[88carrera]

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.