Congratulations! You’ve just completed a SANS course, joining a prestigious network of professionals dedicated to cybersecurity excellence. Whether you’ve taken your first course or added another SANS credential to your collection, you’re now part of a thriving community. But what comes next? How can you make the most of the knowledge, skills, and connections you’ve gained?
This blog will guide you through your next steps, helping you capitalize on your new expertise, continue your education, and stay connected with the SANS community. We’ll explore the benefits of being a SANS alumnus, from exclusive discounts to certification opportunities, and provide a roadmap to keep your skills sharp and relevant.
Leverage Your New Skills in the Workplace
The skills you’ve acquired in your SANS course are designed to be immediately applicable. Start by identifying areas within your organization where you can put your new knowledge to work. This could involve enhancing security protocols, conducting in-depth threat assessments, or improving incident response strategies.
Identify Opportunities for Application
Review the course material and pinpoint areas where your new skills can address existing challenges in your workplace. Whether it’s improving network security protocols, conducting a thorough penetration test, or better managing your organization’s risk, find ways to put your learning into practice.
Share Knowledge with Your Team
Consider organizing a lunch-and-learn or a workshop to share insights from your SANS course with colleagues. This not only reinforces your understanding but also positions you as a leader and subject matter expert within your team.
Document Your Impact
As you apply your new skills, track the outcomes. Documenting your impact – whether it’s reducing security incidents, improving compliance, or streamlining processes – will be invaluable for future performance reviews or when seeking career advancement.
Explore Further Certifications
Continuing education is key to staying competitive in the cybersecurity field. As a SANS alumnus, you have access to exclusive opportunities to further your education and certifications.
Interested in a Cert?
Explore certifications available by focus area, such as Incident Response, Penetration Testing, or Digital Forensics. These certifications are globally recognized and can help you advance in your career. Explore your options here: SANS Cyber Security Certifications.
Certifications
If you’re looking to validate your skills, consider pursuing a GIAC certification. SANS offers certifications across various focus areas, from Incident Response to Penetration Testing, which are recognized and respected globally. These certifications can set you apart in a competitive job market and open doors to new career opportunities.
Alumni Discounts
SANS offers a generous 50% discount on retaking any course you’ve previously completed. This is an excellent opportunity to revisit material, deepen your understanding, and explore advanced techniques that may have been added since your initial training.
Additionally, you’re eligible for an annual single-course discount, allowing you to take one course per year at the current tuition rate for the highest program you’ve completed as a SANS.edu student. So, if you’re an alum and you earned both a certificate and master’s degree as a student, you would receive the current tuition rate for the master’s program.
Tuition includes the SANS training and GIAC exam. Academic credit, however, is not awarded for courses.
For more information, refer to the SANS Alumni Continuing Education Benefits Guide.
Work Study Program
The SANS Work Study Program is another fantastic way to continue your education while giving back to the community. By becoming an online moderator or in-person facilitator, you can attend SANS training at a discounted tuition rate in exchange for your assistance. This program not only reduces the financial burden of ongoing education but also allows you to network with instructors and peers.
Stay Connected with the SANS Community
One of the most valuable aspects of completing a SANS course is the network you gain access to. Staying connected with this community is crucial for both your personal and professional growth.
Join the SANS Alumni LinkedIn Group
The exclusive SANS Alumni LinkedIn Group is a great place to network with fellow alumni, share industry insights, and stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities. Engaging in discussions here can also provide you with diverse perspectives on the challenges and solutions in cybersecurity.
Engage on Social Media
Follow SANS on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed about upcoming events, new courses, and important updates in the cybersecurity landscape. Participating in online conversations using hashtags like #SANSLiveTraining can also help you connect with others who share your interests. Be sure to request an invitation to the student-run Slack account which includes the #alumni channel.
Take Advantage of Additional Resources
SANS offers a wealth of resources designed to support your ongoing education and career development. These resources can help you stay informed, prepared, and at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before signing up for your next course, be sure to explore the SANS FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about course content, certification processes, and more, ensuring you’re fully informed before making your next move.
SANS Newsletters
Subscribing to SANS newsletters is a great way to receive updates on the latest industry trends, new course offerings, and exclusive discounts. Staying informed through these newsletters ensures you won’t miss out on opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Instructor-Led Webcasts
SANS instructors frequently host webcasts on a variety of topics. These sessions are an excellent way to gain insights from experts, learn about new tools and techniques, and ask questions in real-time. Participating in these webcasts can complement your formal training and keep you engaged with the latest developments in cybersecurity.
Plan Your Next Steps with the SANS Cybersecurity Roadmap
After completing a SANS course, it’s important to think strategically about your next steps. The SANS Cybersecurity Skills Roadmap is a powerful tool that can help you plan your educational and career trajectory. Whether you want to specialize further or broaden your expertise, the roadmap provides a clear guide to the skills and knowledge required for various roles in cybersecurity.
The roadmap provides a clear overview of the skills and knowledge required for various roles within cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking to specialize in a particular area, such as Threat Hunting or Digital Forensics, or you want to broaden your expertise across multiple domains, the roadmap can guide you toward the right courses and certifications.
Set Long-Term Goals
Use the roadmap to set both short- and long-term goals for your career. Identify the skills you need to acquire to reach the next level in your current role or to transition into a new area of cybersecurity. Having a clear plan will keep you motivated and ensure you’re always moving forward in your career.
Download the Alumni Continuing Education Benefits Guide
The Alumni Continuing Education Benefits Guide provides a comprehensive list of course options and step-by-step instructions for registration. It’s an invaluable resource for planning your next course and making the most of your alumni benefits.
Continuing Your Journey
Completing a SANS course is just the beginning of your journey in cybersecurity. By leveraging your new skills, continuing your education, and staying connected with the SANS community, you can maximize the value of your training to ensure ongoing success in your career.
Remember, as a SANS alumnus, you have access to exclusive benefits and resources that can help you stay ahead in this ever-evolving field. Whether you’re planning to pursue further certifications, attend another SANS course, or simply stay connected with your peers, the opportunities are endless.
If you have questions or need more information before attending your next SANS course, be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. It’s a great resource to help you prepare and make the most of your training experience.
Don’t miss out on upcoming opportunities to participate in SANS Live Training events across North America. To see what cities are hosting these events, visit the North America Live Training Events Page.
Stay connected, keep up with the latest updates, and join the conversation by following #SANSLiveTraining on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
The knowledge and connections you’ve gained through SANS are powerful tools that will serve you well throughout your career!
