How to explain a 9 year gap in IT?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband did this. Data security/privacy is very hot right now. He started at a smaller shop where an acquaintance put in a good word for him and in a couple of years parlayed that experience into a much better job in a much fancier company.

How to get into Data security/privacy? Did he do any certification or a degree?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband did this. Data security/privacy is very hot right now. He started at a smaller shop where an acquaintance put in a good word for him and in a couple of years parlayed that experience into a much better job in a much fancier company.

Well yeah, networking into ANY job is the key first step. Then you can prove yourself, and always easier to land a job when you have a job.

OP do you have a network to draw upon?

I can draw on a network. But I want to get myself up to speed before reaching out to them. I want to be in a position skills wise that I would first deserve to be hired.

So looking for guidance on what skills to learn and what to brush up on and what is current.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband did this. Data security/privacy is very hot right now. He started at a smaller shop where an acquaintance put in a good word for him and in a couple of years parlayed that experience into a much better job in a much fancier company.

Well yeah, networking into ANY job is the key first step. Then you can prove yourself, and always easier to land a job when you have a job.

OP do you have a network to draw upon?

I can draw on a network. But I want to get myself up to speed before reaching out to them. I want to be in a position skills wise that I would first deserve to be hired.

So looking for guidance on what skills to learn and what to brush up on and what is current.

Don’t fall into this trap. Reaching out first is most important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband did this. Data security/privacy is very hot right now. He started at a smaller shop where an acquaintance put in a good word for him and in a couple of years parlayed that experience into a much better job in a much fancier company.

How to get into Data security/privacy? Did he do any certification or a degree?

Thank you!

He got a couple of certifications. But in the end, it was the networking that got him the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My spouse is older and no issue getting a job. But, instead of focusing on SAHD, focus on what you have done, especially certifications and keeping up with new technology.

Your spouse was out of market for a decade?

He didn't get his IT degree till his early 40's and had to start from the bottom. OP will have to work his way up again. The issue is getting his foot in the door.

Getting a degree older is way different than 9 year gap. OP should consider returning to school if he can’t get any leads

He needs to return to school with that long of a gap and not keeping up.

OP here. I already have an MBA and a Masters in Computer Science. What would you recommend taking in school?

NO!!! No more school. You have plenty for IT and there is no school you can go to now that will help.

You will never get hired as a programmer at this point because you have been away for too long. Your focus needs to be IT Project / Product management. I would say some kind of federal contractor or even a staffing agency will pick you up for a contract position. You could also consider Business analysis or QA team management

You need to focus on your people skills, organization skills, etc. Definitely spend a day or two reading up on Azure and AWS cloud fundamentals, where things stands, where things are moving to, You don't want to appear totally in the dark but you also don't need to go in depth at this time because it's just a losing battle. Find some good people to follow on social media and some industry news sites to start checking regularly every day so you can start getting a feel for the buzz words of the day. Make sure you read up on Agile development practices - pros, cons, why it's popular and then why it's not

[Anonymous]

Get the IT certs that you can, like PMP, CISSP, whatever is relevant to your experience. Do a bootcamp if you have to.

[Anonymous]

I'm in a similar situation, similar age and job gap, but female. You're way better off than I am. You had a much higher salary, more relevant education, more experience, and a leadership role. I'd suggest reading up on jobs available and see what skills they need. Then try to get those skills, if it sounds like a job you might want.

[Anonymous]

Can’t do PMP because you need recent, relevant experience.

[Anonymous]

Start as a Business Analyst. It’s a lower level position compared to PM, but you can do well and move into PM later. It’s a highly under-rated skill. You have a lot of background. You’ll find something. Once you are back for a year, you’ll be good to go.