Earlier today I had the opportunity to discuss the cybersecurity need and educational opportunities with Jeanett Smith-Perrone and Debra Padden who are both with the Tacoma Community College (TCC). They have had two cohorts of students of 18 each in their Networking and Cyber Security Program
We discussed who makes for good cybersecurity candidates. One pool of potential students they are interested in helping are active duty military personnel who are looking to transition out of the Army or Air Force. With Joint Base Lewis McCord (JBLM) nearby there are about 400 personnel who already work in related fields.
Their ideal candidate is an enlisted person, perhaps a non-commissioned officer, with the aptitude and a desire to gain the training necessary to obtain an AA degree and enter the cybersecurity career field. Being realistic about it, a four year degree is probably going to be needed to find a job. But, you have to start somewhere and this is an easy way to get your feet more than wet in this particular field. Their program is all set up so that your credits will transfer to the Western Governors University (WGU). And, if you don't like online courses their program with a mix of afternoon and evening classes is ideal.
No one wants to work flipping burgers for the rest of their lives. To be successful in the 21st Century you need an education and I think technological skills put you ahead of the crowd. Why not explore a career field that is in high demand!
