After Network+ where to?

Hello everyone,
I passed A+ a couple of months ago and am currently studying for Network+. My current job is teaching preschool in Japan, and while I am the one who is always fixing our two computers and maintaining them it is just something I do to be helpful and has nothing to do with my teaching duties. My other experience has just been building my own computers. My degree is in Psychology.

Next year I will be moving back to the U.S. and want to get a job in networking, or more realistically in a help desk role initially. After I pass Network+ I think that I have time to study and pass one more exam.

Which exam would make me most desirable for employers and help offset my lack of experience? Security+, or a Cisco or Microsoft certification?

I am looking forward to your responses.

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gorebrush

CCENT/CCNA imo.

If you want specifically networking, then while a Microsoft qualification would help, it's not a requirement. I find my 6 years as a Systems Administrator of Windows Servers (And MCSE) is helping massively now I am a full time Network Engineer, however, we have many perfectly excellent engineers who have zero Microsoft experience, and could do the job just as well as anyone else.

Darril

Japan. Cool. I spent a few years in Misawa Japan, and then a few years in Okinawa. Many moons ago...

With the A+ and Network+ complete, you'll find that you're very close to the Security+ and can very likely complete it within a month. You understand much of the content and also understand how CompTIA questions and exams works. Many people value the A+, Network+, Security+ trio. Also, many employers are recognizing the risks related to security and value employees that have demonstrated security knowledge which the Security+ gives you.

The Cisco or Microsoft cert will likely take you much more time, but if you completed the Security+ in the next 30 days, you will have time to complete another certification before you return next year.

Good luck.

NetworkVeteran

If you're interested in networking, the typical entry-level requirements are a CCENT/CCNA. A Network+ is actually a great foundation from which to attempt those, so it's good you knocked that out if you enjoy networking.

Which exam would make me most desirable for employers and help offset my lack of experience? Security+, or a Cisco or Microsoft certification?

These are also fine, depending on what you want to do. Microsoft leads more towards desktops/ servers.

DoubleNNs

I third the CCENT/CCNA after the Net+ if you're looking towards a Networking job when you get back. Especially after recently passing the Net+, when everything is still fresh on your mind, the CCENT/CCNA will be easier to pass and faster. I'd save the Security+ for after the CCNA actually, which could also make a good segway into the CCNA: Security.

Moon Child

graben wrote: »

Hello everyone,
I passed A+ a couple of months ago and am currently studying for Network+. My current job is teaching preschool in Japan, and while I am the one who is always fixing our two computers and maintaining them it is just something I do to be helpful and has nothing to do with my teaching duties. My other experience has just been building my own computers. My degree is in Psychology.

Next year I will be moving back to the U.S. and want to get a job in networking, or more realistically in a help desk role initially. After I pass Network+ I think that I have time to study and pass one more exam.

Which exam would make me most desirable for employers and help offset my lack of experience? Security+, or a Cisco or Microsoft certification?

I am looking forward to your responses.

How did you get a job teaching in Japan? That sounds like fun! My Master's is in Education, I would love teaching in Japan for a year ! Was there any type of certification you had to get?

graben

Thanks for the answers. If security+ can be done so fast I think that would be great .

Darril

Moon Child wrote: »

How did you get a job teaching in Japan? That sounds like fun! My Master's is in Education, I would love teaching in Japan for a year ! Was there any type of certification you had to get?

I can't speak to the original poster's job, but a good friend of mine used to be a recruiter for these types of jobs at this company: Teach English Overseas in Asia | Aclipse. They have a contact page where you can send in your questions.

Living abroad for a year or longer on someone else's dime can be a great experience.

Good luck.

Moon Child

Awesome thanks so much !

tkdgraben

I am the original poster with a new account. I ended up getting my MCSA in Windows 7 at the end of last year. We ended up staying in Japan until now due to some health issues with my in laws. I am happy to report that I found a job in Chicago doing help desk, server, database, and consulting.

rbreness

In my opinion, you should get the Security+ and then move on to CCNA and CCNP R&S.

quickman007

I have yet to see a significant use for the Security+ outside of a DoD job. It would be massively more useful to spend the time on a network related cert.