Please suggest a path after CCNA

karocks

Hello everyone,

I'm a newbie in the forum. I'm currently working for an MNC as an L1. I have done my CCNA certification, and having a tough time finding a job. So, is there anything i can do, any certification that can complement CCNA or should i go ahead with CCNP.
I would really appreciate your suggestions.

Jon_Cisco

Welcome to the forums.
First I would suggest you check on the IT jobs forum under general. You will probably find much more useful information there.
IT Jobs / Degrees Forums

There certainly is not magic certification that is going to grant you a job. What's probably more important is what have you applied for and why were you not chosen. CCNA is still an entry level certification. Your gonna need to sell your soft skills in an interview and find some place to gain experience.

I plan to study the material for CCNP after I finish my CCNA studies but I don't think it will give me an edge for entry level jobs. I just want to keep working in the IOS to stay fresh until I can get some real world experience with networking. I am also studying Win7 and Win2008r2 since I will probably start in some type of helpdesk or desktop support role. I don't think I will take exams for any of them I just want to learn the information.

For now I would suggest you look online at job ads that interest you. This will let you know what employers are asking for.

Good Luck!

azaghul

I agree with Jon, there is no magic cert without the experience to back it up that will get you a job. I had my CCNA 4 years before landing a real networking role (which has evolved greatly over time), having to settle for a rack, stack and patch job, followed by a multi-site visual network/comms room audit. Unfortunately I had the bad timing to be looking during the 2009-2011 global downturn.

While there is nothing wrong with continuing on with your CCNP from a learning perspective, employers would also expect you to have that level of experience to back it up. While I have a CCNP in Voice, I just don't have the practical experience to back it up, so its not something I can really sell to an employer in good conscience. No if I'd had my time over...

What I would suggest is following one or more of the specialisations to broaden your knowledge and appeal, and to find out what area interests you. Be that Voice, Security, Wireless, Data Centre, or Service Provider (its up to you if you follow it up with an exam). Even delving into the VMware Associate level, as virtualization is everywhere.

Good luck!