InformationWeek

January 13, 1999

I have been with a major IT firm for eight years--all my professional career. I have six years' experience as a Unix systems administrator and two in Unix security. I currently maintain a business-focused role on my team where I manage our $2 million-per-year contract with our customer. I have been job searching and have two offers pending. One is with a Big Six firm's IS security consulting group; it involves relocation, something I am hesitant to do for family reasons. My other offer is from a midsize retail company as a senior systems administrator, with no relocation involved. I am very interested in system and network security. Would I be missing a major opportunity to secure a future in a growing area by not taking the security consulting position?

I would agree that you may be missing a vast opportunity if you don't grasp the brass ring. Technology such as firewalls, encryption codes, and other security issues is becoming the center of massive Internet and electronic commerce initiatives. You will see that the area of security will only continue to grow by vast measures. And to gain exposure and network yourself in the consulting world, you will see that your opportunities will be endless.

More Questions:
How do I politely postpone a request for salary requirements until after the interview?

Do I need a bachelor's degree in IS or would a master's degree in computer science be sufficient?