What best compliments a CCNA?

I recently completed my CCNA and Sec+ and am taking a couple of months off for the holidays and to catch up on school work. My question is what generally goes best with a CCNA in the current job market? If my end goal is to become a network engineer should i simply continue on the cisco track and ignore all else? I've heard a lot about other certifications like Linux+, microsoft certifications, VMware, generally all are Server certifications. Would it benefit me more to go straight for CCDA/CCNA Sec/CCNP? Or should i delve off into the realm of linux/sysadmin for a while in order to beef up my resume for that network engineer position i do desire?

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Comments

CoolAsAFan

If it was me, I would stick with Cisco certs. Which one depends on what you would like to do. If network security then CCNA-Sec makes sense, if admin/engineer then CCNP makes sense, if network design then CCDA makes sense. You say you want that network engineer position then to me it makes more sense to "beef up" your resume with networking certs vs system admin or virtualization certs.

That being said, if your currently not in a networking position now, it makes the MOST sense to get an entry-level networking job NOW and grab some experience before moving vertical with Cisco (CCNP). At least this is kind of how it has been explained to me and sorry for overusing the word sense lol.

Jon_Cisco

I have been wondering the same thing. I am looking to transition into an IT position with the goal of moving into networking. Once I get my CCNA hopefully in June 2014. I plan on taking Security+ over the summer break. I am working on a two year time frame to switch careers and want to position myself to take advantage of opportunities that might come up.

While I don't know about the right path I believe I will start studying CCNP material after that. A lot of things can change in 6 months so I'll have to see where I am next summer.

stopdropp

Coolasfan

Thanks for the advice, i am currently in a networking position and will be for the next couple of years. I'll get out with 4 years direct cisco experience which i know isn't amazing, but it should help me grab a t least a mid-level position i hope.... I HOPE lol

DoubleNNs

4 years of Cisco experience DOES sound amazing to me.

Magic Johnson

DoubleNNs wrote: »

4 years of Cisco experience DOES sound amazing to me.

LOL I was just thinking that. Lucky beggar.

SephStorm

For all those looking to move into IT or a networking position, my advice is to get into IT somehow, you need a base of systems experience as far as i'm concerned.

krjay

Probably depends on your geographic location. In my area there are by far way more positions listed that require multiple disciplines. I browse the job boards regularly, I very rarely see a network engineer position that only lists networking as the knowledge required. I'd develop a broad base of knowledge, and dig deeper once you are in a position that requires you to do so.

matt333

Get JNCIA-Junos. At least for me, Cisco isnt the only gear your going to use. Juniper is very different then Cisco and in a networking role you need to be able to use both

Dieg0M

My advise would be to continue the cisco track. Go for Juniper certs if you work with them.

DCD

Since you finished CCNA R&S and Security+ do the CCNA Security to build off your previous knowledge then branch out from their CCNP or VMware.

FloOz

Speaking from personal experience I would say to definitely go for your CCNP. Try also looking for an entry level networking job. As long as you present yourself well and have a solid resume you shouldn't have to much problem getting calls.