How hard to find a job with CCNA under the current economic situation?

tearofs

Hello

This is Kevin from Boston.

I have a finance degree (oops), and have been working in CVS since I graduated 1.5 years ago. I original started as an assistant store manager, then stepped down to become a pharmacy technician cuz I hate the 1st one so much.

Currently I am pursuing an IT career. I got A+ and Network+ last year. ICND1 was also down last week, which means I am half way to CCNA. Now, I want to know how hard to find a job (I will take any IT job) with CCNA under the current economic situation (I have been sending out resumes since I got my Network+, and no luck at all).

My long-term plan after CCNA is going for MCP + MCSE, then come back for CCNP. Anyway, I need some advices from you guys, or any thoughts you have. Thank you very much.

jeanathan

I feel your pain Kevin, I live a couple of hours west of Washington DC. I have a degree in computer science and a CCNA, but except for Basic help desk support and CCNP level stuff there have not been any postings in months for Junior cisco people.

white96gt

If you have no experience in the IT industry then it is going make it even harder to land a job. Before you start loading up on certs I would try to find any job in IT. Even if you have to volunteer to get that experience. I think many people who jump to IT believe all you need is certs and you will be making $$.

sambuca69

tearofs wrote: »

Hello

This is Kevin from Boston.

I have a finance degree (oops), and have been working in CVS since I graduated 1.5 years ago. I original started as an assistant store manager, then stepped down to become a pharmacy technician cuz I hate the 1st one so much.

Currently I am pursuing an IT career. I got A+ and Network+ last year. ICND1 was also down last week, which means I am half way to CCNA. Now, I want to know how hard to find a job (I will take any IT job) with CCNA under the current economic situation (I have been sending out resumes since I got my Network+, and no luck at all).

My long-term plan after CCNA is going for MCP + MCSE, then come back for CCNP. Anyway, I need some advices from you guys, or any thoughts you have. Thank you very much.

I always thought pharmacy techs did pretty well $$$ wise, no?

Anyway, in the current climate without any hands-on experience, it is going to be real hard. I don't think impossible, but very hard.

When times are better, many companies have many projects going on and need the additional staff, even if they are on the junior level. Right now though, everyone is kinda in a wait-and-see mentality.

DevilWAH

I agree experience is going to count as much as certifications.

Certifications show you have heard of a technology, but experience shows you know how to implements it.

with out experience expect to start at the bottom of the ladder.

In my view having certification will get you noticed enough for a potential employer to read your CV/Resume. but it's what else is on there that will make you stand out.

tearofs

sambuca69 wrote: »

I always thought pharmacy techs did pretty well $$$ wise, no?

Not at all, If you are new to pharmacy, about $9-$10 per hour. I get pay more cuz I stepped down from a manager position plus I have a state pharmacy tech license.

Anyway, do you guys think teaching computer is a good volunteer work to get into IT?

Technito

Jobs all across America right now are hard to come by. And with IT in particular, the market right now is very competitive. I would agree with most that experience is most important when landing an IT job, followed by having certifications to give you that edge. But what I've noticed during my job searching is that employers are adding more and more technologies and responsibilities to their job descriptions. Therefore they are very picky who they hire these days (especially if the position pays really well). So for you just beginning into IT, expect to start out somewhere in a direct pc/end-user support role. In the process I'd definitely keep up on your certifications because with those along with solid experience makes your resume look good to employers. Also try to get your hands on as much technology as you can and get fluent with it. And try to balance out what you learn. In other words don't just play with just Microsoft or just Cisco products, try to learn about other in-demand technologies such as Linux, Unix, VMWare etc. And after a couple years you should be fine. In the mean time I wish you luck on your job search, just keep at it.

tearofs

Technito wrote: »

Jobs all across America right now are hard to come by. And with IT in particular, the market right now is very competitive. I would agree with most that experience is most important when landing an IT job, followed by having certifications to give you that edge. But what I've noticed during my job searching is that employers are adding more and more technologies and responsibilities to their job descriptions. Therefore they are very picky who they hire these days (especially if the position pays really well). So for you just beginning into IT, expect to start out somewhere in a direct pc/end-user support role. In the process I'd definitely keep up on your certifications because with those along with solid experience makes your resume look good to employers. Also try to get your hands on as much technology as you can and get fluent with it. And try to balance out what you learn. In other words don't just play with just Microsoft or just Cisco products, try to learn about other in-demand technologies such as Linux, Unix, VMWare etc. And after a couple years you should be fine. In the mean time I wish you luck on your job search, just keep at it.

Thanks for your advice

RouteThisWay

Expect an entry level helpdesk/desktop support/phone support role.

You have no relevant IT experience. Certs show what you might know. Experience proves what you do know.

Get experience and good luck.

(Sorry, I guess I am grumpy due to the Vikings just losing! Just being blunt tonight.)

Escobar411

RouteThisWay wrote: »

Expect an entry level helpdesk/desktop support/phone support role.

You have no relevant IT experience. Certs show what you might know. Experience proves what you do know.

Get experience and good luck.

(Sorry, I guess I am grumpy due to the Vikings just losing! Just being blunt tonight.)

I feel your pain with the lost and for sure IT experience along with the certs is a must in order to compete in today's enviroment!