Posted on Oct 12, 2015
Choosing between an IT and/or Technical certification and a Bachelor's degree?
26.3K
60
35
6
6
0
I know that the “Old School of Thought” was that we had to get a Bachelor’s Degree to get a good paying job.
That was our dream, right? …that was our parent’s dream for us and that was our dream for our kids.
But in today’s society where technology has taken over the world; a Bachelor’s Degree doesn’t quite cut it anymore and certifications, like the CCNA, have creeped up and are on the rise.
I mean, if you think about it; Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson and Paul Mitchell are just a few examples of how one can make it to the top without any degree, and in some cases not even a High School Diploma.
I guess the most recognizable figure we know of today, who dropped out of college and who was quoted to say the following:
“I'm an educational technologist and e-learning person who believes that the disruption caused by modern communication technologies will lead to better systems of higher education and a re-invention of what universities should be about.”
This of course was non-other than the great visionary of our times, Steve Jobs when he addressed the Stanford University graduating class of 2005.
Imagine that!...a person with NO degree, giving the commencement speech at Stanford.
However, most of us do need something to replace a Bachelor’s degree and that’s where the CCNA certification comes into play.
Degrees, while nice to have, are totally overrated! Not to mention, extremely expensive (you can literally come out of college with 100’s of thousands of dollars in debt mean while a CCNA test is just a few hundred bucks. Not to mention that for about a dollar a day you can get prepared for the CCNA certification exam by joining an e-learning platform like Lynda.com).
I mean, is it really feasible to spend 2 to 4 years studying, to then find a job, to then start paying off your student loans and at the same time make ends meet? …what about your bills, your family and putting food on the table?
With a CCNA certification you can hit the ground running. You don’t have to be eating Ramen Noodles for 4 years to then start looking for a job.
Subsequently, you would now have to rethink the whole educational approach.
Let’s analyze this.
What does a Computer Science Degree from 1975 have to do with a Network Engineer in 2015?
Absolutely nothing! …these two are worlds apart.
The internet wasn’t even available to the public until 1991, so that in itself makes the 1975 BS degree irrelevant.
Not convinced?...let me illustrate this further.
If you have a Law Degree from Harvard, can you practice in the U.K? …I highly doubt it. You are basically stuck. You might not even be able to practice from State to State.
That’s the beauty of certifications…no limits, no boundaries, no bureaucracy!
We are living is such a fast paced environment that we need things yesterday. Fortunately, that void has also been filled by certifications.
Our society is obsessed with the “NOW” factor…we need a job NOW, because we need money NOW, to buy the new iPhone NOW!
Thankfully, a CCNA certification will provide you with that indispensable factor - NOW!
Anyone can achieve the CCNA certification within a few short months and can actually start working in a related field shortly after that. Heck, you can even maintain your current job, while you prepare for the CCNA. This means that there is really no downtime to getting an industry specific certification.
I do want to clarify something though and want to make it perfectly clear; just because you want a CCNA doesn’t mean that you’ll always get what you want.
It really depends on four (4) things to ultimately be the determining factor.
Actually these are the key ingredients for anyone wanting to succeed:
(1) The desire to be successful! You want this so bad that you can taste it. You know that your future and/or your family’s future depends on it.
(2) The dedication to sacrifice and plough through the obstacles…and yes, there will be many obstacles. It’s called “LIFE”.
(3) The determination that no matter what, you will achieve success, because “failure is simply not an option”.
(4) The discipline to be focused and do what must be done to reach your goal. Keeping your eye on the price should be first priority. Sleep might be out of the question, but this only means that you will “adapt and overcome”.
For anyone that possesses these attributes…the sky’s the limit!
As previously mentioned, certifications have come to disrupt the educational system for the better. And e-learning platforms, like Lynda.com, have taken over and have often, either enhanced, or in some instances, replaced institutions like colleges and universities.
E-learning platforms have made it easier for anyone and everyone that wants an education to easily attain one.
There are no longer excuses not to get a good paying job. No longer does where you were born, your pedigree, your educational nor economic status play a role in your future…but rather you, yourself, are the only determining factor.
