What security certs would you recommend?
Over the last 12 months I've become responsible for preparing/pushing/troubleshoot the firewall rules for one of our major clients (hint: not a flying emu, but close!). That's involved Cisco ASA (well, firewall switch modules but pretty close), Checkpoint and Juniper. So I'm pretty proficient in those three (in the sense that I can create firewall rules and troubleshoot connectivity problems). The problem is it's sort of been a side role alongside my boring network compliance stuff, even if it takes up 80% of my day. So I'm not getting properly paid for it or anything, which is annoying.
In terms of certs I'm still in the process of getting my CCNP R&S. Got Route done, but I'm waiting until they refresh the content early next year before getting the Switch and TShoot. After that I want to focus on the security side of things. I figure CCNA Security should be easy enough, but Cisco doesn't seem all that prevalent in the security world, at least from what I can see - Juniper and Checkpoint are more popular.
I'd say in terms of certs you are on the right track. I don't have any just some old expired Juniper and Checkpoint ones. I would suggest finishing your CCNP and then seeing what jobs are around you. I know CBA is up in Sydney and they hire security people. Have a mate from the UK that works there.
I always suggest looking at what the job market is like around you and potentially where you want to live. Find the skills they look for the most and then focus on those certifications. This way you know your skills are transferable to other companies in your area. There is no reason to read up on McAffee firewalls if only one company uses them.
I worked for Juniper for a while and was really good at it. I came here and no one really uses them. I get calls for the odd job or two but its not a vendor I would focus much on. I see a lot more Checkpoint/Palo Alto/Fortinet here. It wasn't like that in the UK or US though, everyone loved Juniper/Checkpoint.
I've seen a few contracts for $1000 a day for Palo Alto experts. So I would say if you have access to play around with those, definitely try. When I first got into IT I started working for an outsource company and it gave me access to lots of different providers. I focused on the biggest and learned how those products worked.
Hard field to get into? I see you aren't certed up, was it just a case of working your way up.
Need a career change, but the idea of another 3 years at uni is off putting.
I went to Uni for Computer Science. The only thing it helped me with was getting my first job. I never did programming, I just happened to go to a career fair at my school and my first employer was there. I thank my teacher for making me talk to the guy as I was kinda just lost and confused. Otherwise its helped me move overseas, with out it I probably wouldn't be able too. In other words, I don't think Uni is needed.
I wouldn't say its hard, but it helps to know people and have someone put your name forward. I always think networking is good and it has helped me a lot. I started my career in the US, moved to the UK and now here. All the jobs I got were from networking and putting in hard work. People putting my name forward and recommending me to people. I'm pretty sociable so its helped (a lot) as I'm not the geekiest IT person. Sometimes my eye gloss over as I have no idea what some of these people are talking about.
I applied for a job as the IT manager for all the Intercontinental Hotels in the Asia Pacific.
We got through the entire interview, and at the end she told me they expected me to be on call 24x7. No roster or anything. Just me. And they'd pay me $60k p.a. for my troubles.
Ha, That sucks. I don't do on call anymore. I did it when I first started and was 1 week every 5 weeks. It was pretty bad. I haven't done it in about 5 years now though. It is something every one has to do though. Now my mobile stays off unless I agreed prior that I could expect a call.
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Anyways, just my experience. Also expect a lot of insourcing/outsourcing. It used to be a running joke in the UK. I sat in the same desk for 4-5 years and worked for 6 different companies. Just need to be prepared that your job could go overseas in a snap. Though if you are good they will keep you around.
With that kind of money who would care about holiday pay?
This job would be on ABN, right? You can claim a lot of expenses on ABN.
Yea of course. Though I can't do that. I am also full time now so don't make that much. Though I still do alright.
