Job prospects for CCNA

Atmosphere1991

Hello everyone,
I'm new here, but I will be sitting my ccent this month sometime(as soon as my discount voucher from netacad comes through.) I plan on finishing the ccna at the beginning of this summer. I'm 22, no degree yet, but I am actively pursuing an AAS in Network Administration at a respect CC. I live in the Saint Louis area, and wondering what kind of job opportunities if any I might have a shot at.
I have no IT experience, I managed a restaurant for a couple years after high school. I recently demoted myself to a server, to make time for school. It seems no one will even look at you without a bachelors. Do you guys think I would have a shot at something like a help desk even?

jvrlopez

I'd say you have a shot at help desk type work. Interview well and show a willingness to learn and be a team player.

Get your foot in the door and then work up from there.

Dont fall into that mindset of thinking that a CCNA is the golden ticket and end all for your job search.

kohr-ah

The bachelor's looks nice. I won't lie and wish I had one many days as it is a sign of dedication to something but I have an AAS like what you are working towards.

The CCNA will help you get a help desk or NOC job. Like above said it isn't a golden ticket but it also beats nothing. Even if they want a bachelor's still apply for it and if you don't get the job just keep going and keep applying and keep studying.

Do you want to go into networking specifically or a hybrid role? (like where you manage servers also) because I would recommend doing the windows 7 cert if you want to do the hybrid role after the ccna if you have any troubles finding work.

DirtySouth

It sounds like you're moving in the right direction for sure. Being in a large city like St. Louis is good because there are going to be many large company's with sophisticated helpdesk departments. The larger company's will typically have well-trained helpdesk personnel and sometimes a separate Network Operations Center (NOC). With an AAS and a CCNA, I think you would have a very good opportunity to get your foot in there and once you're in, the sky is the limit if they like you. I'm a Network Engineer now and I tell anyone who asks me that helpdesk is one of the best ways to get into IT and progress. On a side note, an A+ cert probably wouldn't hurt either just to get your resume more to the top of the pile.

FloOz

I recommend looking for an entry level helpdesk/desktop job. During that time you should also be continuing with your studies and within a year you can most likely land yourself in a networking role.

antielvis

I would consider looking at work in a consultant type firm..akin to a smaller version of IBM. The ticket might get you in the door & you'll be able to move to the networking department.

Dieg0M

I would recommend getting into an IT role even if it's helpdesk in a company that will let move up the ladder. I remember I did around 3 months of Helpdesk then I got into a server admin position role for a couple of months to finally end up in networking.

Good luck

bermovick

Don't forget to look for NOC openings too. My first gig was in St Louis and with only my CCNA and was at a NOC downtown.

Atmosphere1991

Thanks for all the input guys, definite confidence boost, knowing that I'm moving in the right direction and all. I'm looking for any IT job really, I know how to work hard and understand that I will have to work my way up. Over the summer I will probably do my A+. Thanks again

gadav478

Just an A+, a HSD and a good showing in an interview will get you a help desk job... And the real golden ticket: experience.

goldenlight

In my opinion you are on the right track. Definitely keep going with the self study until you land a good job. I wouldn't go pass the CCNA unless you had at least 2 yrs experience under your belt.


I'm trying to get any IT Experience at this stage of the game. So now I work for a cable provider supporting phone and internet. Hopefully I will be able to advance with in the company in a more technical role or get a better position in the future.