Ever since education became limitless and highly affordable (thanks in part to the Internet); we all have, for the first time in the history of the world, the ability to acquire an education if we chose to do so.
The CCNA certification has certainly made it to the top of this list! It is one of the most sought out certifications in the world and it has provided many with financial stability that they would not have had otherwise.
All you really need to do is look at the top recruiting companies like Indeed, Simply Hired, or Career Builder and you will see that most of the jobs advertised in the IT fields, and of course I’m talking specifically for a Networking position, is the need to have a CCNA certification.
This of course plays into “Job Security”, which I believe to be a myth.
Did you know that a CCNA certification can be the determining factor between remaining employed and getting laid off? It doesn’t even matter if you’ve been with the company for the past 5, 10, 15 or 20 years?
Job security, like I said earlier, is a myth…you and I are replaceable!
How do I know this?... because I speak from experience.
“I was on an assignment to train 30 well trained and experienced employees of a large Telecom company back in 2012 to get them prepared to take and pass the CCNA certification exam.
They had to either get their CCNA or be terminated.
It didn’t matter that they were doing their jobs correctly for the past decade or so…no, no, no…they had to be certified or else!
As it turned out, it was a life changing experience for me as well. For you see, not only did they pass their CCNA, but I was hired by the same company once I finished my training assignment and ultimately that paved the way for where I am today”.
Going for a certification means you can study on your own terms and at your own pace.
There are no more time constraints and you have the freedom to learn from your home, from the back of a bus or a flight going across the globe.
Remember, employers are willing to hire you much faster if you have certification & experience, than if you just have a Bachelor’s Degree.
This, of course, doesn’t mean that you should not get a Bachelor’s degree if you can. After all, the more paper you have to show, the more likelihood you have of getting the position you desire. However, you now have options.
In other words, a “Bachelor’s Degree” is no longer the status quo.
Now let’s take a look at what today’s employers are looking for when they are interviewing:
1. Employers want a person that has skills.
Cisco’s CCNA certification gages your knowledge in Networking and passing it certifies that you are skillful in the basics of networking.
The only way employers can gage your knowledge is through testing, and that’s precisely what a certification does…it lets employers know that you have been tested in a particular area. It certifies that you have passed the minimum requirement for a particular field in IT.
After all, they already know everything else about you from your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.
2. Employers want global employees.
Remember that we live in a global environment and physical boundaries or borders are no longer a constraint.
That’s the beauty of certifications. They have only one standard, and no matter where you are physically located, your certification is globally recognized.
This is why I currently have over 35K+ students (and counting), in over 179 countries all learning and preparing for the CCNA!
This means that a student from Kenya can get the same CCNA certification as a student from Finland and they both have the same exact credentials and basic knowledge because the test is the same worldwide.
And I can certainly attest to that, because students from those countries have indeed been able to get their CCNA certification with my online courses through various e-learning platforms.
For you it means that if you received your Cisco certification in the U.S., you can relocate to Germany or Spain or Japan and your certification goes with you.
You have now become a worldwide candidate in a Global market!
3. Employers want people that are up to date in their field. Technology is constantly evolving and you must evolve with it.
This is really a no-brainer!
Certifications, unlike degrees, have a shelf life and you need to re-certify every couple of years to make sure you continue to be skillful and knowledgeable in the newest technologies.
And employers are catching on!
Companies are no longer making a determination to hire solely based on a Bachelor’s Degree. They will actually give you a scenario and tell you to fix the problem at hand; or put you in front of a computer and will give you a hands-on test.
The only way you’ll be able pass the 1st interview phase is by actually doing the job. This is where certifications come into play.
Of course, you must first learn to crawl before you can walk and that’s what the CCNA certification is all about.
It is the foundation of Networking and will pave the road for the higher certifications within Cisco.
~ Lazaro Diaz
Cisco Instructor
That was our dream, right? …that was our parent’s dream for us and that was our dream for our kids.
But in today’s society where technology has taken over the world; a Bachelor’s Degree doesn’t quite cut it anymore and certifications, like the CCNA, have creeped up and are on the rise.
