Is the CCNA for me

Hi, First time poster here, looking for advice, hope it's posted in the right place.

I was thinking of doing the CCNA. I am mid 20's. I have a degree in Telecomms/IT and almost 2 years experience in the telecoms industry. I enjoy all the learning that is involved in my job, although it is only at a monitoring basis really, and always like to see myself investing in my education careerwise or just out of interest. I am just wondering is the CCNA for me though?

I was thinking of doing the CCNA this year and maybe travelling for a year or 2. The CCNA is only valid for 3 years so I was hoping of getting a CCNA related job on my rturn or indeed in my travels. My main interest in the CCNA is to be more knowledeable of IP.

But I am hoping to learn more about the career options available after the CCNA. including the timeframes, the good points bad points of how the certifications are structured. Peoples experiences also. So let me know, thanks

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Comments

mysql1988

Deist wrote:

Hi, First time poster here, looking for advice, hope it's posted in the right place.

I was thinking of doing the CCNA. I am mid 20's. I have a degree in Telecomms/IT and almost 2 years experience in the telecoms industry. I enjoy all the learning that is involved in my job, although it is only at a monitoring basis really, and always like to see myself investing in my education careerwise or just out of interest. I am just wondering is the CCNA for me though?

I was thinking of doing the CCNA this year and maybe travelling for a year or 2. The CCNA is only valid for 3 years so I was hoping of getting a CCNA related job on my rturn or indeed in my travels. My main interest in the CCNA is to be more knowledeable of IP.

But I am hoping to learn more about the career options available after the CCNA. including the timeframes, the good points bad points of how the certifications are structured. Peoples experiences also. So let me know, thanks

why don't you get a masters degree realated in your field of study?

a masters degree is forever a CCNA is for 3 years.

Do the math

Inc

Deist wrote:

I was thinking of doing the CCNA this year and maybe travelling for a year or 2.

If there will be no hands-on experience with cisco equipment and/or networking issues, then taking exam now is pointless. I doubt you will be able to retain all needed knowledge over 2 year period.

Consider investing in some audiobook perhaps. And as it was suggested - academic degree will give you a more solid look (not that it counts very much).

Pash

mysql1988 wrote:

Deist wrote:

Hi, First time poster here, looking for advice, hope it's posted in the right place.

I was thinking of doing the CCNA. I am mid 20's. I have a degree in Telecomms/IT and almost 2 years experience in the telecoms industry. I enjoy all the learning that is involved in my job, although it is only at a monitoring basis really, and always like to see myself investing in my education careerwise or just out of interest. I am just wondering is the CCNA for me though?

I was thinking of doing the CCNA this year and maybe travelling for a year or 2. The CCNA is only valid for 3 years so I was hoping of getting a CCNA related job on my rturn or indeed in my travels. My main interest in the CCNA is to be more knowledeable of IP.

But I am hoping to learn more about the career options available after the CCNA. including the timeframes, the good points bad points of how the certifications are structured. Peoples experiences also. So let me know, thanks

why don't you get a masters degree realated in your field of study?

a masters degree is forever a CCNA is for 3 years.

Do the math

I think many people are happy with knowing that when they certify with a CCNA that for three years he/she has a good basis of cisco router/switch knowledge for those three years. I know i have used a lot of the skills I have learnt from my ccna already in my current job, granted mainly switching work but still

Sure, doing a masters will deffinately be for life...but it will teach you things that might become redundant in a few years and force you to look at these certs again...true fact.

markzab

Um, I don't know why anyone even mentioned going for a masters instead. He said he would like to travel for a couple years so how does going for a masters even come into play there? To the OP; if you're interested in the information you'll obtain from studying the CCNA material by all means go ahead. Nobody says you have to pass the test now and while your abroad never open a book on the subject. You can always go further while your away and go for higher certifications in your spare time.

NightShade1

I think a certification is good... i mean is valid equally around the world....
At least for me, in my point of view it is like that...
A master here doesnt have the weigh that if i taked the master in USA or in europe.... its sad but its like that....
Im planning on moving to USA with my sister in like 4 or 5 years and well if i get a master here that woulndt help me there i think... but if i get a CCIE number and experience.. lol that WILL get me a job fast....

Also you gotta know where you want to work? in the field or administrating duno in a desk?
if you want to go to the field the certification is your path... if you want to be the dunno administartor? the master is your path i think...

Aquabat [banned]

very cool, I am in the networking field. But i do really want to learn and am really intrigued by Telecom, i do some PBX and meridian work in my job. I find it relaly interesting.

well, not having to run around to test if phones work though. HA!

Deist

Hi folks

Thanks for all the replys. Some interesting stuff there for thought.

Ye I don't think the masters is for me at the minute, I think the CCNA is more for me at the minute and I can do it in my own time and relitively quicker, if I get the finger out, of course. I'd love to have it for going travelling for jobs and pick up short-term jobs with it, or at least have the option.

The timeframe I don't really like, but then again it makes sense to a point. But what do you do after 3 years. Do you have to sit another one or even the same one again? Anyone got any links to possible career paths in this area. Peoples experiences also welcome.

Thanks