SANS Certifications, GSEC anyone?

As some of you know, I should be (hopefully) graduating this August. I'll be taking a couple classes this summer to finish up the credits I need and finally graduate. I've been thinking more and more about some entry-level security certifications but am not sure whether it would be worth pursuing right now.

What do you guys think of the SANS GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)? I know certifications are a hit or miss with many people, and a lot of certifications seem to be worth less than the paper they are printed on. Any advice to a graduating college student and taking the certification path, and to anyone whose taken the test, what study materials do you recommend?

I'd like to finish this post by congratulating Martin McKeay for earning his SANS GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA) certification. Way to go! :)

Posted by Marcin on Friday, January 5, 2007 in Security.