Posted on Mar 31, 2015
Transition Input: CCNA (Certified Cisco Networking Associate) vs Other tech certs
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So, I've already put a lot of time into the CCNA, I have netsim 10, the cisco iOS simulator, and access to some hands on with routers and switches (albeit they are older and beaten up). Realistically, I'm close to nailing this, maybe 3 to 4 months tops provided there are no hiccups. But I'm throwing this out there, because more is always better than less. CCNA is entry level, what I can I do once I get it that leads to more sustainable career growth? There's security, VOIP, Routing, etc. I would like some input, especially any tech geeks. Btw, I am open to entry level positions for more experience, I'm not picky about salary range, I just ask for marketable experience. In fact if I had a choice I would rather choose a job with good marketable experience and slightly lower pay than a higher paying job with less marketable experience.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
As far as advice on technical certs go, I would advise that anyone who actually tries to apply for a job that whatever you put on your resume you better know how to do it. Reason I say this is we all know there are test banks out there and essentially all you need to be is a good test taker in order to pass. You can have all the certs in the world but it does not mean that you know how to apply the knowledge learned from it.
This is what I have been told through college classes, NCOES, and contractors in my respective career field.
I have been told that some interviews are done by putting something in front of you and seeing if you can accomplish the task. If you cant then you do not get the job.
This is what I have been told through college classes, NCOES, and contractors in my respective career field.
I have been told that some interviews are done by putting something in front of you and seeing if you can accomplish the task. If you cant then you do not get the job.
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SPC Joseph Fisher
Roger that SSG! I hold several certifications (CCNA, CCNP, JNCIS, ATSA) and many more and I guarantee you that I am an expert at all... But sometimes I get tired of re-certifying. Just let me do my job and stop just relying on the cert as you indicated by being tested up front.
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I work in a large company that deals with financial institutions. We have basically 4 levels of network people -
1 - Technical Support Center tech - no certs, about $14 and hour mostly 18 to 26 year olds
2 - Technical Support Center Level 2 - CCNA is the entry to this level $18 to $36 an hour - look at routers, determine issues, pass the info up the food chain
3 - Network Engineers - Normally something above CCNA and 10 to 20 years in the field - $70 to 90K - field all lower level calls
4 - Senior or above Engineers (they call us all kinds of stuff) - Degree in Computer Science or Network Engineering - some certs, 10 to 30 years in the field - $65k+ (highest in my team is $140K)
You're passing the CCNA will get you an interview in the Technical Support Center - progress up the food chain is based on your ability's, work ethic, and people above you moving on. CCNA is a good start, but in my company specifically, a good technical degree is better (you move in at a higher level and higher pay).
If I had to do it over again, I would do the Network Engineering Degree and get my CCNA, I would think about a management job (I turned it down about 10 years ago to remain technical track - probably my Warrant background coming to the fore). I would be managing a shop and making probably about 3x what I am making now.
Good luck with the test!
1 - Technical Support Center tech - no certs, about $14 and hour mostly 18 to 26 year olds
2 - Technical Support Center Level 2 - CCNA is the entry to this level $18 to $36 an hour - look at routers, determine issues, pass the info up the food chain
3 - Network Engineers - Normally something above CCNA and 10 to 20 years in the field - $70 to 90K - field all lower level calls
4 - Senior or above Engineers (they call us all kinds of stuff) - Degree in Computer Science or Network Engineering - some certs, 10 to 30 years in the field - $65k+ (highest in my team is $140K)
You're passing the CCNA will get you an interview in the Technical Support Center - progress up the food chain is based on your ability's, work ethic, and people above you moving on. CCNA is a good start, but in my company specifically, a good technical degree is better (you move in at a higher level and higher pay).
If I had to do it over again, I would do the Network Engineering Degree and get my CCNA, I would think about a management job (I turned it down about 10 years ago to remain technical track - probably my Warrant background coming to the fore). I would be managing a shop and making probably about 3x what I am making now.
Good luck with the test!
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Have you considered MCSE private cloud certifications? It would make a great addition to your repertoire. While IT and network jobs are frequently offshored, there are ample opportunities for MCSE private cloud certification holders.
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Ok, 1st Question you have to ask is "What do you want to do and what are you good at doing already?" If you have the skills to learn and work TCP/IP and are into networking. Follow the Cisco Route. CCIE, CCNP are also other good certifications, but having a certification does not mean you can do that well or under a working environment. It just means you passed the minimum standards to pass the exam. Civilian sector looks at experience and capability. Broaden your horizon and open up the doors to multilevel career paths. Admin, and Security are both growing areas and if you can do tech and Business side that leads to growth potential for future jobs, because you may get started at Entry level but you don't want to stay there. Take all of the courses and certification you can get before you exit and layer them with experience. If you can't get any from the Military seek internships through the schools you are going to for Cert training or Education degrees. The world is your oyster and it's up to you to crack it open.
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My advice, and I speak from a little bit of experience, get into the industry and start to figure it out. That will guide you more than anything. Find out what in the industry interests you the most, or what is most viable in your area. Also, you are spot on about getting experience over pay because eventually that experience will turn into better pay.
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You should be at DEFCON and better, is BSidesLV where they are openly hiring.
Some links on what I wrote while attending both of these. Going back later today.
http://incyberdefense.com/james-lint/bsideslv-information-security-conference-provides-useful-job-information/
Some links on what I wrote while attending both of these. Going back later today.
http://incyberdefense.com/james-lint/bsideslv-information-security-conference-provides-useful-job-information/

BSidesLV Information Security Conference Provides Useful Job Information
In addition to learning more about information security, the BSidesLV Information Security Conference in Las Vegas is a target-rich environment for gaining information about jobs. In some cases, you might even have the chance to interview with potential employers as well.
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SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint
One more article that explains the conferences. http://inhomelandsecurity.com/cyber-conferences-offer-information-job-possibilities/

Upcoming Cybersecurity Conferences Offer Information and Job Possibilities
In the last week of July, Las Vegas will host three cybersecurity events available to the public; all three events offer multiple educational programs.
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CCNA and MSCE/MCITP certifications are a dime a dozen. Find a niche and exploit it. Right now, the buzzwords are Cloud Computing, Devops, Automation. If you can learn Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, IBM Bluemix, or Google Compute, you have a job.
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