Cisco Certifications useless?

Hello,

I need some advice on what to do. I have a 3 year degree in Computer Sciences, 2 years working in the IT field as a Junior IT Consultant at a Computer retailer. Working generally to set up new switches for small to medium size companies.

Having moved to Norway 2 years ago, i really found it hard to get a job.

Having a bit of time on my hand and learning the local language i thought i would update my education by getting certified aswell.

I started off by getting a CCNA and aimed at getting an entry level job in the market. Tried hard for 6 months but got absolutely nothing. Had a couple of interviews but all the technical people who i met suggested CCNA doesnt hold the same value it used to and even for entry level jobs you need more than a CCNA.

So i chose the CCNA voice and got that after spending a lot of time and money on it.

6 months running around with that and still nothing. You must have a ''CCNP'' said a few of the people i spoke to working in ISP's. They said CCNP has become an entry level cert for the networking market.

2 years down the road i have a

CCNA Routing & Switching
CCNA Voice
CCDA
CCNP Routing & Switching
CCDP ( Thinking of taking it )

Yet i cannot even get an entry level job!

All the feedback i have ever got is we found somone with more experience than you. Where can i get experience for an entry level job?

Deeply frustrated and am thinking ive wasted a lot of money and time.

Can anyone suggest anything?

Many thanks in advance.

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Comments

Iristheangel

Depends on the job and the role. My last couple of jobs were 25 days PTO per year plus sick days and my current one is 30 days. My security analyst job was usually 40 hours/week, last job was 80ish hours/week, and my current role is 40 hours a week mostly working from home. It all depends on the job, role, company, etc.

roch_greg

This is a issue more and more since Certifications became marketed as a way to get a job rather than a means of advancing in your current career. I'm with Iris on this one. Getting a job today requires a hell of a lot more than just getting a piece of paper.

She hit just about every important point dead on. Employers will look at two basic metrics, "what can you do for me" and "is this the kind of person who will fit in here"? The latter more than the former.

Me, I didn't get into the game for the money. Goodness knows. I got into the game because I've always had a passion for learning about and working with technology.

Technology isn't something I do for a living but rather something I live to do. When that passion and dedication comes across to the people on the other side of the table during a interview it makes a world of difference.

MAC_Addy

JeanM wrote: »

Exactly! Plus, having a bunch of pro certs w/o any real experiences also doesn't help , it takes time.

Hit the nail on the head with this one. My view is that you don't get a certification just to get it. Gain (if you can) the knowledge through work and then take the tests. It kinda backs up your resume. Look at it this way - you review a resume. One person has 10 years experience as a network engineer. He has CCNA and CCNP - you know he probably knows his stuff. Take person #2. He has 2 years in a help desk and has his CCNA and CCNP but has no networking experience on his resume from previous jobs. Who will you hire?

Now, like others have said, certifications do not guarantee a job. Experience does. Though, experience and certifications usually does it for me when it comes to reviewing candidates. I would suggest obtaining a lower level job as a network technician or a NOC technician. That way you can spend 1 - 5 years learning the ropes and trying to get a higher level position within the company. If you do get a job as a lower level position, tell your boss you're willing to take on more tasks that challenge you. This shows initiative, which can sometimes lead to a promotion. If it doesn't, then it goes straight on the resume.

timesvan32

How would recommend a current Sophomore in college majoring in IT Management, with entry level of certs, some experience experience (with an internship), and studying for his CCNA R&S (hoping to get it when I graduate or before Senior Year) going into the IT field in the next three years? I am talking about Sys Admin or Net Admin positions.

Heero

timesvan32 wrote: »

How would recommend a current Sophomore in college majoring in IT Management, with entry level of certs, some experience experience (with an internship), and studying for his CCNA R&S (hoping to get it when I graduate or before Senior Year) going into the IT field in the next three years? I am talking about Sys Admin or Net Admin positions.

Bachelors with good grades + good internship will generally be enough to land you an entry level job. A couple extra certs will definitely help a lot. Try to have a job lined up right after you graduate. An employer is more likely to take you right out of college instead of if you have gone a couple months after graduation without a job in IT.

Just keep in mind that you are trying to look more valuable to a company than your peers. Your peers are largely your fellow students in the same/similar major. Try to be better than everyone else in a demonstrable way.