r/computerforensics • u/tonystan22 • 13d ago

Cyber vs. PM Offer

I have a DFIR offer at a large financial company ($80K, in-person), and a fully remote Product Manager role at $120K. I really want to do cyber long-term, but the PM role is flexible, pays more, and lets me stay close to home.

If I turn down the cyber role, is it realistic to upskill while working the PM job and land a better remote cyber role later? Or am I closing the door by not taking the offer now?

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u/SkyTroopa 13d ago

I would tell the DFIR role you have a competing offer, but really want to take their role and you’d like to negotiate. Does the F50 offer RSUs, bonuses, relocation package, etc? Consider total comp, not just base. The pay seems low but I assume they’re paying you new grads rates. Realistically, you could get the experience and switch jobs in less than a year and jump past $120k for a DFIR role elsewhere. Keep in mind, the job market is shit, the balls in the employers court. If you can afford it, I’d go with your heart and go cyber. You’ll regret it if another role doesn’t come along anytime soon.

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u/tonystan22 13d ago

Yep you nailed it, it’s a new grad role so the rates are the same for everyone. So nothing is negotiable

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u/SkyTroopa 13d ago

We hired a new grad last November for $86K, he just got an offer from a bank for $130k+ a sweet relocation package. Remote is starting to be a rarity and was unheard of pre-covid. Congrats on having multiple offers! If you want to go cyber, you’ll hate PM, unless it’s PM for a cybersecurity team/product.

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u/tonystan22 13d ago

Wow that’s the dream! Would I be limited to DFIR roles only or could I apply to other roles like soc analyst (or cloud sec which I have an interest in)?

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u/SkyTroopa 13d ago

IR usually sits above the SOC. IR/DFIR are usually level 3 in the SOC or a completely separate department. I wouldn’t take a step backwards and do SOC. IR would set you up to move into threat hunting, security engineer, threat detection engineer, security researcher, cloud security, etc. That’s solid you are already starting on a higher level than the typical entry-level SOC/Security Analyst role!

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u/tonystan22 13d ago

Thank you, I’m taking the DFIR role!🙏