Nathan's CCIE R&S Diary
Hello TE,
It has been an extremely hard decision for me to make during the past week, but I have decided to give up on some things in my life (some socializing with friends and some family time) to pursue my ultimate goal: to be CCIE Certified by the time I am 40 (currently 22). Now I know many Cisco Vets may be shaking there heads chuckling "Hes young, and has a long way to go." That's fine, and appreciated.
. Cisco is what I would like to specialize in. It's the hardware, the emerging technologies, and
the name of Cisco that is the Master of Networking Technology. I know for a fact that once I finish tech college in 2018, I'll use my degree and hopefully my CCNP if acquired to land a role within Canada to gain real experience.
I know it may seem kinda silly of me making such an early CCIE thread, but, It's what my heart desires for a career. And it's something I'd thought I'd share with you all. I will also use this thread to update all of my Cisco studies as well as to recieve the support from not just my family and friends, but from my fellow IT professionals
around the world. There comes a time where ordinary people want to achieve extraordinary things......
The door has finally opened me into the light....my journey has begun as of March 1st, 2015.
Regards,
Nathan E
It has been an extremely hard decision for me to make during the past week, but I have decided to give up on some things in my life (some socializing with friends and some family time) to pursue my ultimate goal: to be CCIE Certified by the time I am 40 (currently 22). Now I know many Cisco Vets may be shaking there heads chuckling "Hes young, and has a long way to go." That's fine, and appreciated.

the name of Cisco that is the Master of Networking Technology. I know for a fact that once I finish tech college in 2018, I'll use my degree and hopefully my CCNP if acquired to land a role within Canada to gain real experience.
I know it may seem kinda silly of me making such an early CCIE thread, but, It's what my heart desires for a career. And it's something I'd thought I'd share with you all. I will also use this thread to update all of my Cisco studies as well as to recieve the support from not just my family and friends, but from my fellow IT professionals
around the world. There comes a time where ordinary people want to achieve extraordinary things......
The door has finally opened me into the light....my journey has begun as of March 1st, 2015.
Regards,
Nathan E
Certification Goals 2020: CCNA, Security+
"You have enemies? Good, that means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." ~Winston S. Churchill
"You have enemies? Good, that means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." ~Winston S. Churchill
Comments
You have a long road ahead young padawan. But starting is the first step.
Good luck in your endeavour. I started CCIE properly when I was 30 and will be 32 this year. You should make it by 40 easily if you are committed
Its not silly at all. Good luck.
My advice would be not to worry about the CCIE now - just work your way towards finishing your tech college and if you are really keen go for your CCNA/CCNP in the meantime. All of the knowledge you attain at A and P level apply to the CCIE R&S.
I went to University at 21, (did a degree in Computer Networking) - Got my CCNP while here, did a placement year, touched the world of VMWARE/SAP also.
Finished University, 24 and was well into my study for the CCIE (with no major experience in any role)
Got a networking job out of university with the goal of CCIE before 30,
made a deal with the girlfriend due to the location she lived in and the location of the work.
now 26, CCIE and deciding what to do next.
I do NOT have the worlds greatest amount of real life experience (as you can see)
But i also am not walking around saying i am the "sh*t" and deserve a massive pay increase because i have CCIE.
The two need to compliment each other but i am using this to "accelerate" my experience, not bypass it.
SUMMARY:
If people say you are young, dont bother.
Do what you feel like doing. As you will read on the many good blogs here, its about the journey.
but as you are at the starting stage, dont think about CCIE tbh. Think about the NA, the NP, the DP, how can you make the best use of any experience you can gain at your age etc? (just like i did ^^ hence placement year, graduate schemes etc.)
GL on your journey OP. All I can say is, do the basics properly. You hear about a lot of people getting into trouble at the CCNP level and above because they didn't get the basics in order at the CCNA level.
Hope to join you on ccie journey one day.
But what each individual has done with those "years of experience" is different,
I tried to make the most of mine
Also, you need to do another CCIE.
From my perspective "REQUIRES 5YEARS+"
anything that says the above or similar, what does 5 years of experience actually pertain to? That varies depending on the individual, you may put in more effort in one month (take for example the final 30 days prep before the CCIE EXAM) than the average person does in one year. Eb's and Flow's, age is but a number (how does this sound as i will use it at the next job interview to justify my life) haha
Oh by the way Silver that's awesome you are a CCIE at 26!! I've just turned 23 and I'm a CCNA and CCNP. I think CCIE might be a bit much in 3 years
"You have enemies? Good, that means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." ~Winston S. Churchill
Cheers to your study ambitions!!
Cisco SEAL, Cisco SWAT, Cisco DeltaForce, Cisco FBI, Cisco DoD, Cisco Army Rangers, Cisco SOCOM .ιlι..ιlι.