CCNA, CCNP, MCSE and jobs
 

I have come to the conclusion that with the latest bank merger my job really has no future and I need to transition out of banking.

I do networking setups for friends and family as I find it's fun and thought why not do something I actually enjoy for a living.

I found a CISCO academy at Quince Orchard High School and I have some questions.

1. Is CISCO academy free or would I pay to attend just like Montgomery College? What would I expect for the level of competency in it's instructors?

2. I would like to get my CCNA (and down the line CCNP, and so on...), but I am unsure if I need MCSE? Am I better off concentrating on one discipline in order to be a "expert"?

3. What type of starting salary am I looking at since I would not have any professional background in this field? I'm prepared to take a hit initially but would I have to start off entry level at $25k?

4. Is all this a waste of time without a BS degree? Will most companies require a BS-no ifs, ands, or buts?

Anyone in this field that can provide any advice would be great. Thank you.

PM sent.
Peter

I am interested in the advise as well. Thank you!

There are companies that will hire without a BS, but they usually want a paid experience candidate. I have and would hire an individual without a BS, but getting through our interview can be intimidating. I interview with my Sr. and mid-level Cisco engineers. We can weed out the 'paper' engineers from the 'hands on' engineers in 5 minutes. That being said, our entry level Cisco engineers start at about $70-80K. I do not require an MSCE for network engineering. Although setting up friends and small business networks does give a certain level of experience, it pales in comparison to what corporate enterprise networks depoly. In short, if you want to continue in network engineering, get your CCNA, do as many side jobs as possible, read a lot (Cisco forums, mags, etc.) and speak the lingo. Be very honest in any interviews, but don't hesitate to apply for jobs. If you can specialize in an aspect of network engineering (like wireless) that would be an added bonus. Just my opinion after 39 years in the industry.

Thank you Mike

In addition to what he said...Try to locate a job that will offer you an ability to get a clearance if possible. Offer the ability to travel, Crummier the better..Your willingness to be as flexible as possible and eager to learn and do whatever is needed will help. If you can, learn both worlds, as it will help In this area and it will further your opportunities in the beginning. (One must crawl before one walks..) So it might be easier to learn LAN's before WAN's.

Getting cleared all depends on you and your past. Never fear the past...Many more have done worse and Just tell the truth and the truth will set you free...If applicable

Many many toys out in this world to play with and the higher the clearance better the $$$...Too bad I got out and now ensuring people are in compliance...Grrr I miss the days of travel and the sh!t holes I have been...

Your willingness and dedication is what companies will want..It may take several to get their, but you are your own willingness to spend late nights and weekends to achieve what you want. It is up to you..I spent many nights and days to get to the mere place I am at. Just remember to keep your eye on the prize...or you deviate...darn road blocks and forks..

Get the companies to start paying for your BS degree and get at a minimum a DOD 8570.10 cert like security+ and CCNA if that is your route ...It is a requirement for most not all (DOD cert). Certs do not mean a bit of BS if you do not understand the mere basics and can talk the talk. A BS degree in the long run will be a necessity, but not to start..

And as always...Check the physical layer 1st...If you do not understand that...Understand it!!...Oh and orange finger tips are kool, as well as green font and black screens..Well maybe not anymore but your interviewer might pending age...

Good luck...and remember do not BS.. If you have performed the misc side jobs, talk with someone and have them help you with your resume....This is your first impression

Good luck

FYI did you consider Govt positions.

x2. Remember, many data centers don't want down time during peak hours. Willingness to work on data center issues from midnight-4 AM for scheduled maintenance outages is a plus - and it might help if you let them know that you are aware of what is needed for this work.

x2 on everything in this thread so far and doubly so on the no BS part. One of the smartest things I think you can say is "I don't know, but I'll find out." and go do it. Technical people despise wrongness and attitude. Get labeled as a useless, cocky bullsh&ter and you'll find your options and future limited.

Frankly I think the IT field is getting pretty crowded due to it maturing and the down sizing and consolidation of the big company's like AOL. Have a back up plan/career goal and be humble to start. A degree regardless of what you do, or whatever it is, is always a good idea, but its optional for some positions, and so is the clearance. Yes, they're golden tickets, but they're only good at opening a few more doors compared to the whole market place.

gl hf

Thank you everyone for the great advice. Scott I have looked on usajobs.gov over the years and found most of the positions are really specialized. I could never find anything in finance.