fact. A Masters will outpace an MSCE (I've been around both.) So KEEP on with your studies and get the Masters.

You can also get a few certs --- in most cases you wont have to study to much for them cause you already have that knowledge (or a really good start on it)

Answer 3

Hello

In your domain, I strongly recommend to study for Cisco Certified Security Proffesional (CCSP).
For this certification several tests must be passed in the areas of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or equivalent (CCNP or CCIP).

You can also try getting CompTIA Security+ and Microsoft Certified System Administrator at least.

Industry Certificates are your knowladge buisness card for any employer out there.