How to Change Your Career (Part 1)
People always ask me; how do I change my career. Here are a few things you can start with today to work on finding a viable new career. A career that aligns with your interests and skillsr. Here are several things to start your change to a satisfied career.
What do you want out of a career? (And be honest!)
Ask you self what are you missing in your current job that makes you unhappy?
Are you looking for a better work life balance?
Do you want more challenging work?
Maybe you just want to get paid more?
When changing careers, you must list what you want (and don’t want) form a future career. Ask yourself these questions to help figure out what you want to do:
What would you do that would make you look forward to your work day?
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
What do you need from a career to help you reach your goals?
How much money do you need to make to live comfortably?
What does your dream life look like?
What jobs tasks are deal breakers for you?
You don’t jump into a relationship; you should not jump into a career change without thinking it through. It’s also smart to consider any facets of a job that might be deal breakers. Anyone can work a job to make a living, but when you take the time to make a change, make it something you will enjoy.
Once you find the job tasks you think you will enjoy, begin to look at careers that use those skills. Be certain to research the type of work and salary in the careers to be certain it will meet your expectations. You want to be able to love your work but support your lifestyle.
Next week I will talk more about getting where you need to be to make your plan. If you are interested in changing to cybersecurity, call my friend Patrick. Don’t forget we still have a small inventory of CompTIA vouchers at 2023 prices, they won’t last!
Mike
Security+ On Us, Extended through February!
Next course starts soon. Call 703-740-2909
Talk to someone who made the change to cybersecurity from an IT career.
Shine a Light on CompTIA 2024: Stay Informed, Get Certified!
Don’t be left out in the dark about CompTIA 2024 certification changes. CompTIA is making several updates this year in their certification pathways. If you are studying for a CompTIA certification this year, be certain to know if your studies are affected.
CompTIA has been making some great changes in their certifications. Their latest changes have been significant changes, in a good way! The recent updates in the Security+ certification were not only toward new technologies, but they have restructured the certification to be more relevant to security job roles. CompTIA is addressing cybersecurity trends and techniques that are needed to ensure performance on the job.
But even more changes are coming. CompTIA has been working on adding certification programs for certifications to focus on different areas of IT. We all know the Plus (+) series, but CompTIA is working on new certification series that will focus on the universal need for digital fluency across the IT professions. They have added CompTIA Essentials Series, CompTIA a+ Series Series (referred to as little a+), CompTIA Pro Series, and CompTIA Xpert Series. (The CASP+ certification will be rebranded as SecurityX and become a part of Xpert series.)
The 2024 changes that I want to focus highlight are some of oldies but goodies that we have been working with for years. First and foremost, look for Network+ N10-008 to change this year, it was last released in September 2021. If you are studying now, get a move on it! Although not released yet, if the changes to Security+ and their new certification series are an indication, we will see some big changes in its structure.
Another big change will be the long-awaited update to IT Fundamentals! They will be rebranding the certification name to Tech+ and making some well awaited updates. Also coming in 2024 will be updates to the Cloud+ and PenTest+ certifications.
Keep watching my blog, we will talk more details of the changes.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Security+ On Us, Extended through February!
Next course starts February 24th. Call 703-740-2909
Talk to someone who made the change to cybersecurity from an IT career.
CompTIA Raised Exam Prices – 2023 prices as long as it lasts
Effective February 1, 2024 CompTIA raised their prices on all their exams. Total Seminars sells US and International Discount Vouchers, and we are holding our 2023 discount voucher prices for as long as our 2023 inventory lasts.
Here’s a summary of the retail pricing (US and Canada):
Exam Old Retail Price New Retail Price TS Discount Vouchers (while they last)
A+ (each) $246 $253 $220.99
Network+ $358 $369 $321.99
Security+ $392 $404 $351.99
CySA+ $392 $404 $351.99
PenTest+ $381 $404 $351.99
ITF+ $134 $134 $119.99
Cloud+ $358 $369 $321.99
Linux+ $358 $369 $321.99
Here’s how it works: CompTIA member companies like Total Seminars are able to purchase vouchers for the CompTIA exams and resell them to students at a discount compared to the full price you would pay when you register with VUE or buy at the CompTIA web store.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Total Seminars has resources to help you self-study for your CompTIA Certifications
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Extended through February, get Security+ on us.
Talk to someone who made the change to cybersecurity from an IT career!
IT Career Growth, Up Your Game
Today I’m talking about career growth in IT. There are countless opportunities in IT, but how do you get there? Commitment! Learning and experience are the pathway. Commit to expanding your knowledge and reaching your IT career goals. Mike, that is easy to say, but how and where do I transition?
Where do we start?
