Where to go post CCNA

Hi all

A bit fo a generic question here, which I am sure/hopeful will bring up a few different answers!

Basically I finished my CCNA a few weeks ago and I am so unsure where to go now. I am lucky enough to work in a pretty large company with 1 senior engineer (tho he is also only CCNA) looking after a 1,000 user MPLS network, incorporting only a small number of voice networks.

Our ISP provies us with a largely managed network, so we only look after a small number of routers on the WAN. The LAN's are managed by us wholely.

But I am in a bit of a quandry. I dont really want to go down the R&S route. I am more interested in design, voice and even the wireless tracks (though I know wirless is likely to incorporate most of the R&S stuff)

One consideration is to take all the associate exams then decide from there. Does anyone feel this is a good option? I just dont want to waste my time (that prob read badly!) taking a whole bunch of associate exams for the next few years to be in the same position (earning the same $$$!)

All thoughts and questions welcome!

Find more posts tagged with

Free for TechExams community: Cybersecurity salary guide

Compare cert salaries and plan your next career move

Button

Comments

drew2000

If you are in charge of the LANs you could start down the Microsoft cert track, or Linux maybe. I would say Voice or Wireless would be good because they are broad topics and can be used almost anywhere.

Drew

Me163

I have been making a similar decision over the past few days, and finally decided on the Security track. Taking all the associate level exams is tempting for me as well, but I feel like all that time would be better used toward one professional level certification.

captobvious

colink24 wrote: »

One consideration is to take all the associate exams then decide from there. Does anyone feel this is a good option? I just dont want to waste my time (that prob read badly!) taking a whole bunch of associate exams for the next few years to be in the same position (earning the same $$$!)

All thoughts and questions welcome!

It's better than having to learn a new catchphrase......."would you like fries with that?"

mikej412

colink24 wrote: »

One consideration is to take all the associate exams then decide from there. Does anyone feel this is a good option?

I think it's a GREAT Option!

You'll still be learning a bunch of useful stuff that could help advance your career..... and it gives you something to do until you decide that you need (and want) the R&S knowledge

networker050184

mikej412 wrote: »

I think it's a GREAT Option!

You'll still be learning a bunch of useful stuff that could help advance your career..... and it gives you something to do until you decide that you need (and want) the R&S knowledge

I agree the R&S knowledge should be the first thing you should worry about getting. Its the foundation you need to be successful in any of the network specializations.

ITdude

networker050184 wrote: »

I agree the R&S knowledge should be the first thing you should worry about getting. Its the foundation you need to be successful in any of the network specializations.

Gets my vote too!:)