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Do You Need Cybersecurity Certs for a 6-Figure Job? #DTF025
Dive into the wild world of cybersecurity certifications on this episode of the DTF Cyber Podcast! Hosts Damien, Troy, and Fern break down whether certs are the golden ticket to a six-figure cyber career, or if passion, experience, and networking matter more. From entry-level tips like CompTIA Security+ to gold standards like CISSP, they share real talk on getting hired, avoiding burnout, and building a standout resume in today's tough job market. Perfect for newbies, mid-career pros, or anyone pivoting into cyber.
🔥 Key Topics:
Do you really need certs to break into cyber?
Best beginner certs vs. advanced ones
The power of home labs, side projects, and networking
Avoiding the "cert collector" trap
Mid-career advice for layoffs and upskilling
🚀 Subscribe for more raw cyber insights, hit the bell for notifications, and drop your cert stories in the comments! Email us at [email protected] or connect on LinkedIn.
Timestamps:
00:00 - From data breaches to six-figure hacker-hunter dreams
03:15 - Fern's confession
06:24 - Continuing education like doctors – Do you need certs to start?
08:03 - No "one cert" guarantees a job – Stand out with initiative
11:08 - Chasing money vs. passion: Burnout risks in cyber
15:35 - "Love your job, never work a day" – Finding your cyber niche
18:19 - New grads: Focus on certs, experience, or networking first?
19:29 - Damien's hiring advice: Internships over Ivy League degrees
22:31 - Entry-level picks: CompTIA Security+, CEH – Show initiative
23:28 - Home labs & side projects: Build and talk about them!
29:33 - Python scripting: The invaluable skill that lands big roles
32:31 - Mid-career: CISSP for screening, but tailor to your path
36:15 - Avoid silos: Broaden skills in big vs. small companies
38:35 - SANS certs: Pricey but powerful
40:14 - Retention: Invest in training, build culture
46:36 - Beat AI resume scanners: Network to bypass bots
50:21 - Salary expectations & red flags in job apps
53:23 - Late-career: Network trumps certs
54:04 - Final tips: Local meetups, be bold, ask for what you want
58:05 - Pro networking hack:
59:27 - Magic tricks as icebreakers?
#Cybersecurity #Certs #CISSP #SecurityPlus #CyberCareer #DTFPodcast
Linkedin:
Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/
Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/
Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/
Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net
View all episodes
By Cyber PodcastDive into the wild world of cybersecurity certifications on this episode of the DTF Cyber Podcast! Hosts Damien, Troy, and Fern break down whether certs are the golden ticket to a six-figure cyber career, or if passion, experience, and networking matter more. From entry-level tips like CompTIA Security+ to gold standards like CISSP, they share real talk on getting hired, avoiding burnout, and building a standout resume in today's tough job market. Perfect for newbies, mid-career pros, or anyone pivoting into cyber.
🔥 Key Topics:
Do you really need certs to break into cyber?
Best beginner certs vs. advanced ones
The power of home labs, side projects, and networking
Avoiding the "cert collector" trap
Mid-career advice for layoffs and upskilling
🚀 Subscribe for more raw cyber insights, hit the bell for notifications, and drop your cert stories in the comments! Email us at [email protected] or connect on LinkedIn.
Timestamps:
00:00 - From data breaches to six-figure hacker-hunter dreams
03:15 - Fern's confession
06:24 - Continuing education like doctors – Do you need certs to start?
08:03 - No "one cert" guarantees a job – Stand out with initiative
11:08 - Chasing money vs. passion: Burnout risks in cyber
15:35 - "Love your job, never work a day" – Finding your cyber niche
18:19 - New grads: Focus on certs, experience, or networking first?
19:29 - Damien's hiring advice: Internships over Ivy League degrees
22:31 - Entry-level picks: CompTIA Security+, CEH – Show initiative
23:28 - Home labs & side projects: Build and talk about them!
29:33 - Python scripting: The invaluable skill that lands big roles
32:31 - Mid-career: CISSP for screening, but tailor to your path
36:15 - Avoid silos: Broaden skills in big vs. small companies
38:35 - SANS certs: Pricey but powerful
40:14 - Retention: Invest in training, build culture
46:36 - Beat AI resume scanners: Network to bypass bots
50:21 - Salary expectations & red flags in job apps
53:23 - Late-career: Network trumps certs
54:04 - Final tips: Local meetups, be bold, ask for what you want
58:05 - Pro networking hack:
59:27 - Magic tricks as icebreakers?
#Cybersecurity #Certs #CISSP #SecurityPlus #CyberCareer #DTFPodcast
Linkedin:
Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/
Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/
Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/
Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net