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Week 8 - Journal

#3: Develop a plan and implement basic steps in establishing an effective networking/job search strategy. This week I was already working in expanding my job networking and search strategy, and I am already seeing the results. I have been talking with various people who I know that work in the tech field or recently retired from it, and I have a number of contacts. Finding entry level jobs in my area is more difficult than I anticipated, there are many jobs that require 3 - 5 years of experience though. I have learned of more employment  opportunities nearby at interesting organizations, such as Celeris Systems and Raytheon. I am also very interested in working for the NSA, and a position that I am currently applying for is essentially right up my alley. I do not wish to move out of state for a job position, but for something like this it is very hard to pass up. For example, they have a position for a Cyber Developer, which requires high level math (upper calculus and discrete...
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Week 7 - Journal

Projects: Developing our portfolio website. This project shows that I can handle working in a team to build a website, and shows how I was able to provide input through the entire web development process, although I was primarily a back end developer. My Password Authentication project done for IS390 Reading and Research. I am happy with how this project turned out and is something that shows my interest in security. Studying for and taking two certifications within the span of ~9 weeks. This shows that I am capable of learning new concepts and material quickly, and also shows my dedication to the IT/IS field. Mineral oil submersion . One of my hobbies is tinkering with computers, especially with form factors cooling ideas. This project shows familiarity with computers and their components, and shows how I can independently create plans and designs and follow them through to the end, to successful results.
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Week 6 - Journal

What is your professional networking strategy? Once I get my foot in the door and start working with information security, I will be in a much better position to further develop my professional networking strategy. In the interim, there are a few other options, such as using LinkedIn. What are your job search / refinement plans? I am looking at all IT jobs close by to me area, as well as looking at what I consider to be highly desired jobs further away. I am interested in some sort of DOD employment, so I browse newly listed jobs on USA Jobs as well as browse department specific/exclusive listing boards (such as the NSA, who don't post to USAJobs). Identify clearly the first step, to be done in the next 2 weeks. In terms of looking for employment and expanding my professional network, I am currently in the process of applying for at least one job at the NSA (Computer Network Analyst/Operator). I plan to have applied for at least 2 positions there, as well as applying for...
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Journal Entry - Week 5

During our previous lab night we had the pleasure of hearing from one of OC's career center personnel talk with us about applying for jobs, interviewing, resumes, and more. While most of the stuff discussed was hopefully obvious to most people, it's always good to hear it from someone on the inside. Showing up to interviews properly in correct attire, polishing your resume, etc. I am already browsing for employment opportunities multiple times per week, trying to find the ideal job for me. I am browsing USA jobs, specifically looking for employment opportunities around Keyport and Bangor. I've also looked through various other job search engines (indeed.com, monster, and google) for opportunities near me. While I'd prefer not to move, I have also been looking at opportunities further away as long as they are enticing enough. One example of this is the NSA, who seem to always be hiring in their entry level positions (Computer Network Analyst, Computer Network Operator,...
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Week 4 - Journal

Implementing my senior project plan correctly is one part of strategy for success. Having a plan is critical, as the saying goes: failing to plan is planning to fail. My plan is a fairly simple one, I have a budget amount of time that I try to spend studying each day, and I have the tests scheduled out with a three week interval in between them. I fit this study time into my days however I can, usually in the evenings when I can find the time. I am currently well on my way to studying the for the Network+ exam, I have taken multiple practice exams and I am working on me weakest areas until they are all high enough to pass. Once I take the Network+ exam I will immediately shift to studying for Security+. One of the domains of Network+ is network security, so some of the material will already be covered. I have found out that I still have access to my Testout Security Pro online materials, which includes plenty of study and practice exam materials.
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Week 3 - Journal

Today I am going to take a look at my personal professional IT strengths, look at my goals, and then see how well they align. To start, my IT strengths: Adaptable programmer. I've programmed in a variety of languages from C# to Java and PHP, and I've never felt like there was a problem that I couldn't overcome. Picking up new languages is not difficult for me. I've dabbled in graphics with the XNA development kit. Full stack web development, although not my focus, is something that I feel capable of doing. Security focused. I like to think that I have a fairly decent understanding of the mechanics, advantages, and limitations of the various security implementations out there. Group focused. Working well with groups is a critical part of getting things done, so my ability to be flexible when working with others will come in very handy. Detail oriented. Figuring out the finer details can often make or break a project, especially in one in the sensitive area of sec...
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Week 2 - Journal

The second week has gone by, and I am gearing up in order to be prepared for what will be my first CompTIA exam. I have the books on hand, some other online study materials, and the TotalTester test banks for both exams. As mentioned previously, my project is to study for and take both the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ exams. Both exams have a maximum of 90 questions and give you 90 minutes to take them. A passing score is 720 out of 900 points. Network+ covers 5 domains: Network Architecture Network Operations Network Security Troubleshooting Industrial Standards, Practices, and Network Theory Security+ has 6 domains: Network Security Compliance and Operational Security Threats and Vulnerabilities Application, Data and Host Security Access Control and Identity Management Cryptography I have given myself 4 weeks to complete the Network+ exam and then 3 weeks to complete Security+.
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