I mean, if you think about it; Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson and Paul Mitchell are just a few examples of how one can make it to the top without any degree, and in some cases not even a High School Diploma.
I guess the most recognizable figure we know of today, who dropped out of college and who was quoted to say the following:
“I'm an educational technologist and e-learning person who believes that the disruption caused by modern communication technologies will lead to better systems of higher education and a re-invention of what universities should be about.”
This of course was non-other than the great visionary of our times, Steve Jobs when he addressed the Stanford University graduating class of 2005.
Imagine that!...a person with NO degree, giving the commencement speech at Stanford.
However, most of us do need something to replace a Bachelor’s degree and that’s where the CCNA certification comes into play.
Degrees, while nice to have, are totally overrated! Not to mention, extremely expensive (you can literally come out of college with 100’s of thousands of dollars in debt mean while a CCNA test is just a few hundred bucks. Not to mention that for about a dollar a day you can get prepared for the CCNA certification exam by joining an e-learning platform like Lynda.com).
I mean, is it really feasible to spend 2 to 4 years studying, to then find a job, to then start paying off your student loans and at the same time make ends meet? …what about your bills, your family and putting food on the table?
With a CCNA certification you can hit the ground running. You don’t have to be eating Ramen Noodles for 4 years to then start looking for a job.
Subsequently, you would now have to rethink the whole educational approach.
Let’s analyze this.
What does a Computer Science Degree from 1975 have to do with a Network Engineer in 2015?
Absolutely nothing! …these two are worlds apart.
The internet wasn’t even available to the public until 1991, so that in itself makes the 1975 BS degree irrelevant.
Not convinced?...let me illustrate this further.
If you have a Law Degree from Harvard, can you practice in the U.K? …I highly doubt it. You are basically stuck. You might not even be able to practice from State to State.
That’s the beauty of certifications…no limits, no boundaries, no bureaucracy!
We are living is such a fast paced environment that we need things yesterday. Fortunately, that void has also been filled by certifications.
Our society is obsessed with the “NOW” factor…we need a job NOW, because we need money NOW, to buy the new iPhone NOW!
Thankfully, a CCNA certification will provide you with that indispensable factor - NOW!
Anyone can achieve the CCNA certification within a few short months and can actually start working in a related field shortly after that. Heck, you can even maintain your current job, while you prepare for the CCNA. This means that there is really no downtime to getting an industry specific certification.
I do want to clarify something though and want to make it perfectly clear; just because you want a CCNA doesn’t mean that you’ll always get what you want.
It really depends on four (4) things to ultimately be the determining factor.
Actually these are the key ingredients for anyone wanting to succeed:
(1) The desire to be successful! You want this so bad that you can taste it. You know that your future and/or your family’s future depends on it.
(2) The dedication to sacrifice and plough through the obstacles…and yes, there will be many obstacles. It’s called “LIFE”.
(3) The determination that no matter what, you will achieve success, because “failure is simply not an option”.
(4) The discipline to be focused and do what must be done to reach your goal. Keeping your eye on the price should be first priority. Sleep might be out of the question, but this only means that you will “adapt and overcome”.
For anyone that possesses these attributes…the sky’s the limit!
As previously mentioned, certifications have come to disrupt the educational system for the better. And e-learning platforms, like Lynda.com, have taken over and have often, either enhanced, or in some instances, replaced institutions like colleges and universities.
E-learning platforms have made it easier for anyone and everyone that wants an education to easily attain one.
There are no longer excuses not to get a good paying job. No longer does where you were born, your pedigree, your educational nor economic status play a role in your future…but rather you, yourself, are the only determining factor.
Ever since education became limitless and highly affordable (thanks in part to the Internet); we all have, for the first time in the history of the world, the ability to acquire an education if we chose to do so.
The CCNA certification has certainly made it to the top of this list! It is one of the most sought out certifications in the world and it has provided many with financial stability that they would not have had otherwise.
All you really need to do is look at the top recruiting companies like Indeed, Simply Hired, or Career Builder and you will see that most of the jobs advertised in the IT fields, and of course I’m talking specifically for a Networking position, is the need to have a CCNA certification.
