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Ep 12: Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Education Path

By Jason Shockey
Last updated on Feb. 6, 2025

In this episode of My Cyber Coach

Host Jason Shockey breaks down three main options - degree programs, bootcamps, and online courses - helping veterans select the best path based on their career goals, time constraints, and learning preferences.

Key takeaways for choosing your education path:

* Degree programs offer comprehensive knowledge and networking opportunities, ideal for long-term career growth and management positions

* Bootcamps provide intensive, hands-on training in 3-6 months, perfect for quick entry into the field with practical, job-ready skills

* Online courses offer flexibility and affordability, great for exploring specific skills or building targeted expertise around your schedule

* Consider your career goals when choosing - management aspirations might benefit from a degree, while immediate job placement could favor bootcamps

* Military experience provides a strong foundation - the right education path builds on these existing skills

* Each path has trade-offs in terms of time, cost, and depth - align your choice with your personal circumstances and career objectives

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach - the best path is the one that matches your specific goals and situation.

About My Cyber Coach

Hi, I’m Jason Shockey, a retired U.S. Marine, CISO, and founder of MyCyberPath.com. I have 25+ years of experience in cybersecurity, 20 of which were in the U.S. Military and Intelligence Community leading cyberspace operations, cyber risk management, and cyber incident response. Three of my last 20 years were spent with the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) at the USCYBERCOM/NSA Campus at Ft. Meade leading national level operations.

I know firsthand how challenging it is to transition from military service into civilian life. Military veterans are uniquely qualified for careers in cyber security and I’m here to teach you why.