Career Roadmap
Paul's work combines: Technology, Government, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Cardinal Hayes H.S.
Bachelor's Degree
Management Information Systems, General
Community College of the Air Force
Graduate Degree
Computer and Information Sciences, General
University of Maryland-University College
Certification
CISSP
Graduate Degree
Homeland Security
University of Maryland-University College
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Project Management Specialists:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Management Information Systems, General
Graduate Degree: Computer and Information Sciences, General
Certification: CISSP
Graduate Degree: Homeland Security
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Placed myself in a position to gain experiences while in the military.
2.
Attended community college.
3.
Demonstrated sound judgement in a project to estabish the first LAN for DCA (DISA) at the Pentagon.
4.
Retired from the USAF and became a contractor. I read, observed, listened and applied my skills.
5.
Graduated from UMUC with my B.S. while working in various Govt agencies applying what I learned.
6.
Gained my CISSP. I worked in Enterprise Network Defenses and gained skills in vulnerability mgt.
7.
Completed Graduate Studies in Cyber Security.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Formal education isn't worth the trouble in IT because you can get by with certifications.
How I responded:
I decided that education was more lasting than certifications. Over time, I saw this to be true as all the hottest technologies became obsolete. College diploma is constant - can't be taken away - and serves to distinguish you from your peers. It is also universally recognized by those outside of your occupation.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I could never take more than two semesters at a time because it took too much of my time away from family and work. I always took a summer vacation then stubbornly trudged through each semester keeping my goal in sight.