If I wanted to get a job in networking...

[rcomo]

I want some certificates that will get me interviews. Once I get the interview, it will be me that is responsible to get the job; the prob I have right now is people not considering me b/c I am not "qualified" per my resume. Networking gurus, please answer. I am self learned, so pointing me in hte right direction as far as studies and whatnot would be appreciated.

 

[n0cmonkey]

It depends on what you want to do in networking. Cisco is always a good choice though.

 

[rcomo]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
It depends on what you want to do in networking. Cisco is always a good choice though.

Um, in case I didn't get it across, my "what I want to do" is get a job. So, with that in mind, what is the best most marketable way to do this?

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: rcomo

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
It depends on what you want to do in networking. Cisco is always a good choice though.

Um, in case I didn't get it across, my "what I want to do" is get a job. So, with that in mind, what is the best most marketable way to do this?

A job doing what? "Networking" is a pretty board term.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: rcomo

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
It depends on what you want to do in networking. Cisco is always a good choice though.

Um, in case I didn't get it across, my "what I want to do" is get a job. So, with that in mind, what is the best most marketable way to do this?

The field of networking can cover quite a bit of different areas. It isn't just plugging in a NIC, setting up a cable between the NIC and a switch and knowing all there is.

My previous recommendation stands though. Cisco certs would be a good start no matter which area you really want to get into.

 

[montybdd12pack]

To start look at the A+ to show you know some hardware.
Server + and network + for knowlege in servers and networking . You may want to consider an mcp level cert from Microsoft as well. These can get you in on the ground floor.

 

[SpunkyJones]

Another vote for Cisco, look up CNNA on the Cisco website for more detail. Do have any experience at anything even remotely related to networking/IT? What do you think networking entails? What interests you in this field? These answers might help people answer you question.

 

[rcomo]

I guess I don't know as much as I thought, because of the fact that I don't know the exact answers to your questions. I would imagine that network security would be something that would interest me b/c I would think that would be a high $$ job and in high demand, as well as challenging; physical upkeep and instillation? Don't know, you guys are the experts. As far as my exp, I have mild networking skills setting up networks at work (adding boxes to an existing network) making cat5 cabling (actually cripping the wire/ect and rj45 in wall ports, as well as running the wire in-wall) and setting up a wireless network at home including my wired desktop, wireless notebook, and xbox.

BTW, after reading my secondary response I realized how smart-*ss it was. Didn't mean to come off like that. I apologize.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: rcomo
I guess I don't know as much as I thought, because of the fact that I don't know the exact answers to your questions. I would imagine that network security would be something that would interest me b/c I would think that would be a high $$ job and in high demand, as well as challenging; physical upkeep and instillation? Don't know, you guys are the experts. As far as my exp, I have mild networking skills setting up networks at work (adding boxes to an existing network) making cat5 cabling (actually cripping the wire/ect and rj45 in wall ports, as well as running the wire in-wall) and setting up a wireless network at home including my wired desktop, wireless notebook, and xbox.

Cisco is still the obvious one. I'm thinking about going for one myself.

GIAC certs through SANS are expensive, but the training is worth it. I'm not sure how important the cert is though. In particular, look at the IDS and Perimeter/firewalls tracks. The Perimeter track I took was GREAT. I still want to get into the IDS or Unix tracks, but they're expensive.

Checkpoint certifications can come in handy, but unless the test has improved in the past 3 years or so, you can know how to use/setup the system without being able to pass the test.

An MCSE doesn't mean a whole lot, unless you really know how to use the systems. There was a glut of paper MCSEs for a while though, so some people look down on them a bit.

 

[Nutz]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
An MCSE doesn't mean a whole lot, unless you really know how to use the systems. There was a glut of paper MCSEs for a while though, so some people look down on them a bit.

The same can be said for the CCNA right now. What it all boils down to is no matter what certification you get, its not going to do anything for you unless you've got the requisite experience to go along with it.

 

[dc5]

Originally posted by: rcomo
I guess I don't know as much as I thought, because of the fact that I don't know the exact answers to your questions. I would imagine that network security would be something that would interest me b/c I would think that would be a high $$ job and in high demand, as well as challenging; physical upkeep and instillation? Don't know, you guys are the experts. As far as my exp, I have mild networking skills setting up networks at work (adding boxes to an existing network) making cat5 cabling (actually cripping the wire/ect and rj45 in wall ports, as well as running the wire in-wall) and setting up a wireless network at home including my wired desktop, wireless notebook, and xbox.

BTW, after reading my secondary response I realized how smart-*ss it was. Didn't mean to come off like that. I apologize.

i'm not trying to be a smart ass here too but, the experience you listed isn't that highly technical. therefore, i suggest, like others, to aquire some certs.

 

[CrackaLackaZe]

When's a good time to start on a CCNA if I'm still an undergrad getting my CS degree?

 

[spidey07]

get a job as an operator - that doesn't require much skill but will get you in an environment where you can learn.

From there use company paid training to take the classes you need to learn this stuff.

As far as certs the network plus and CCNA would be a good start.

 

[Garion]

Several comments:

Sometimes, it's not about what you've done at past jobs, it's about how you present what you did. If your job was at a fortune 100 company re-imaging PC's, you could say "Provided client restoration services via XXX wide area network / metro area network". If you answered tech support for an ISP, you "provided network support services for thousands of customers".

Certs are good and all, but there's nothing to beat experience. Decide what you want to focus on and try to find something that will take you there.

Networking is a huge, diverse field that means something different to everyone. I still consider myself a network guy, but my main responsability is providing infrastructure architecture services with emphasis on web traffic flow, proxy services and load balancing for a big bank. There's lots of guys with great experience on here in small-to-medium sized companies that are responsable for their whole infrastructure - routers, switches, servers, firewalls, messaging, file services, databases, the works. Then, you have the PURE network guys (Like Spidey) who do almost nothing but switches and routers, with a few firewalls thrown in for fun.

Decide what you like and go from there.

One piece of advice - If you can find a reseller or system integrator to work for as an engineer it's a fun job. It can be long hours, but you'll learn 10X more (about TECHNOLOGY) than you will in your average "run-a-network-for-a-50-person-company" kind of job. I did it for about three years and really enjoyed it. You'd be building servers and designing networks on a daily basis, all great experience. You might have to start out in a more low-level position, but if you prove yourself competent, you'll gain ground quickly.

Candidly, certs are important for companies who need to sell your services (like the aforementioned reseller). Most other companies like them, because they indicate that you've got aptitude. Some don't care too much, knowing that you'll learn what you need to about their systems or you won't be able to cut it and move on.

Whenever someone asks me for advice like this, I always tell them to decide what they like to do and find a job that helps them move in that direction. If you don't KNOW what you like, find a job that lets you do a bit of everything. If you are just starting out, Helpdesk is a good one, especially for a medium-sized company where you can go out and DO stuff, not just sit and answer the phone. A second or third tech for a medium-sized company is also a good job with lots of learning potential. Just be sure you don't get stuck on a phone job, those suck.

- G