This of course plays into “Job Security”, which I believe to be a myth.
Did you know that a CCNA certification can be the determining factor between remaining employed and getting laid off? It doesn’t even matter if you’ve been with the company for the past 5, 10, 15 or 20 years?
Job security, like I said earlier, is a myth…you and I are replaceable!
How do I know this?... because I speak from experience.
“I was on an assignment to train 30 well trained and experienced employees of a large Telecom company back in 2012 to get them prepared to take and pass the CCNA certification exam.
They had to either get their CCNA or be terminated.
It didn’t matter that they were doing their jobs correctly for the past decade or so…no, no, no…they had to be certified or else!
As it turned out, it was a life changing experience for me as well. For you see, not only did they pass their CCNA, but I was hired by the same company once I finished my training assignment and ultimately that paved the way for where I am today”.
Going for a certification means you can study on your own terms and at your own pace.
There are no more time constraints and you have the freedom to learn from your home, from the back of a bus or a flight going across the globe.
Remember, employers are willing to hire you much faster if you have certification & experience, than if you just have a Bachelor’s Degree.
This, of course, doesn’t mean that you should not get a Bachelor’s degree if you can. After all, the more paper you have to show, the more likelihood you have of getting the position you desire. However, you now have options.
In other words, a “Bachelor’s Degree” is no longer the status quo.
Now let’s take a look at what today’s employers are looking for when they are interviewing:
1. Employers want a person that has skills.
Cisco’s CCNA certification gages your knowledge in Networking and passing it certifies that you are skillful in the basics of networking.
The only way employers can gage your knowledge is through testing, and that’s precisely what a certification does…it lets employers know that you have been tested in a particular area. It certifies that you have passed the minimum requirement for a particular field in IT.
After all, they already know everything else about you from your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.
2. Employers want global employees.
Remember that we live in a global environment and physical boundaries or borders are no longer a constraint.
That’s the beauty of certifications. They have only one standard, and no matter where you are physically located, your certification is globally recognized.
This is why I currently have over 35K+ students (and counting), in over 179 countries all learning and preparing for the CCNA!
This means that a student from Kenya can get the same CCNA certification as a student from Finland and they both have the same exact credentials and basic knowledge because the test is the same worldwide.
And I can certainly attest to that, because students from those countries have indeed been able to get their CCNA certification with my online courses through various e-learning platforms.
For you it means that if you received your Cisco certification in the U.S., you can relocate to Germany or Spain or Japan and your certification goes with you.
You have now become a worldwide candidate in a Global market!
3. Employers want people that are up to date in their field. Technology is constantly evolving and you must evolve with it.
This is really a no-brainer!
Certifications, unlike degrees, have a shelf life and you need to re-certify every couple of years to make sure you continue to be skillful and knowledgeable in the newest technologies.
And employers are catching on!
Companies are no longer making a determination to hire solely based on a Bachelor’s Degree. They will actually give you a scenario and tell you to fix the problem at hand; or put you in front of a computer and will give you a hands-on test.
The only way you’ll be able pass the 1st interview phase is by actually doing the job. This is where certifications come into play.
Of course, you must first learn to crawl before you can walk and that’s what the CCNA certification is all about.
It is the foundation of Networking and will pave the road for the higher certifications within Cisco.
~ Lazaro Diaz
Cisco Instructor
Information Technology
Cisco Certification
Employment
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 17
1
1
0
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
Hey Cpl;
Unfortunately a BAS is no longer enough. You also need certifications. That may not seem fair, but LIFE isn't fair.
First, you need to decide what branch of IT you really like to get into. Then, find the certification that would apply. I am a Cisco & Microsoft Instructor, but I found out that my passion is Cisco. I'm here to help, both active and retired Military personnel for free. So, if you think you might want to try out for the CCNA certification. Let me know and I'll send you all my video courses for free; to include my book. You can always email me if you have any questions. My email is: [login to see]
Good luck!
Laz
Unfortunately a BAS is no longer enough. You also need certifications. That may not seem fair, but LIFE isn't fair.
