At Crossroads about what to do next

jah8887

I hope this is a good place to post this but if it isn't I apologize ahead of time. I am at a crossroads with what I should go for next. I have my IC3, HP, A+, and Net + certs under my belt along with my Associates in computer network technologies. I have thought of different things to go for below but I could use some guidance and assistance in making my suggestion.

1. Go for my Bachelors.

2. Go for Security + cert

3. Go for CCNA cert

4. Go for off certs such as Server + etc.

I am torn about what to do and where to go and could use some help.

Thanks

scaredoftests

First of all, what do you like to do the best? Go with that.

NetworkNewb

What do you do right now? Are there certain aspects of your job or areas of IT you like and want to learn more about?

jah8887

Well right now I am a network admin for a small company and in case something happens I see other places looking for bachelors or some say certs or some say experience in the field. I enjoy building maintaining and fixing the stuff that breaks which is my strong point. I will say my weak point is sub netting with routers and switches, I have always struggled with it and calculating hosts etc. I would like to also strengthen my knowledge in the security sector also. I have good knowledge on it already but I could do better.

Dakinggamer87

One suggestion I would consider is maybe a Bachelor's degree at WGU. You would get a better degree and certifications at the same time. It might be one option to consider.

koz24

jah8887 wrote: »

Well right now I am a network admin for a small company and in case something happens I see other places looking for bachelors or some say certs or some say experience in the field. I enjoy building maintaining and fixing the stuff that breaks which is my strong point. I will say my weak point is sub netting with routers and switches, I have always struggled with it and calculating hosts etc. I would like to also strengthen my knowledge in the security sector also. I have good knowledge on it already but I could do better.

Well in that case I don't see how Security+ or Server+ will help you. I think going for the CCNA is the most cost-effective and quickest way to add some value to your resume in case "something" happens. Doing a Bachelors while working will take forever btw. You could do what Dakinggamer87 said and start WGU and get CCNA in the process. I don't know much about WGU, but can you start with the CCNA course? By attending WGU you can also put WGU -- Expected Grad Date x/x/x on your resume. Some might say it's a cheap way to get a University on your resume but that's up for debate.

Tom789

I would go with CCNA. It is a well respected certification, even if not that easy to attain, and will give you plenty of knowledge as well. You should be able to land a NOC job with it.

jah8887

I want to thank you all for your input. I am going to take the leap into the CCNA and try to get that certification next. I appreciate all the responses and help.