Just finished CCNA semester 1.....

[SupaDupaCheez]

I hope this is in the right forum....

I just finished CCNA semester 1 on Saturday with an average of 96% on the chapter tests and a 92% on the final exam. I'm taking this at the local Community College. While I realize this may not be a 'big deal' to most of you who have most likely taken this in High School, I am 30 and haven't stepped foot in a school for almost 10 years. I also realize that CCNA Sem 1 is basically a networking 'basics' course. I think I've done well in this because I am genuinely interested in it and could definitely see myself doing this for a living. Because this is completely different from what I am doing for a living now, I am a bit nervous about switching careers.

I have a couple of questions for those who have taken this track....

After completing this course and getting my CCNA, should I:

1. Immediately jump into the workforce
2. Hold off until I get my CCNP
-Should I even go for the CCNP
-Is it even possible to get the CCNP without on the job experience?
3. Should I go for a Network+ or MCSE cert?

Please share any of your personal experience(s) with me to help me decide on how to approach my career change.

Thanks
SDC

 

[Damaged]

No offense, but what's your experience in that field?

 

[jlee75]

Alot of ppl including myself are getting fed up with the paper professional. These days, the market is oversaturated with CCNAs. This WAS a hot item before as was MCSE. But now in my opinion companies want more experienced workers. Its all about specialization and efficiency. Getting the CCNP would be the more important step. The CCNA just merely says that you know something about how networking works and you can configure a router (depending on how much hands on you do in your labs). Apart from that it gives no indication of what your abilities are.

I usually discard CCNA and A+/Network+ and MCSE certs as a basis for hiring. Sure it tells me that they have the 'knowledge' from the books and dispensed from the schools but what can they actually do? Hands on experience is going to be your next step. I strongly suggest you getting a simple network/tech job while you pursue your CCNA and CCNP. By the time you finish with the CCNP, you'll have at least 1 year experience in a networking environment. Experience is what alot of ppl are going to be looking for in the near future.

Good luck. Sounds like you know what you want to do.... just go for it

 

[Damaged]

<< The CCNA just merely says that you know something about how networking works and you can configure a router (depending on how much hands on you do in your labs). Apart from that it gives no indication of what your abilities are. >>



Well put!



<< By the time you finish with the CCNP, you'll have at least 1 year experience in a networking environment. Experience is what alot of ppl are going to be looking for in the near future >>



Not necessarily. Is that disappointing:yes. Is it it true: yes. Sadly. I work with no less than 5 CCNPs/CCDPs....and I'm not one of them, but they all call me for answers.

The sad thing is that I understand things, truly undertand these things. These "things" being things like: OSPS, RIP, RIP-2, IGRP, EIGRP, and BGP. Much more than "they" do. I'm not bragging, I'm just stating facts.

I didn't think that Cisco tests were that easy, but, apparently, I'm mistaken here. At least mistaken up to CCNP/CCDP level.

BTW, I'm 39, and I'm thinking that's a good way to go. However, if you're committed to CCIE, you need to be committed to being away from your home 9 out of 12 months your first 3 years. After that I figure I, you, can make it on your own.

So, I figure suck it up for 3 years, and shut up.

 

[crazychicken]

i am currently taking CCNA 1 also, i am probably going to get my CCNP before doing anything. MSCE is good, but i dont believe necessary

 

[xyyz]

I'm half way through with the 4th semester of the academy... I'll look for a job... but I'm going to start the CCNP academy come this feburary... I might even attend a CCDA class in a week or two... the CCNA doesn't have the clout it once did...

 

[Saltin]

Im just starting into networking as a career. I Have my MCSE, A+, CCNA, and a University education and it was tough to find a job. Experience is defintely king. That said, I know a lot of big institutions (financial mainly) that wont even consider hiring someone who doesnt have certification. Also, while I may not be as experienced, I definetly get the feeling that I know more about Windows 2k than most of my coworkers, thanks to MCSE. Knowing more never hurt anyone.

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

Damaged: I have no 'real' experience in this area, that's why it's such a big change for me. I've been at my current job for about 10 years and just need a change because I really don't like what I am currently doing. I read everything I can on networking and am genuinely interested in it. That's a lot more than I can say about my current career.

I have complete confidence that I will succeed in this career path...I just want to pick the right path. I know that the CCNA is a 'broad' certification and that the industry (as do all industries) seems to be headed into specialization and more certifications are needed regardless of experience to get to the 'real' money. I'm not looking to jump right into things and make 60k+ a year. I'm not saying that I won't ever make that much in this field, just that I'm a realist and understand that I will have to work to get there. I've worked my way up from the bottom before and can do it again (I think that's the best way to do things anyway...you get a MUCH better understanding of things that way).

Thanks for your help guys.

SDC