First, you need to decide what branch of IT you really like to get into. Then, find the certification that would apply. I am a Cisco & Microsoft Instructor, but I found out that my passion is Cisco. I'm here to help, both active and retired Military personnel for free. So, if you think you might want to try out for the CCNA certification. Let me know and I'll send you all my video courses for free; to include my book. You can always email me if you have any questions. My email is: [login to see]
Good luck!
Laz
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
I have both a short and long answer to this, for the time being will go with the shorter. All in all, I would say also is how you sell yourself in a sense - off course it's better to have more on paper, but if I was a hiring official or recruiter, I would want someone that is knowledgeable and can figure out how to troubleshoot/find out if he doesn't know quick. Reality is, whatever IT job you hold, in this example networking, you might not know all of most of the IOS commands right away. In conclusion, my opinion is that a certificate holds more weight than a 4 year education, and the reason I say this is my perspective of work experience (ideally) vs. sitting in a classroom for 4 years (keep in mind, not all of the classes and that time is dedicated solely for networking knowledge for example). Going back to what I said earlier, and adding a bit to it, I would hire an IT-vet (USMC preferably), and would ask him specific questions on what he's done to gauge him. Relating to what you, the OP, was referring to, CCNA is a great certificate, and it should be a great way to let the employers know where you stand. One thing though, I've met people with various certifications, and no practical knowledge, which means they are excellent test takers..... kind of a risk....
Ultimately, I support pursuing a degree regardless, won't hurt and would enable you to fill a higher position within an organization. Just my 3 cents.
I myself am pursuing a CCNA, but keep getting it delayed due to work and family schedules (I currently work in a place that technically requires a CCNP, but focus more on the server/VM/SQL side).
Ultimately, I support pursuing a degree regardless, won't hurt and would enable you to fill a higher position within an organization. Just my 3 cents.
I myself am pursuing a CCNA, but keep getting it delayed due to work and family schedules (I currently work in a place that technically requires a CCNP, but focus more on the server/VM/SQL side).
1
1
0
A lot of people who are skilled in the IT field have certifications and no degree; they may have attended a tech school vs. a traditional 4 year school. The thing with IT is that changes happen faster than a 4 year cycle, so you are always learning new software and hardware. You have to be a computer geek at heart and live and breath it.
With a degree in the Mix you may have a competitive edge over the rest of the field if you have the skills to back it up. These folks tend to rise to managerial jobs or senior tech roles. With certifications you do have paper tigers who bought "study guides" from questionable websites and memorized questions that nearly match the test. Check for the study material being approved by Microsoft or what ever the vendor is, there is nothing wrong with these vendors. In fact many colleges use them with their course work. UMUC the school I attend uses testout.com.
With a degree in the Mix you may have a competitive edge over the rest of the field if you have the skills to back it up. These folks tend to rise to managerial jobs or senior tech roles. With certifications you do have paper tigers who bought "study guides" from questionable websites and memorized questions that nearly match the test. Check for the study material being approved by Microsoft or what ever the vendor is, there is nothing wrong with these vendors. In fact many colleges use them with their course work. UMUC the school I attend uses testout.com.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz Why would you ask the question, just to basically go on a long rhetoric stating that CCNA is the ONLY way to go? CCNA may be the answer in certain LIMITED fields. But, it's not going to replace a good Bachelor's-level degree in any field other than IT. And is it not true that the CCNA certification is an ASSOCIATE'S-LEVEL Cisco Career certification, only?
I find it interesting that you wrote , "If you have a Law Degree from Harvard, can you practice in the U.K? …I highly doubt it." So you don't know, and you are just guessing? Actually, it is possible to use a US degree (even a Law degree, especially if you specialize in International Law) to open doors in European companies, as many deal with the US, and US Law on a daily basis. (I lived in Europe for over 20 years.)
Does it require some extra work to get that Bachelor's degree as a opposed to a CCNA? Doesn't that come back, once again to your four '(4) things to ultimately be a determining factor' in getting an education? The same key ingredients for anyone wanting to succeed?
'(1) The desire to be successful!' (2) 'The dedication to sacrifice that's called “LIFE”.' (3) 'The determination that no matter what, you will achieve success, because “failure is simply not an option”.' (4) 'Discipline to do what must be done to reach your goal. To “adapt and overcome”.'
