Whats on your roadmap for the next 12 months?

8 years of experience here in helpdesk/sys admin/networking roles. Currently hold an A+, N+, an expired MCP and a fresh CCNA. My work just sent me to a Global Knowledge MCSA 2012 server bootcamp so I've got vouchers for all 3 exams. Looking to know those out by the end of the year and I'm also going to be signing up for the next Stanly ICM VCP class.
So years end I'm looking at having jack of all trades on my resume (MCSA/VCP/CCNA)
I'm in a great position right now for my career. Team of 2 guys that deal with a Vblock (EMC SAN and Cisco UCS), VMware virtualized environment, NEXUS switches, ASAs, some load balancers.
I feel like this next year is going to be a turning point in what I want to do in the future. I really feel like 2016 is going to be the year of the CCNP for me. From there probably pick a Cisco track unless the VMware side of things suck me in. I don't see a whole lot of love for the CCNA security on this forum. I do think the Cisco Datacenter track might be a good migration for me after the NP considering all of the technology I am working with.
I know I have a full plate ahead of me - all of the above on top of our third child being born in a few months. I know I'm not the only one knee deep in life as well. What does everyone have on their plate for the next year or so?
So years end I'm looking at having jack of all trades on my resume (MCSA/VCP/CCNA)
I'm in a great position right now for my career. Team of 2 guys that deal with a Vblock (EMC SAN and Cisco UCS), VMware virtualized environment, NEXUS switches, ASAs, some load balancers.
I feel like this next year is going to be a turning point in what I want to do in the future. I really feel like 2016 is going to be the year of the CCNP for me. From there probably pick a Cisco track unless the VMware side of things suck me in. I don't see a whole lot of love for the CCNA security on this forum. I do think the Cisco Datacenter track might be a good migration for me after the NP considering all of the technology I am working with.
I know I have a full plate ahead of me - all of the above on top of our third child being born in a few months. I know I'm not the only one knee deep in life as well. What does everyone have on their plate for the next year or so?
Comments
-b/eads
Congrats on the third kiddo on the way. I've got two and completely feel ya. You're right, we are all knee deep in life.
My goal as far as technology goes for the year is to create a free online resource to help others pass the A+. I love teaching and helping others learn and honestly don't get the opportunity to do so very often. I'm extremely excited about this project! I just launched the website and started fleshing out all of the pages. I've got the Rode SmartLav+ on the way from amazon to have great audio quality for the videos. Seriously can't wait. My goal is to have the entire site done by January 1st. Completely do-able.
I'm really excited to finally be in a position where I can get certified but at the same time be applying that cert knowledge to my daily job, and not just to find the "next job"
I wish I could say the same; I work in an extremely bureaucratic environment that doesn't invest in its workforce and no room for growth. I'm learning what I can, getting certified, and then looking to move on to somewhere I can grow in my career.
Unfortunately, I may have to wait until after my baby is born since California FMLA requires you to have worked for some time at the specific employer to get your paid paternity/maternity leave. Also, my company provides 10 days paid family leave for birth. Unless I get laid off (due to a larger workforce reduction shift), then that's all out the window lol....
Non-tech related goals, work on my Dutch and move the family to Holland.
*Bachelor's of Science: Information Technology - Security, Master's of Science: Information Technology - Management
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Certs/Business Licenses In Progress: AWS Solutions Architect, Series 6, Series 63
Still undecided on the next cert to go for.
Upgrade MCSA 2008 to 2012?
CCNA?
AWS certs?
CISA?
PMP?
I'm really trying to finish up my bachelors. It's been almost 10 years since I took my first college class and I'm looking forward to being able to say that I finally finished haha. Also, by that point (about four months from now), I should have the triple threat (education, certs, experience) and will look to make a large career move which will most likely move me to a different state. Having lived in only one state my entire life, I'm actually really excited to experience something new and different.
My post-graduation goals are to start studying for my CEH. Followed by about 6 months studying C and practising for the GRE. 12 months from now I hope to be applying for grad school (Major in either comp sci or security). So still a lot of work ahead of me! Can't wait!