Trained or Certified?

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CypherOxide

8/11/20222 min read

"In the realm of certifications, the journey may be daunting, but the destination is worth the effort. Aspire not only to be certified but to be the guiding star in the vast cosmos of IT knowledge."

Navigating the Ambiguity: Trained vs. Certified

It has been a while since my last update, but let me assure you that I haven't been idly twiddling my thumbs during this time. Over the past several months, I've embarked on an intensive journey, delving into the realms of networking and server administration, crafting documents for Cyber Risk Assessments, and achieving a significant milestone – becoming a certified Cyber Defense Professional. This accomplishment holds profound significance, and as I share my experiences, I hope to shed light on the conundrum of whether one should proclaim themselves as "trained" or "certified."

The Unexpected Certification

My journey commenced with the anticipation of gaining some additional skills and knowledge during the summer semester, a typical endeavor for many in the IT and Cybersecurity field. Little did I expect that I would culminate the semester with a professional-level certification. This unforeseen achievement bestowed upon me the title of "certified" in the realm of cyber defense, emanating from a network-centric, analysis-oriented perspective. To be honest, I wasn't entirely prepared for it, and the weight of this certification was more substantial than I had envisaged.

The Trials and Triumphs

The road to certification was far from a leisurely stroll. Countless nights saw me enduring two-hour sleep sessions, followed by grueling 10-hour workdays, all while dedicating myself to rigorous study. The journey wasn't without its moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, especially when I repeatedly tackled the practice exam. Despite the actual certification exam allowing for a relatively wide margin of error, the practice exam seemed relentless in demanding a 95% score for a pass. By the fifth attempt, with my best practice score at a commendable 91%, I was driven by an incessant need to outdo myself. The pressure mounted, and even when certain aspects of the lab work faltered, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I needed to perform better.

With a mere two hours on the countdown clock and countless pages of notes scrutinized over several days, I decided to take the leap. As I glimpsed my scores upon completion of the exam, a concoction of relief and trepidation washed over me.

A Blend of Emotions

The sight of my score was nothing short of a shock to my sleep-deprived, trembling mind. Even after a night of rest and a few weeks of respite from my studies, the emotions lingered. Euphoria intermingled with confusion, creating a disorienting aura. It felt akin to watching fragments of a movie, each clip varying in resolution and volume. The aspects of the exam that were relatively straightforward stood out vividly, etching detailed memories of questions and solutions. In contrast, the challenging segments appeared distorted and grainy, akin to an aging VHS tape marred by magnetic strip wrinkles.

Reflections on Expectations

The journey was not merely about the tasks at hand; it was also a reflection on the expectations we place on ourselves. The stress and apprehension didn't stem from the demands of the certification itself, but rather from the self-imposed expectation of scaling a mountain when, in reality, it was merely a hill.

A Step Beyond

As I stand on the other side of this arduous challenge, I am presented with an opportunity to embark on an even greater endeavor within my chosen field. The upper echelons of the profession have remarked that finding an individual proficient in IT work, specifically excelling in Networking, Server Administration, and Security, who is also willing to work unconventional hours, is no easy feat. And yet, here I am, offering my skills and expertise to ease the search for a candidate to fill this unique position.

However, as I contemplate this prospect, I harbor some reservations. While I possess the capability to contribute significantly to the department's growth and development, I grapple with the notion of merely fulfilling a role. My passion for the captivating realms of silicon and digital data runs deep, and I aspire to achieve much more than simply entering my field or being a part of the IT team.

Aiming Beyond the Stars

Throughout my life, I have been urged to aim for the moon, with the belief that even if I miss, I will land among the stars. Yet, I harbor a different aspiration; I intend to traverse much greater distances. The exact duration of this journey remains uncertain, as does the extent of training and the hours dedicated to honing my skills and knowledge. I am resolute in my desire to venture so far into the cosmos of Information Security, Networking, and DevOps that, when I glance back at this point in time, it appears minuscule, akin to a speck on a fleck of dust.

My message, both now and in the future, will remain steadfast: I'm going as far as the stars and beyond.

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