What job can you get with just a CCNA

burfect

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

I know many companies who pay in the moderately high five figures for CCNA + degree + <no-experience>. I've hired several people with such qualifications. A degree alone, or a CCNA alone, wouldn't merit even a phone screen. However, at a startup we did hire someone with a few CCNA specializations, no degree, no experience, and a great attitude.

I'd be interested to hear if this still holds true to a degree. I have no certs and VERY little exp currently but am wondering if it might be more worth my while to jump right towards a CCNA as a way to get my foot in the door seeing as I have the degree.

neo9006

Too bad hard work does not count anymore, I understand the degree part since I am finishing up my Bachelor's in Dec. Companies want exp but how do you get that exp if they are not going to consider you even if you have the certs. For me, the US is messed up as far as the school system, as an older person (40) I think your education is important but not at 100k. For that I could have had my house paid for and had change left over. The system needs to be overhauled on things but that is another story. I am hoping if I learn Python, Ruby on Rails, HTML, CSS and Javascipt that will be enough to get me in the door somewhere.

CDubbs89

I have just recently acquired my CCNA(Aug 2013). Unfortunately, I graduated from college in May 2011 with a BS in CET. I have no experience in the IT field and I am just starting to look for jobs now. So far everything I read is stating that experience is required and other knowledge then just a degree/CCNA. Can someone please give me the correct job title to look under for my type of position.

Sounds Good

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/92482-my-company-hiring-jr-mid-level-network-engineer.html

This job!

CDubbs89

Yes, I did see this but unfortunately I am in New York. Wish I could find something similar to this closer to me.

NetworkVeteran

burfect wrote:

I know many companies who pay in the moderately high five figures for CCNA + degree + <no-experience>.

burfect wrote: »

I'd be interested to hear if this still holds true to a degree.

It holds true. When I wrote that, I was mostly thinking of a CS/EE degree. It's not the only route, but it's a reliable one.

Too bad hard work does not count anymore,

What matters now, what has always mattered in my lifetime, are results. Hard work matters only in so far as it garners results. Knowledge, values, talent, connections, etc. can also help achieve results.

Saying companies want experience is like saying all prefer a Ferrari over a Volvo. While in theory it may be true, in practice a fair number of roles do not require experience because they can't justify paying for it.

the US is messed up as far as the school system, as an older person (40) I think your education is important but not at 100k.

A US Department of Labor survey showed an average $20,000/yr income increase for those with a degree. At $100,000 a degree can be a great investment so long as you're not nearing retirements, and is certainly one of the best investments in my career. Note, some degrees outperform that and some degrees cost far less than $100,000.

If you disagree, simply go your own path and don't invest in a degree.

DoubleNNs

CDubbs89 wrote: »

Yes, I did see this but unfortunately I am in New York. Wish I could find something similar to this closer to me.

I live in NJ. There are quite a few jobs in the area that would take you w/ just a degree and a CCNA. You might need to work on your resume. Then go thru craigslist and recruiters. If you put your resume on the job search sites, and update it once a week, they'll actually call YOU instead of the other way around.

You might have to start out on a help desk/desktop support role, but continue to work n your Cisco studies while there and after a few short months you should be able to move up to a more networking position.

CDubbs89

Where in NJ are u reffering to. Also what would i search under for those type of jobs(name of job/website to search on)

DoubleNNs

I live in North Jersey. So looking around my area and across NYC I've been able to see a few jobs. Altho, not to misunderstand - Junior Networking positions are few and far in between. But they exist. And more common are help deskp/desktop support jobs that value the CCNA, which also might include some networking in them.

Use career builder, monster, indeed, dice, the ladders, and any other job site you can find. Fix your resume up well and create a complete profile on each of those. Spend a few hours a night building your profile on them up I wouldn't doubt if you get multiple calls and e-mails from recruiters the very next day.

You can also sign up w/ Insight Global, Robert Half Tech, Apex Tech, Ranstad, The Phoenix Group, etc. They're all big recruitment companies.

