Achieved my cert goal for the year... now what?

pamccabe

I started my associate degree in Networking in fall of 2012. When January rolled around, I decided I loved networking and wanted to focus on getting a job before I graduate. As part of the Cisco Net Academy, I decided to try CCENT. In May, I passed that exam. My next goal was to have my CCNA by the end of the year. I passed that 2 weeks ago. I thought I'd just relax for the rest of the year after studying daily for those certs. However, I find myself pacing around feeling like I'm wasting time. lol I've been thinking maybe CCNA: Security, but not sure I want to have a security career. I more or less just find the subject areas interesting. I've been kicking around CCNP R&S, but not sure if I should get some experience before that. Just started a NOC job 2 weeks ago, so maybe I'll study for that and look for a new job once I pass all 3 tests. Not only that, but with the time it took me to get CCNA, I'd guess it would take me a full year to get CCNP. Then there is Linux+, which I've always found interesting. Oh, and Juniper... worked on some of their switches in my last job. Very interesting... and I think it would be good to have experience with that technology.

At any rate, anyone in the same situation?? lol I'm never thought I'd love studying as much as I have found. I love being able to devote time to something I enjoy and be able to add it to my resume. Win-win. However, I'm finding that when I actually get free time that I feel like I'm falling behind.

MrAgent

I'd say work on finishing that degree while getting solid experience at work.

PsychoFin

Getting a ccna security doesn't mean that you will automatically get a career in security (what does that mean anyway?). I administer

PsychoFin

Getting a ccna security doesn't mean that you will automatically get a career in security (what does that mean anyway?). I administer ASAs and secure switches and routers while setting up vpns. That isn't even a big part of my job either. You don't have to get the cert if money is tight, just get the knowledge for now. In a noc job you have the potential to learn a lot of cool stuff like bgp and mpls, depending on the company though.

Master Of Puppets

I'd also say that your best bet is getting experience or in other words - get the most out of your job. Try and learn as much as you can and advance at the workplace. After a little more hands-on, the CCNP will be a great continuation.

N2IT

Take a break and finish your degree. (Just saying)

instant000

You can keep reading without worrying about taking the exams. Then, whenever you decide to take the exams, you have already prepared and it will be that much easier to do the final push and clear them.

Since you just started a new job, I would advise on making sure that you're doing that at a high level. There is probably some work with system monitoring, log analysis, or packet analysis that you did not see during the CCNA. Studying these types of topics will make you a lot more proficient at your job.

Seriously, there is a lot to networking that is NOT covered in the Cisco curriculum. If you want to study something fresh off the CCNA, I would suggest "Network Warrior" and "Network Administrator's Survival Guide".

Network Warrior, 2nd Edition*-*O'Reilly Media
Network Administrators Survival Guide

You may be able to find these at better prices if you shop around.

EDIT: One more thing. Get better versed in TCP/IP fundamentals.

The TCP/IP guide is free to read online: Welcome to The TCP/IP Guide!

Hope this helps.