Many of us start as help desk technicians or support technicians. Helping company employees with computer hardware and software issues teaches you many different aspects and broadens your tech knowledge. For those in these position, the first place to start is where you are now!
1. If you are in these support positions, you ask yourself what is the next step? What other IT positions does your company utilize? Do they have networking or security positions?
2. If your company does not have growth, look at companies that have mid-level positions.
3. Talk to people in the industry to find out the companies who have the career you want next.
4. Complete IT certifications to show your knowledge and let your certs and job experience carry you to the next level.
How do I get there?
Careers in networking or security require technology knowledge and system knowledge. Don’t be the man in the box! What is your interest area of IT? What will keep you focused on your studies?
Start learning the base knowledge for the career path that interests you while you are in your current position. Companies love to fill from within their own environment with people who have the skills and knowledge of the company systems.
Even loftier goals!If you are in a mid-level position, don’t become stagnant. There are so many places to go in an IT career.
Cybersecurity and analytics are at the top hot careers and continue to grow. Cloud computing and the cloud computing job market will continue to grow as companies continue to utilize it.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Only through February 14th, get Security+ on us. Talk to someone who made the change to cybersecurity from an IT career!
Meet with my friend Patrick and tell him Mike sent ya!
You know I have always been a fan of certifications! Don’t miss out on 2023 prices for CompTIA certifications, read how here!
Make your Cybersecurity career a goal and get Security+ on us! 
What if you could engage in interactive instructor-led training, part-time, and from the comfort of your home? Imagine what that would do for your confidence… your career — and at the perfect time ahead of the new year when more jobs are posted and hired than any other time!
Your career in cybersecurity just got 50% closer!
Like any tradecraft, if you want a career in cybersecurity, you need a combination of industry certification and hands-on experience to get the job ✅.
That’s why we created a two-step training program that gets you all you need for the job, all while being 100% live, online, and part-time!
Step 1 – 8 weeks of CompTIA Security+ Certification Training
Step 2 – 12 weeks of on-the-job analyst experience in our S-O-C
Not only that, but our career services support you all the way from resume and LinkedIn building to mock interviews, events, and introductions!
And now through Valentine’s Day, we’re offering you our live 8-week Security+ Training for FREE with your enrollment into our 20-week training program!
So hurry up and grab Security+ while it is still on us
The part-time weekly schedule is simple: Mondays – Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM and Saturdays from 9 – 2 PM (U.S. Central Time).
Total Seminars has resources to help you self-study for your CompTIA Certifications
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Security+ and Security Analysts in a SOC
Continuing how CompTIA Security+ series in cybersecurity, today I’m talking about Security Operations Centers. (SOCs) are the frontline defenders against digital threats, and security analysts are at the helm. Let’s talk about being a security analyst.
Security Analysts are the proactive defenders, monitoring, and analyzing vast data streams to detect, analyze, and mitigate potential security incidents.
Key Responsibilities:
Incident Detection and Response: Real-time monitoring identifying unauthorized access or potential breaches.
Investigation and Analysis: In-depth probes into security incidents to understand their nature and impact.
Alert Triage: Prioritizing alerts based on severity, focusing on critical threats.
Continuous Monitoring: Staying abreast of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and industry trends.
Collaboration: Working closely with IT and security teams to ensure coordinated responses.
Skill Set:
Technical Proficiency: Understanding cybersecurity technologies, including SIEM tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
Analytical Skills: Critical thinking and problem-solving to unravel complex security incidents.
Communication Skills: Clear articulation of technical findings to diverse stakeholders.
Adaptability: Staying updated on evolving cybersecurity trends and threats.
How do I get there?
Becoming a cybersecurity analyst in a Security Operations Center (SOC) involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience. The best way to learn it, is to do it.
IT certifications are a recognized pathway to tech jobs. CompTIA has focused the Security+ SY0-701 certification to cover the skills for cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) covers incident detection, prevention, and response through continuous security monitoring, and can help you get to the next level.
While demanding, the role of a security analyst in a SOC is immensely rewarding. These professionals contribute significantly to fortifying digital defenses, ensuring organizations operate securely in our interconnected world. Security analysts are the guardians, indispensable in the ongoing battle against cyber threats, and integral members of the cybersecurity community.
Now through Valentine’s Day (February 14th), save THOUSANDS on offers like SECURITY+ ON US or CyberBuddy BOGO (details below)!
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Email: enrollment@cybernowlabs.com
Call now or book an appointment!
Get CompTIA Certifications at 2023 prices, while supplies last! Buy Now, Read More
Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub.
Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode to see if you are ready for the real exams. Includes complete explanations for each question.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+ and Network+ have hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.