If you're close enough to NYC to work there, just letting you know there are definitely jobs out there.

CDubbs89

Thanks for the quick response and adequate information. I feel my resume is pretty well off, one thing i am unsure for the resume is whether or not to use the Cisco logos. I am close to NYC also.

mausdmchl

CDubbs89 wrote: »

I have just recently acquired my CCNA(Aug 2013). Unfortunately, I graduated from college in May 2011 with a BS in CET. I have no experience in the IT field and I am just starting to look for jobs now. So far everything I read is stating that experience is required and other knowledge then just a degree/CCNA. Can someone please give me the correct job title to look under for my type of position.

You're in a similar situation that I'm in right now. I got my CCNA in February and graduated from a university with a pre-law degree in 2011. When I took the CCNA, I had no experience in anything IT related nor understood the vast scope of the IT field. I've since gotten an acquaintance to hire me extremely part time (5 hrs a week) at a Cisco VAR doing odd jobs. Currently, I'm looking at help desk type jobs as they are among the lowest entry-level jobs I can find and fit my need for a full time job. Being in Southern California doesn't help my efforts much either. I'm seriously considering relocating to increase my job prospects.

boobobobobob

Do NOT use the logos, just listing your CCNA should be adequate.

CDubbs89

Okay, Thanks for the input

CDubbs89

I can find a lot of desk type jobs but most require 2-3 years experience.

boobobobobob

mausdmchl wrote: »

You're in a similar situation that I'm in right now. I got my CCNA in February and graduated from a university with a pre-law degree in 2011. When I took the CCNA, I had no experience in anything IT related nor understood the vast scope of the IT field. I've since gotten an acquaintance to hire me extremely part time (5 hrs a week) at a Cisco VAR doing odd jobs. Currently, I'm looking at help desk type jobs as they are among the lowest entry-level jobs I can find and fit my need for a full time job. Being in Southern California doesn't help my efforts much either. I'm seriously considering relocating to increase my job prospects.

Working at a VAR is immensely good for your personal growth, besides working at cisco TAC there is probably nowhere you will gain more experience and knowledge. Working at a VAR really does hold a lot of potential..

mausdmchl

I completely agree. I'm just a bit frustrated at this point as it's been about 5 months so far without any more work opportunities. It's coming down to decisions based on financial survivability.

gadav478

I believe it's possible but not very likely. If you get past a phone screen, it's all you at that point. The ability to be teachable (or at least convey that in interviews) is priceless to employers I've learned.

DoubleNNs

CDubbs89 wrote: »

I can find a lot of desk type jobs but most require 2-3 years experience.

Apply anyway.

But look for "entry level" or "junior" jobs. Or anything IT related that asks for just 1 year of experience. And def utilize craigslist. I got my current position from craigslist.

In the meantime, keep learning and improving yourself.

Totino

DoubleNNs wrote: »

Apply anyway.

But look for "entry level" or "junior" jobs. Or anything IT related that asks for just 1 year of experience. And def utilize craigslist. I got my current position from craigslist.

In the meantime, keep learning and improving yourself.

This
The job I have now wanted 1+ years exp, with atleast a Microsoft cert. I got it with no helpdesk experience and no cert.
Just make sure to blow them away if you get a phone call. I aced 2 phone interviews and 1 in person. If you're able to knock their questions out of the park, there's no reason for them to not hire you.

And this is just for an entry level HD position making about 35k. Not bad for having no cert when they hired me IMO. Only been there 2 or so months and they're already moving me up to another desk. It's NOT at all difficult to shine when you're in a HD position. The competition is not fierce, atleat from what I've seen.

CDubbs89

^^ I am going to apply anyway even though the jobs "require" experience. ^ The interview is the one thing that I am most worrisome about, having never been on one(formally at least & not in 7 years or so for the job I currently hold).

