yes and no... i got the job based on experience and general knowledge... i've worked in computer since i was 15 years old (i'm 21 now). i worked @ an isp and started w/unix @ a very young age. from the very beginning i always wanted to do things right. right to me ment security, speed, accessablitly in that order. to do that and still have things accessable to those who needed (but not to anybody taht didn't) much research was required. after doing that for 6 years i really got to know what was out there and how i could defend my self. realizing that 100% security is never going to be availible i would always take as many steps as i could to discourage a potential attacker. i learned may new tools that are very applicable in the sercurity field and that was enough to land me a job (if you are wondering what i learned see
http://resume.rebby.com for a partial listing).... good luck!
ps - sorry for all the typos... i'm very tired...