33 too old to become a network engineer?

chickenlicken09

As above, is it too old considering i dont even have ccent yet? Is it a long road?

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networker050184

No you're not too old, but yes it is a long road. Takes time to work your way up especially from nothing.

Do you have a degree or experience? Are you bringing anything to the table?

instant000

I don't see it as too old. You bring other experience to the game, that can provide useful insight.

If 33 is suddenly too old, when do I get my AARP card?

Legacy User

Everything takes work but the sooner you start your journey the sooner you'll take yourself new places. If you decided thats what you want to do then follow through and don't waste time thinking about it.

NetworkVeteran

Not at all. Just don't expect special treatment due to your age. You will be expected to bring just as strong a combination of enthusiasm, effort, and knowledge to the table as that 23-year-old working beside you. I have seen folks start late in this field and fumble due to silly nonsense like, "I'm too old to work late" or "I'm too old to lift that!"

(As context, the one was asked to be on-call on Friday nights, and the other had joined a technician/hands role and was asked to lift/install many items, of course given reasonable tools/equipment.)

chickenlicken09

networker050184 wrote: »

No you're not too old, but yes it is a long road. Takes time to work your way up especially from nothing.

Do you have a degree or experience? Are you bringing anything to the table?

Degree in computer networks and 4 years exp in support.

kohr-ah

Then I'd say get that CCENT, CCNA and get your network career going

chickenlicken09

Some good replies here. Can i ask is there such a thing as a "network engineer" and a "cisco network engineer" ?
Is there much difference? Also does a network engineer have much dealings with people on a daily basis compared to say a systems admin?

chickenlicken09

Yes i am currently studying ccent and find it really interesting. I spent so long trying to decide what area of i.t i want to get into but i find myself geting sucked into the whole cisco thing.

SharkDiver

Of course not. Go for it.
I got my CCENT at 38.

chickenlicken09

SharkDiver wrote: »

Of course not. Go for it.
I got my CCENT at 38.

What role are you in now?

phdillard

I hope not. I'm 31 and just now trying to make up for not finishing my IT education by getting some certs and trying find an entry level spot in northern Colorado. I think one advantage to being older is that you have a lot of distractions out of the way. You've a had a chance to live life and are in a better position to focus on learning and advancement. I know I'm remembering and learning more from studying on my own now than I ever did from sitting in a classroom in my late teens/early 20s.

chickenlicken09

phdillard wrote: »

I hope not. I'm 31 and just now trying to make up for not finishing my IT education by getting some certs and trying find an entry level spot in northern Colorado. I think one advantage to being older is that you have a lot of distractions out of the way. You've a had a chance to live life and are in a better position to focus on learning and advancement. I know I'm remembering and learning more from studying on my own now than I ever did from sitting in a classroom in my late teens/early 20s.

Couldnt agree more.

FloOz

You'd be surprised how much you can learn in a 2-3 year period. I am sure if you buckle down and study hard you will be in a great position by the time your 35. Goodluck!!!

GAngel

Yes. Check the manual 32 and 364 days is the cutoff.

chickenlicken09

what certs are a must for a network engineer?

NetworkVeteran

eddo1 wrote: »

Some good replies here. Can i ask is there such a thing as a "network engineer" and a "cisco network engineer" ?

Well, there are such things as network engineers, and some primarily work with Cisco. Around 80% of the material covered by a Cisco or Juniper certification applies quite well to other vendors as well. OSPF is OSPF and BGP is BGP!

Also does a network engineer have much dealings with people on a daily basis compared to say a systems admin?

We discussed this recently in another thread. While lead and architect roles often involve making presentations, and people skills are always good, in many roles you can get away with limited inter-personal interactions if that's your thing.

NetworkVeteran

eddo1 wrote: »

what certs are a must for a network engineer?

A CCENT or CCNA is a typical "must-have" for an entry-level position. Once you have some networking experience under your belt--Cisco recommends one year--earning a relevant CCNP is the logical next step.

Backpacker

Im 42 and studying for the CCNA as well as my finishing my BS I started 23 years ago, so no I don't think your to old. You have 29 years until you can retire at least.

Hatch1921

41 and passed the CCNA this passed December... if 33 is too old... I'm a dinosaur.

You can do it...

As far as it being a long road... well... it all depends on the amount of work you put in to it... like most things I suppose. Jump in with both feet... no time like the present.

Hatch

BigD5X

I'm 50 now, passed my CCNA last year May, passed CCNA Voice last year July now studying for my CCNP. Passed CCNP switch this pass April 2013. Currently studying for CCNP route. I too have very little real hands on experience with Cisco equipment but having a CCNA will get you an interview and I know that for sure.

I've been in IT for 16 years. I'm A+,Network+, MCP Win XP and MCP NT server 4.0.

gorebrush

You are never too old to learn anything! go for it, get in there and get configuring. You'll love it.