FloOz

I got my first networking jobs about 2 months after passing my CCNA. I had 1 year of internship experience and 1 year of desktop support experience

jcarr19

I'll graduate in a few months. Have CCNA and CCNA Security shortly, programming and database admin. Degree is B.S. Information Technology w/security emphasis. I really like the Cisco part. Best damn challenges I've had yet.

jcarr19

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

Networker, if you spot anyone with a degree (CS/EE) who holds a valid CCNA open to working in Northern California, please send them my way. I'd be happy to try to hook them up.

PS - Seriously!

PSS - And that goes for anyone else reading, too.

Will graduate in few months with BSIT Security. Have CCnA and CCNA Security. What's Cali like? My ugly brother was born there before I was an amoeba. Lol

gbdavidx

jcarr19 wrote: »

I'll graduate in a few months. Have CCNA and CCNA Security shortly, programming and database admin. Degree is B.S. Information Technology w/security emphasis. I really like the Cisco part. Best damn challenges I've had yet.

do you still hold true to this?

where in northern cali?

Vegas

Gentlemen,

I have hired plenty of people with certs or degree only with no experience in the telecommunications field and they turned out well. They felt that they had to prove themselves, also, they knew that the key is continuing education. As for asking for every credential and degree, unrealistic. Techs now specialize in one area and no one can know it all. Attitude is huge as well as honesty. You would not believe the number of candidates I have interviewed who were "full of it". Anyone can obtain a degree, not everyone has the analytical skills necessary to repair or run nets. People skills are an absolute must. Do not be discouraged by what they ask for in the job postings. They are like listing real estate, ask high then bargain till both sides are happy. Also, a lot of time the HR dept is the one writing the posting and they tend to "google" what they think is required then copy,paste that to their listing. Keep looking, you will be amazed at the number of jobs not even listed that tend to go by word of mouth.

Good Luck

miroa12004

CCNA is actually becoming pretty worthless right now, I'd trade it for a couple of years of experience.

networker050184

You have always been better off with a couple years experience rather than a CCNA if you are only going to pick just one. That has nothing to do with 'right now'.

gonzaloray

I can tell you never study to get the CCNA. We have CISCO Packer tracer, GNS3 network simulator. We can rent or buy router and switcher on ebay or amazon.. We can practice all day long like we are in live environment.. Do you your homework.!!

gonzaloray

i want to say thank you having that generous heart with people who want to star a network career..

Hatch1921

So I'm wondering if anyone in the forum have just their CCNA Certification and no work experiences nor any other certifications/degrees/technical school, was able to find a job in the field. So yeah, plain and simple, were you able to get a job with only your ccna?

Depends on a number of factors...
Location/Market
Company
Interview skills
Networking(with people)


The shop/department I work in has 9 people in it.
1. Biology degree - CCNA- 1 yr experience - Working on MBA
2. No degree- no CCNA - 15 years experience as a PC tech.
3. AA degree - no CCNA - 3 years experience as a cable installer (TV)
4. BS degree - CCNA - 1 year as a network gear installer
5. BA degree - no CCNA - worked in the NOC for 2 years and made the move to network maintenance.
6. BS degree - CCNA - no experience - straight out of college --Working on MBA (me)
7. AA degree - no CCNA - Came from the NOC
8. MBA - no CCNA - 20 years on the Windows server side of things... made the move to networking.
9. No degree- CCNA/S - 12 years PC group.


So... as you can see... it's a mix of degrees/no degrees... certs... no certs... etc from people with various backgrounds.

The position I was hired for, if I didn't have my CCNA, I would not have been interviewed. It depends on the position you are interested in and what your career goals are... and how well you interview. And as mentioned above, location, company and a number of other factors.

I'm working on an MBA... and my CCNP.... I do believe education is important. But, degrees and certs do not trump experience in my opinion. #2, 9, and 7 are the "go to" people on this team. They are very bright people who can handle anything this job throws at them.

I think it will be a challenge to land a job without a solid work history, and only a CCNA. Not impossible, smaller shops out there might take a chance if you can "wow" them in an interview and demonstrate your CCNA network abilities/knowledge.


Hatch