Ideas for advancing my career?

I just got by CCNA and I'm looking to take my career to the next level, I just need some advice on how to do that.
Here is a list of my skills/experience level.
IT work experience 3-3.5 years (i've been involved with IT for over 5 years)
.5 years level 1 helpdesk/network / av wiring.
1 year as a field tech handling level 1 issues mostly dealing with hardware.
1.5 years technical support for a software dev company handling level 2/3 issues and the occasional install. I also do a little systems administration as well
education- Associates degree- computer science.
certificiations-CCNA, A+
I'm looking for advice because my current job is not giving me room to grow, I'm working with a lot of proprietary software gaining skills that won't transfer to other jobs or make me a more valuable professional. Even though I just got my CCNA, I'm not getting paid more or working in networking. Hence the reason I need to start looking for other opportunities.
I'm trying to find out the best way to advance my career and plan for the future, I don't have a family and relocation isn't an issue. I would even take a pay cut (I make a little over $20 an hour) if it meant getting the right kind of experience and contacts.
I'm currently thinking of two options but I'd love to hear more ideas. I can't decide between looking for a new job or going back to college for a bachelors or even masters degree.
Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful!
Here is a list of my skills/experience level.
IT work experience 3-3.5 years (i've been involved with IT for over 5 years)
.5 years level 1 helpdesk/network / av wiring.
1 year as a field tech handling level 1 issues mostly dealing with hardware.
1.5 years technical support for a software dev company handling level 2/3 issues and the occasional install. I also do a little systems administration as well
education- Associates degree- computer science.
certificiations-CCNA, A+
I'm looking for advice because my current job is not giving me room to grow, I'm working with a lot of proprietary software gaining skills that won't transfer to other jobs or make me a more valuable professional. Even though I just got my CCNA, I'm not getting paid more or working in networking. Hence the reason I need to start looking for other opportunities.
I'm trying to find out the best way to advance my career and plan for the future, I don't have a family and relocation isn't an issue. I would even take a pay cut (I make a little over $20 an hour) if it meant getting the right kind of experience and contacts.
I'm currently thinking of two options but I'd love to hear more ideas. I can't decide between looking for a new job or going back to college for a bachelors or even masters degree.
Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful!
Comments
Next Up: Security+, 291?
Enrolled in Masters program: CS 2011 expected completion
I would suggest looking into financial aid, you make a decent amount of money so you may have to work part time to be eligible for most financial aid options. If that is even an issue at all.
Ideally I'd like to go to college and work my current job but that's just not possible unless I do online college, something I'd like to avoid. I figure its a good time to move on to something new anyways. Maybe I'd even be able to find some work where I decide to go to school.
Having the CCNP would be nice and is definitely something I plan to get. With the pro level stuff like CCNP I really want to have the experience to go along with it when i get the cert. That's just a personal preference of mine, I wouldn't discourage anyone who believes differently. For the time being I am going to focus on microsoft, probably MCITP:Enterprise admin.
At this point I'm still looking for any suggestions but I'd really like to know if there are any colleges out there that offer a realistic non programming major for IT. They seem to be few and far between.
There are 5 certs you should snag to broaden yourself out some....
MCSE: Messaging and Security
CCNA: Security, Voice and Wireless
Additionally you need to join a professional IT organization and get some volunteer time in.
Also try to build on your certs if you can. You have enough general It experiance and its time to step up. If you also up for relocating start looking about in other areas. It may also be worth looking for a junior network engineer role or something of that sort.
Bsc (hons) Network Computing - 1st Class
WIP: Msc advanced networking