Replying to no one in specific, but to the list in general. As a young InfoSec professional, I have seen many sides of the "degree" sports arena. Through close to eight years of bouncing from consulting gig to consulting gig I would say that I have a good feeling for the different personalities of professionals, both with a degree and without. The difference is simple actually. Those without degrees, can get paid just as much as those without - however typically there are different fields that one goes into. For example, I know dozens of consultants in the security industry that are making it very comfortably without a degree. They are experienced in systems design, network auditing, policy development and design, etc. etc. In many situations, an individual with a CCNA and a CISSP/GIAC with five to ten years of background in InfoSec work can very easily get a position in which they will be well respected implementing security and doing much of the hands on work. However, someone with a degree will most likely reach "higher ranks" in the company, not necessarilly paid more, but through out their career will be in positions in which they will be developing new technologies or new ways of doing things. In many ways using the scientific method to review and develop new proceedures, and/or direct the department/company into new directions. Not -because- of the piece of paper, but -because- of the ingenuity that they were exposed to during their formalized education. In essence, taking the "trial/error" that has been learned over time and scrunching it down into four or five years and applying it. To summarize, individuals with certificates and/or certifications can implement technology and come up with new ways of implementing technology. Those with degrees, typically are the ones who are comming up with the new technology/proceedures and developing new ways of dealing with current problems. Why? Due to the environment of the Univerisity/College. Many individuals come out of a degree program thinking differently, because they have been exposed to new ways of thinking and some would stick - some don't. Just how someone who has never gone to college and is a high school drop out can make mint as a consultant, because they had/have ten years in the field and the battle scars to prove it. The company that I recently signed onto got me out of the consulting business, and I took a pay cut for it, however I will be going to college (on the company) for my forseeable future. To me, education means more than it does to most, and maybe some day it will pay off. I made mint as a security geek, now I'm taking a stab at being Dr. Security Geek. It just depends on what you want to do and how you want to do it. -A Free, encrypted, secure Web-based email at www.hushmail.com IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are not using HushMail, this message could have been read easily by the many people who have access to your open personal email messages. Get your FREE, totally secure email address at http://www.hushmail.com.
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