An Analog Tool In A Digital World

CPSHIRLEY

Good Evening Everyone,

I have come to an interesting crossroads in my career path and I fear I am a dated tool for my current project. Recently out of the military, I have my bachelors as well as two masters degrees however no formal computer training.

It is not relevant to my direct needs however I would like to be savvy in regards to computers and network security, frankly I do not even know if my vernacular in those terms is correct in this market.

I have looked into the CCENT and CCNA segment, and it appears one must be extremely proficient as a baseline prior to these?


I have an amazing employer that will cover all education at 100%. I have looked into several of these courses is the ICDN 1 and 2 courses applicable to those with no back ground? I am assuming a week of hands on training would suffice or can someone point me in the right direction?

I sincerely appreciate any insight, I have tried to browse the forums but frankly the alphabet soup you guys use is as foreign as Russian is to me.

mbarrett

If what you are looking for is a general savviness or ability to "speak the language," I'm not sure that any certs would fit your bill. There are college courses, even some at the first-year graduate level that probably serve as a better introduction to the modern world of IT for someone just starting out. If you are wanting to specifically familiarize with network security, I would suggest something less "hands on technical" that covers the concepts. If you are aiming for more technical stuff like the Cisco certs, then you should plan on being "in the trenches" with the IT guys for a while - for someone with two Masters degrees under their belt already, I'm not sure that that's what you want to aim for. Something like Security+ might be a good introduction to the IT security world, although I'm not sure how good a fit that will be for someone in your shoes without knowing more about your background and career direction.

mzx380

If your employer is willing to cover the cost of upskilling, I recommend putting in the man hours to study once you've deciedwhere your interests are.

beads

I missed anything concerning a security related slant from OP's post.

Safe to say to move forward with anything IT related your going to have to, at the very least, have a firm understanding of the IT basics. Before deciding on any specialization in any part of IT learn the individual sub-cultures of each. Get a feel for what not only interests you but the types of people your likely to work. Seeing as though you brought up Cisco ICDN 1 and 2 start with both discussing daily roles with current network engineers and prepare for the CCNA - skip the CCENT - its all subnetting.

Keep in mind there are well known archtypes in ever part of IT. Learn both what you enjoy doing and the types of people your most likely to enjoy working.

A few years ago security became the must have field with what seemed to be everyone trying to enter the field with very mixed results so as you have seen above will likely steer you toward security without a thought. Don't take that bait. Find what your likely going to stay with and not chase the hottest topic of the day. IT is very much like fashion. What is in today may not necessarily be as cool next season.

- b/eads

DoubleNNs

If you're missing the baseline computer proficiency for the CCENT, I'd recommend passing the A+ before circling back around to the CCENT and then the CCNA.
If the CCENT material is above your head right now, I DON'T recommend skipping it and going the 1-test CCNA route.