I have no problem with CCNA, or those who wish to pursue it with a goal of a Cisco-Certified Network Associate certification, "with "CCNA Routing and Switching" being closest to the original CCNA focus; other types of CCNA focus on security, collaboration, data centers, service providers, video, voice, and wireless." However, to make the blanket statement that, "... in today’s society where technology has taken over the world; a Bachelor’s Degree doesn’t quite cut it anymore." is extremely misleading.
As you are an instructor for Cisco, I can see how you might be trying to recruit from the excellent RP field of potential candidates, but staying within the lines of reality are equally as important to recruiting as giving a strong "sales pitch".
I find it interesting that you wrote , "If you have a Law Degree from Harvard, can you practice in the U.K? …I highly doubt it." So you don't know, and you are just guessing? Actually, it is possible to use a US degree (even a Law degree, especially if you specialize in International Law) to open doors in European companies, as many deal with the US, and US Law on a daily basis. (I lived in Europe for over 20 years.)
Does it require some extra work to get that Bachelor's degree as a opposed to a CCNA? Doesn't that come back, once again to your four '(4) things to ultimately be a determining factor' in getting an education? The same key ingredients for anyone wanting to succeed?
'(1) The desire to be successful!' (2) 'The dedication to sacrifice that's called “LIFE”.' (3) 'The determination that no matter what, you will achieve success, because “failure is simply not an option”.' (4) 'Discipline to do what must be done to reach your goal. To “adapt and overcome”.'
I have no problem with CCNA, or those who wish to pursue it with a goal of a Cisco-Certified Network Associate certification, "with "CCNA Routing and Switching" being closest to the original CCNA focus; other types of CCNA focus on security, collaboration, data centers, service providers, video, voice, and wireless." However, to make the blanket statement that, "... in today’s society where technology has taken over the world; a Bachelor’s Degree doesn’t quite cut it anymore." is extremely misleading.
As you are an instructor for Cisco, I can see how you might be trying to recruit from the excellent RP field of potential candidates, but staying within the lines of reality are equally as important to recruiting as giving a strong "sales pitch".
(1)
(0)
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
First...I'm not here to recruit anybody. As a matter of fact, I'm here to help those that are looking for an alternative and to help service members that are interested in this field. As I mentioned earlier, I'm volunteering my services for free.
However, you are correct, I am a Cisco instructor and make a pretty good living doing what I love. I certainly did not have to post anything at all. And no one woul be the wiser. Nor do I have to volunteer my time. I did so to give those that are looking to transition into civilian life an alternative to getting a degree without sacrificing time and money if they chose to do so.
Not everyone is able to, or wants to get a bachelors. And there are many reasons for this. I'm only letting those that fall in this category, know that there's another route that can be very lucrative and rewarding...and I did say that if you can, you should get a bachelors. Obviously, the more "paper" you have, the better chance you'll have to land a better job.
However, not having one is not the end of the world.
And I do beg to differ, but certifications are recognized worldwide and many employees will accept them in lue of a bachelor's.
What I posted here is based not only on my own experience, but research that I've done to collaborate what I've said.
You have your own experiences and we both know that experience is what shapes us. We make decisions based on them. So, I based this discussion based on mine.
We can both argue our own side and can make a pretty good case either way. This, however, is not why I posted this discussion.
My ultimate goal was to present my side and show those that might need guidance, that they have choices and that they can count on me to help...for FREE.
I guess at some point we can become skeptical and think that there's always an alterior motive when someone offers help.
However, you are correct, I am a Cisco instructor and make a pretty good living doing what I love. I certainly did not have to post anything at all. And no one woul be the wiser. Nor do I have to volunteer my time. I did so to give those that are looking to transition into civilian life an alternative to getting a degree without sacrificing time and money if they chose to do so.
Not everyone is able to, or wants to get a bachelors. And there are many reasons for this. I'm only letting those that fall in this category, know that there's another route that can be very lucrative and rewarding...and I did say that if you can, you should get a bachelors. Obviously, the more "paper" you have, the better chance you'll have to land a better job.
