So, after a few years in the professional world of sales, I have finally stumbled onto something that I actually enjoy doing and being around: the wonderful world of IT. Perhaps I am crazy? Anyways, after a little thinking and reading, I have decided upon a course into the field of Cyber Security. I am still doing alot of research, but here is my main concern.
I have 2 bachelors degrees, neither in a science related field. I do have have 2 years selling computers and various other forms of IT equipment, which is where I have picked up most of my knowledge (either from the Sales certs I have been required to get or from hanging around the Service and Engineering departments and asking questions.) I have enrolled at the local junior college to start getting a base foundation of knowledge and prepare for some of the entry level certs such as the A+ and Network+..though this has caused some level of consternation amongst friends and colleagues I have shared my plans with. They seem to think that going back to any type of school is a waste of time and money. They counsel me that I should just study for the certs on my own and then acquire them that way.
Another consideration is experience. Sales experience is in no way going to prepare me for the wonderful world of IT that awaits me. But, at the same time, I have bills to pay. It seems to be a proverbial rock and a hard place.
So my questions are: 1) school or certs? I ask because I do want to fully understand what I am doing, but at the same time I do not want to waste time and money only to sabotage myself by become "overeducated" or "overqualified". 2) How would I go about getting the necessary experience in the field? It has been suggesting that volunteering my time and services would be an excellent way of doing this while maintaining my current level of income.
All advise would be appreciated