How can I use and improve my skill-set?

nava87

Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the paths I should take. I am currently in my last year as a math major. I hope to get my masters in Electrical Engineering. I start my job as a Pc Technician soon and would like to know what I need to do to get into Networking. I have read the N+ book more than enough times as well as Network and communications training in the military. I just havnt been able to take the N+ exam but I hope to do so within the month. I also have a CCENT/CCNA ICND1 book that I am studying through as I hope to get these certs within the year. I have learned how to setup and configure Cisco equipment but I know I could use more studying and will purchase a kit for my own practice hopefully this month. I would like to have a good network security job (doesn't have to be good pay, I just want to feel my work is important and enjoy it) within the next few years before I turn 28.

Is this a realistic goal or will I need more time, education and experience? If so what entry level networking job should I transition too and what are the primary skills to get me on the right track?

My apologies if this post has already been discussed. Thank you in advance.

N2IT

nava87 wrote: »

Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the paths I should take. I am currently in my last year as a math major. I hope to get my masters in Electrical Engineering. I start my job as a Pc Technician soon and would like to know what I need to do to get into Networking. I have read the N+ book more than enough times as well as Network and communications training in the military. I just havnt been able to take the N+ exam but I hope to do so within the month. I also have a CCENT/CCNA ICND1 book that I am studying through as I hope to get these certs within the year. I have learned how to setup and configure Cisco equipment but I know I could use more studying and will purchase a kit for my own practice hopefully this month. I would like to have a good network security job (doesn't have to be good pay, I just want to feel my work is important and enjoy it) within the next few years before I turn 28.

Is this a realistic goal or will I need more time, education and experience? If so what entry level networking job should I transition too and what are the primary skills to get me on the right track?

My apologies if this post has already been discussed. Thank you in advance.

You sound like a smart and driven individual. I would recommend skipping the costly N+ exam (really no one cares about it), and going straight for the CCNA. The value in the network + certificate is the training leading up to the exam not the certification itself. The CCNA in itself has a lot of value. Of course the education/knowledge you obtain getting there is as valuable.

nava87

Great. So would you recommend that I start over reading the ccna book or can I skip past some parts that are already covered in the N+ material?

ptilsen

Net+ is a good certification for generalists, but I agree that it doesn't make sense for you or others going into networking. Read the CCNA cover to cover and go for the CCENT exam once you feel ready.

nava87

That's good info to know. What networking job should I apply to once I get Cisco certified?

N2IT

Hopefully with a little luck a level 2 network operator.