CCENT and other certs needed for entry level Network engineering positions

So I have been watching the videos for the Network+ videos on Professor Messers website...I am really enjoying learning the material!

My question is if I decide to pursue a career in Network Engineering..preferable Network Security(Infosec major) what are some good certs to strive to achieve by graduation(December 2014)? In regards to the CCENT is it possible for me to pass by just self studying or should I go to some type of training course?

I currently work on campus and was promoted to faculty and staff support for my campuses ITS department its not the most technical position but it is much more hands on then what I am use to so I am pretty excited to be gaining some much needed experience. I know for sure that I will be striving for the Security+ certification and possibly Net+ by December. People always suggest I go for the A+ and I am definitely not against it because I know it is a great starting level cert...but financially it is not a likely option.

I would like to note that I am your typical broke college student working a part time job on campus lol. So any suggestions that are affordable are greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for all of your suggestions!

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NetworkVeteran

klhatchett wrote: »

My question is if I decide to pursue a career in Network Engineering..preferable Network Security(Infosec major) what are some good certs to strive to achieve by graduation(December 2014)?

CCNA. That's generally considered the gateway certification for networking, and most pass via self-study.

I would like to note that I am your typical broke college student working a part time job on campus lol. So any suggestions that are affordable are greatly appreciated.

Given the ROI on entry-level certifications, I would find a way to pay for them. In 2014, you'll be beating yourself up if you end up making thousands/yr less and at a less desirable job because you didn't want to spend $200.

tbhouston

klhatchett wrote: »

So I have been watching the videos for the Network+ videos on Professor Messers website...I am really enjoying learning the material!

My question is if I decide to pursue a career in Network Engineering..preferable Network Security(Infosec major) what are some good certs to strive to achieve by graduation(December 2014)? In regards to the CCENT is it possible for me to pass by just self studying or should I go to some type of training course?

I currently work on campus and was promoted to faculty and staff support for my campuses ITS department its not the most technical position but it is much more hands on then what I am use to so I am pretty excited to be gaining some much needed experience. I know for sure that I will be striving for the Security+ certification and possibly Net+ by December. People always suggest I go for the A+ and I am definitely not against it because I know it is a great starting level cert...but financially it is not a likely option.

I would like to note that I am your typical broke college student working a part time job on campus lol. So any suggestions that are affordable are greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for all of your suggestions!

If you have the time to dedicate I would highly push for completeing your CCNA by September of this year, they are doing a complete overhaul and adding some more complex stuff that was typically in the CCNP and some stuff that was never tested before... comptia in my opinion isn't looked at very highly in the IT field, could just be where i work..

klhatchett

@NetworkVeteran I am more then willing to pay for the certifications...200 is not too much but I see training courses are not cheap at all and since I have zero experience with Cisco I wanted to know if training is really necessary and from what I can see self study can still be hefty its not easy for me to just go and spend money since I pay for all of my expense out of pocket unfortunately

@tbhouston I was just reading about that so I will make sure to keep that in mind

Thanks for the suggestions!

ITMonkey

I'm in the self-study crowd, and just recently earned the CCNA. Did it through the ICND1 and ICND2 route. And I did it on the cheap.

I did it using the following study aids:

Wendel Odom's CCNA Exam series (soon to be outdated), the ICND1 and ICND2 books. At this time, you ought to consider books for the new CCNA CCNA path -- the CCENT - CCNA Router/Switch 100-xxx exams. Ciscopress.com has his latest books now.
Odoms Simulator Software which had approximately 200 labs in it with step-by-step instructions on configuring routers and switches. I think a new software simulator is in the works for the new 100-xxx series of certificate exams. Something for you to investigate, anyway...

If you are in the USA, your local country or city library may have a subscription to Safari eBooks. If so, you will be able to use your library card to read Odom's (or other books) for free. Thus leaving you only to purchase the simulator software product.

NetworkVeteran

klhatchett wrote:

since I have zero experience with Cisco I wanted to know if training is really necessary and from what I can see self study can still be hefty

It's $60 for a copy of the Cisco Press CCNA book. If funds are that tight--and they were for me at one point--go to a local Barnes 'N Noble bookseller and do your studying there rather than buying it. You will also need hands-on experience which you can obtain via Packet Tracer or GNS3. GNS3 is available free online. Spending $100 on a simultor makes things even easier.

DoubleNNs

You could always self-study, if you're motivated enough.

If funds are very tight, I;d suggest buying the Mike Meyers Network+ AIO book. Read it, know it well. Watch the professor Messer Videos. Then dive right into the CCENT/CCNA w/o actually paying to take the Net+.

You already have a job w/ your school in IT so the A+ might not be needed. The A+ seems to be an amazing entry level cert, and I 100% attribute my 1st IT job (where i work now) to passing that cert. But you've already got your foot in the door and I'm sure want to go mid-level after graduation. Especially since the A+ material is very dry, you coud probably skip it.

Then you could go back and get the Sec+ after CCNA and then use that to propel you into the CCNA-Sec.

Just an idea. Great bang for the buck.

Remedymp

I would also toss in the Boson option as well. Worth every penny IMO. Most major public libraries will have Cisco press as well provided you have a library card.