What else beyond CCNA?

johnten

Hello everyone

A couple of weeks ago I acquired my CCNA certification here in Canada. Now that I'm Cisco-certified, I'm not really sure what to do. Prior to starting my CCNA studies this year, I had no IT experience -- and I still don't, really. The only reason I got my CCNA certification is that someone told me it that paid well. I've been unemployed for many years. What do people here think I ought to do next? Should I learn about Windows or Unix or Linux, or something else entirely? Will employers hire somebody solely on the basis of a CCNA qualification?

Foolish questions, perhaps, but they're entirely sincere. Any and all constructive comments appreciated. Thank you.

JeanM

You can't expect to have a well paying job only with a cert, sometimes you hurt yourself more with getting a cert and not having any experience....it's almost like a catch 22. For example, someone who hasn't been around or in IT for a while and then jumps right in with something like MCSE / CCNA etc will most likely sink. Previous job experience, projects you work on, troubleshooting issues etc all matter as well.

If you have no IT experience at all, you might want to get something like A+ or MCP and get a help desk job to get your foot in the door.

DoubleNNs

Work on your resume.

I think you should start applying. Even if you start working on something else in the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to apply to a few positions while trying to learn more. And at the same time, experience would probably be worth more than added certs for you at this point.

NetworkVeteran

Will employers hire somebody solely on the basis of a CCNA qualification?

I would start applying. Nothing to lose, and a CCNA alone is sometimes enough to land an entry-level position. Hopefully you have a G.E.D. or high school diploma. If you're new to resumes, post yours here for advice.

Should I learn about Windows or Unix or Linux, or something else entirely?

That depends on whether you want to work on servers and personal computers. I don't. Maybe you do. Alternatively, if you like networking and can't get a job with just a CCNA, you could work on your CCNA Security or CCNA Wireless.

NetworkVeteran

sometimes you hurt yourself more with getting a cert and not having any experience

Very true, but that doesn't apply to the CCNA, an entry-level certification intended for folks new to routing/switching.

A+ or MCP

These are also good suggestions, depending on the direction he wants to go in.

DCD

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

That depends on whether you want to work on servers and personal computers. I don't. Maybe you do. Alternatively, if you like networking and can't get a job with just a CCNA, you could work on your CCNA Security or CCNA Wireless.

NetworkVeteran is giving good advice but pass on the CCNA Wireless and go for the CCNA voice or start on CCNP switch.

SteveO86

I'd look through the internet and see what positions are posting in your area, different areas can ask for different skill sets. If you notice a lot of security/wireless/voice/data center/etc I'd follow that path if you want to stick with Cisco/networking.

However it never hurts to be well rounded, in regards to Microsoft/CompTIA

theodoxa

The A+ is the best cert I have in terms of Return on Investment. If you don't mind working on hardware it can help you get a foot in the door. I've even gotten jobs working with Cisco [and other - IBM, Dell, HP, etc...] equipment (Installing Routers, Switches, Servers, Modules, RAM, etc...) based on my A+. Though, noone would let me do any configuration - always preconfigured equipment or configured remotely once I installed and connected everything.

johnten

Thanks to everybody for your swift, varied and helpful replies! Going back into the workforce after a 15-year absence is a tad nerve-wracking, so I really appreciate the advice you've all taken the time to offer me.