So what has people done next after obtaining the CCNA?

craigaaron

as the title suggests what have you done? i was sorta thinking CCNA Security>CCNP? or should it be done the otherway CCNP>CCNA Security?

Thanks

Master Of Puppets

Getting experience, if you don't already have a job in the field, comes first.

N2IT

I think experience is the next big step like MoP stated. I don't know your situation but if you are looking to cert your way into the field it's just not going to happen (usually).

FloOz

After I got my CCNA I started studying for CCNP right away. During that time I started applying for networking jobs and got my first networking gig 2 months after passing CCNA.

Blackout

I am gonna agree and get experience, most environments operate very differently than you expect, I think its better to get into an environment where you can learn CCNA/Experience > CCNP/without Experience

t5yll4

I'd definitely seek experience in the field, but also keep studying. I'd say go for CCNA Security and Voice next..because these days companies are looking for Network Engineers that have skills in these 3 subsets...and if you think about it..they are critical to modern day networks..especially VoIP.

My .2

Corndork2

As everyone said -- Go get experience!

However, I'd also strongly reccommend the CCDA. Its really dry and boring material to get through, however businesses see a huge plus in hiring a person that can design, deploy, and troubleshoot networks. The CCNA/CCDA combination pretty much covers those goals.

Legacy User

After I got my CCNA I started looking for work.

politenessman

What to do next is a question that I have been over-thinking for a while.
I think experience goes without saying, but if I have free time I will use it constructively. I'm deep into trying find a new position at the moment, (switching careers from sales back into engineering) however, while that is going on, I can still work on my certifications.
So after the CCNA do I attempt:

• CCNA Security - seems like a lot of people think this is the next step.
• CCDA - I have an interest in design so this appeals to me but I'm not sure how marketable this makes me
• Microsoft certs - I see them often listed in job descriptions everywhere
• CompTIA Net+ - no need once you have the CCNA?
• CCNP - direct to the CCNP, any downside?
• Linux - I'm a linux user so I have some baseline linux experience. I should capitalize on it.

No reason why I should stop working on this just because I am job hunting, right?
Any thoughts?
Right now I am leaning towards some MS certs, and then the CCNA security.

NetworkVeteran

Master Of Puppets wrote: »

Getting experience, if you don't already have a job in the field, comes first.

Yup! This choice leads to maximum profitability, and will help you find the path you enjoy.

SteveO86

Get some experience.

while doing that I'd tackle CCNA:Security it should be easier than the CCNA and covers what I consider basic network security. firewall configurations VPNs SSH and so forth.

sratakhin

Agree with the posters above. You are much more likely to get hired with just CCNA and couple years of experience than with CCNP or CCNA with specialization but no experience.

pamccabe

I've been thinking about this for a bit too. Got my CCNA earlier this month, but before that, luckily landed a NOC job with just my CCENT. Now that I started the job and see how invaluable the experience is, I agree with the posters above about finding a job. With a CCNA, I would think you can find a job. Even an entry level NOC job like I have, anything would be beneficial to your career right now. Once you find that, then onward to the next cert. I've been asking different forums, and even the Cisco IRC channel. Overwhelmingly, I've been told to start on the CCNP. Even with an entry level job, experience plus a CCNP would look very good. From what I've been told, the specializations are great, but seem to be a focus for a particular field, such as security or voice. If you want to get them for the overall experience, I say go for it, but after the CCNP. Just my .02 cents from the advise I've been getting.

theodoxa

I'm working on my CCNP (ROUTE) right now. Experience is obviously helpful, but landing a job might take a while. I looked on Monster just after finishing my CCNA and there was ONLY ONE job [in my area] looking for a CCNA and they also wanted all kinds of other certs also (M$, VMWare, etc...) That's fine since I want out of this area anyways. There is no sense in stopping your studies and letting your knowledge/skills erode. Plus, each additional exam you pass will renew your CCNA.

craigaaron

I have previous expereince in other jobs for cisco, i am just changing to a new job which uses Cisco equipment a bit more , i start next monday just not sure at what level they are working towards