Help deciding between two positions guys!

and1play5

Hey all,

Just got my ccna a few weeks back and have been applying like a mad man. I'm being brought in for two interviews next week.
Position 1:A network engineer position at a university, mainly a cisco shop but they are in the midst of transitioning to juniper equipment. (I used to work here a few years back as a system admin but at a different campus) $55k.

Position 2: A junior linux/devops engineer at a startup. A lot of Red Hat Linux and AWS. $50k.

I haven't had any "real" networking experience as far as using routers and switches and would def like to get my feet wet in that realm, but I also feel this linux/devops opportunity could be big for me down the line.
The university job would require me driving, whereas the startup job would consist of taking the train to the city. As someone who's just starting out, what do you guys think? I'm also a student at wgu IT-Sec and will be finishing by may.

networker050184

I'd go the start up personally. Dev ops skills are great to get right now and start up work culture in the city is nice and full of perks. Keep in mind the stability factor of course. Especially if you have family.

dave330i

I'd go with the startup as well. You end up doing a lot of different things at a startup.

Polynomial

Location NJ/NYC? Start up. No question. Even if it fails take that experience and go double your salary.

and1play5

Thanks guys!! My gut is def leaning towards the startup. No kids or anything so I'm just devoted to my career and working out. I'll prepping very hard this week and I hope to get that startup job.

scaredoftests

Well, then go at it with the startup! Congrats!

nothimagain

hey man , where'd you apply for your jobs? and hows ur resume looking? im in the NJ/NY area as well (well will be soon , im in the military still .)

and1play5

Got the startup position, gonna be honing my skills heavy, will also probably get my aws and rhcsa/rhce certs also

dustervoice

well done .. wise choice

YesOffense

Cool. Startup, red hat Linux, aws... You could potentially at least double your salary by the end of the year with those on your resume, just don't forget your worth.

techfiend

Great choice if it interests you! DevOps demand exceeds the supply currently and those with experience are some of the highest paid positions out there, it's an area on the upswing. On the other hand I think network engineering may lose some demand due to SDN and I heard Cisco is developing intelligent hardware that can optimally setup, along with touchscreen interfaces. Both could really disrupt the field.

coffeeluvr

Congratulations!!

Mooseboost

Another vote for the startup. Sounds like a good opportunity, especially since your gut has you leaning that way.