However, not having one is not the end of the world.
And I do beg to differ, but certifications are recognized worldwide and many employees will accept them in lue of a bachelor's.
What I posted here is based not only on my own experience, but research that I've done to collaborate what I've said.
You have your own experiences and we both know that experience is what shapes us. We make decisions based on them. So, I based this discussion based on mine.
We can both argue our own side and can make a pretty good case either way. This, however, is not why I posted this discussion.
My ultimate goal was to present my side and show those that might need guidance, that they have choices and that they can count on me to help...for FREE.
I guess at some point we can become skeptical and think that there's always an alterior motive when someone offers help.
(1)
(0)
PVT Robert Gresham
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz Please don't misunderstand, as I do think that it is very admirable that you offer the choice of CCNA, and that you volunteer your time to help Veterans, and Military members who are interested in the Cisco program.
My only real issue was with your suppositions, and what seemed to be a broad "put-down" of the Bachelor's degree, as opposed to the CCNA certification. As you say, we all have our preferences, and being "old school", I may also occasionally think in that direction.
I hope that RP members who are interested in this program are NOT in the least put off by my strong words. I certainly meant no disrespect toward you personally, the CCNA certification, or Cisco systems. I wish you, and your students all the best, and success in the future.
My only real issue was with your suppositions, and what seemed to be a broad "put-down" of the Bachelor's degree, as opposed to the CCNA certification. As you say, we all have our preferences, and being "old school", I may also occasionally think in that direction.
I hope that RP members who are interested in this program are NOT in the least put off by my strong words. I certainly meant no disrespect toward you personally, the CCNA certification, or Cisco systems. I wish you, and your students all the best, and success in the future.
(1)
(0)
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
Hey Sgt...we merely exchanging opinions, and debating is just part of the process.
I appreciate you joining the discussion and giving your perspective on this matter.
Please don't get me wrong...I am a true believer in education. And know first hand how it can change lives for the better. But because my field of expertise is in Cisco, I wanted to present that aspect.
We both feel strongly in our beliefs and presenting them is the freedom the military has fought for and protected.
Either way, those here can look at the different view points and decide for themselves.
Regards,
Laz
I appreciate you joining the discussion and giving your perspective on this matter.
Please don't get me wrong...I am a true believer in education. And know first hand how it can change lives for the better. But because my field of expertise is in Cisco, I wanted to present that aspect.
We both feel strongly in our beliefs and presenting them is the freedom the military has fought for and protected.
Either way, those here can look at the different view points and decide for themselves.
Regards,
Laz
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
From my experience, certification with experience, I will hire someone with 2 or 3 years of work experience and a CCNA or CCNP, or similar cert before I hire some one with a BA or BS and no cert. Some one with high level certs like CCIE or CISSP and a proven work background will get noticed in a job search degree or not
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Also, if you're really a veteran and got out as a Specialist, awesome. But, the whole retired 18X thing is obviously false since you can't retire as an 18X. As a matter of fact In pretty sure the X-ray program wasn't even around in the '80s. I'm not a moderator but if you're gonna fill in an MOS, at least put the real one.
(0)
(0)
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
I never said I was SF. I was in the 82nd Airborne Division in Ft Bragg. While there, I assisted the SF in their Phase 3 training in Urrary Forest. Also, I did not retire, I ended my enlistment. I went through the options the website gave me and that's the one I found closer to what I did back then. But you're more than welcome to verify my record.
(0)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz - It's your record. I'm not here to verify anything. It's just there's no job quite like the 18 series. I was in Group for three and half years supporting ODAs and deploying. Even if my current MOS was deleted right now, putting 18 anything wouldn't enter my mind. I'd sooner leave it blank. That's just me.
(1)
(0)
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
Okay...I just wanted to clear the air so there's no miss understanding or confussion. Thank you for your service.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I know what I'm about to say has been covered to some extent but I feel the need to deposit my two cents, let me check my pockets...
