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You might want to double-check the requirements for a CISSP certification. Several years of experience were/are necessary. The "basic" requirements for qualifying to sit for the exam will change at the first of the year (from what I remember from the web site).
IMO...Obtain a basic, entry-level cert or two that covers networking basics before you tackle the more advanced certs. Network+ and INet+ (from CompTia) are excellent entry-level certs that demonstrate you have mastery of network basics (Network+) and have an understanding of the Internet core components (INet+). Hold off on the MCSE and CCNA and others until you get your feet wet in a particular industry. Why pay for these certs when you could get your employer to? Oh yeah...CompTia will offer a Security+ cert in 2003.
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I'm doing both the networking and the programming schoolwise. They both seem to complement each other and can't have either one without the other, so if u have the time/resouces, do both. I am. And I will know it will payoff in the longrun, cause I also do grad. level work studying Management Information Systems, and when talking/working with fellow classmates, I can tell that I am way ahead of them.
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Thanks to everyone for their replies. Looking at them, there were several mixed responses but I did get some good things out of it.
First off, I looked into the CompTIA Security+ exam, from what I gather this will be great way to get a "foot in the door". Secondly, a lot of people said they would do both networking and programming. Considering my current circumstance, I might try to do both programming and networking then try to get into Grad school for InfoSec. I'm currently looking at JMU!
Wish me luck!