As a Network Engineer and Security Analyst who has quite a few certs as it is, I will say that CCNA, while it is a worth while cert, is an entry level certification. Your write-up seems to be misleading in the fact that employers would give a job to someone with this certification alone and that's definitely not the case. The number 1 boost to a resume is experience; hands down. If you have 5 years experience as a Network Engineer with hands on time configuring network devices, troubleshooting, designing architecture, and streamlining services with security in mind, and have a hand full of certs like CCNA, CCNP, CISSP, etc, then you have a solid shot at gaining one of those lucrative positions that everyone talks about. But if you forego college, get your CCNA, and then apply for any networking job, you'll likely get laughed out of the office.
CCNA is a start, but without more training you'll be ill-equipped to perform any job seriously. What combination of certs, experience, and college really depends on what job you're applying for or what field you're looking to branch into. In the end, yes, certifications will carry more weight than a degree in Computer Science. But, you better have more than CCNA. And, if you're thinking about staying in the field and really climbing the ladder to those 100k plus jobs, most employers are going to require some form of formal education like a degree. Why? Because it's not just about hands on the keyboard and hand jamming commands all day. You have manage, direct, make policy, implement best practices, and train. CCNA won't teach you that stuff and most other certs won't either.
As a Network Engineer and Security Analyst who has quite a few certs as it is, I will say that CCNA, while it is a worth while cert, is an entry level certification. Your write-up seems to be misleading in the fact that employers would give a job to someone with this certification alone and that's definitely not the case. The number 1 boost to a resume is experience; hands down. If you have 5 years experience as a Network Engineer with hands on time configuring network devices, troubleshooting, designing architecture, and streamlining services with security in mind, and have a hand full of certs like CCNA, CCNP, CISSP, etc, then you have a solid shot at gaining one of those lucrative positions that everyone talks about. But if you forego college, get your CCNA, and then apply for any networking job, you'll likely get laughed out of the office.
CCNA is a start, but without more training you'll be ill-equipped to perform any job seriously. What combination of certs, experience, and college really depends on what job you're applying for or what field you're looking to branch into. In the end, yes, certifications will carry more weight than a degree in Computer Science. But, you better have more than CCNA. And, if you're thinking about staying in the field and really climbing the ladder to those 100k plus jobs, most employers are going to require some form of formal education like a degree. Why? Because it's not just about hands on the keyboard and hand jamming commands all day. You have manage, direct, make policy, implement best practices, and train. CCNA won't teach you that stuff and most other certs won't either.
(0)
(0)
SPC Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
Well, you must of had a different experience or maybe I've been in the right place at the right time.
With just a Security+ and a CCNA (both, entry level certifications), I received not 1 but 2 offer letters to work as a private contractor in Afghanistan....and the pay was way more than $100k for a 1 year contract. My interview was over the phone to gauge my knowledge. It wasn't even hands on. Not to mention that this was a few years ago, when the economy was at its worst.
As for for the CCNA being an entry level cert...I did say that it is the foundation of Networking.
You can't get a CCNP or higher without first having the CCNA.
And as for having the experience and hands on...yes, that would be great to have, but I know for a fact that there are companies willing to hire people with a certification alone, as long as they can pass the hands on and can prove that they know the basics and are able to apply it to the corporations needs. So instead of accepting "paper proof" of your knowledge, they will ask questions and present you with scenarios. If you solve it, you have the job.
But hey, that has been my experience...and I can only provide information based on that.
With just a Security+ and a CCNA (both, entry level certifications), I received not 1 but 2 offer letters to work as a private contractor in Afghanistan....and the pay was way more than $100k for a 1 year contract. My interview was over the phone to gauge my knowledge. It wasn't even hands on. Not to mention that this was a few years ago, when the economy was at its worst.
As for for the CCNA being an entry level cert...I did say that it is the foundation of Networking.
You can't get a CCNP or higher without first having the CCNA.
And as for having the experience and hands on...yes, that would be great to have, but I know for a fact that there are companies willing to hire people with a certification alone, as long as they can pass the hands on and can prove that they know the basics and are able to apply it to the corporations needs. So instead of accepting "paper proof" of your knowledge, they will ask questions and present you with scenarios. If you solve it, you have the job.
But hey, that has been my experience...and I can only provide information based on that.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google