Path to VCP

Looking for some general feedback.
On the path to obtaining a VCP and becoming proficient in virtualization/cloud technologies in general, would it make more sense from an educational standpoint to have a solid understanding of Networking or Storage FIRST.
Obviously virtualization is an aspect of IT that touches all facets of the data center, but in logically mapping out a learning path, I am not sure if it would make more sense to become proficient in networking and then learn storage, or vice versa.
Thanks All
On the path to obtaining a VCP and becoming proficient in virtualization/cloud technologies in general, would it make more sense from an educational standpoint to have a solid understanding of Networking or Storage FIRST.
Obviously virtualization is an aspect of IT that touches all facets of the data center, but in logically mapping out a learning path, I am not sure if it would make more sense to become proficient in networking and then learn storage, or vice versa.
Thanks All
Comments
I think my conflict is I am not sure it if it would make sense from educational standpoint to tackle networking OR storage first.
Edit: Just to clarify I mean networking and storage knowledge not certs.
2020: GCIP | GCIA
2021: GRID | GDSA | Pentest+
2022: GMON | GDAT
2023: GREM | GCWN | GSE
WGU BS IT-NA | SANS Grad Cert: PT&EH | SANS Grad Cert: ICS Security | SANS Grad Cert: Cyber Defense Ops
So do you need a cert ? Nope, but if it helps you to understand the concepts : yes.
When you work in a big company, there is a chance that you won't even touch the network kit. BUT if you are the guy setting up a VMware cluster, you usually need to know what VLANs you need and whether the nics are connect to port channels - so you need to know what questions to ask.
Personally, I got a handful VCPs and other VMware certs and no network or storage related certification
Re Storage: Same thing, concepts is what you need to understand. Whats an IQN, WWN number, difference in ISCSI / FC etc. If you want to go for a cert, choose a vendor un-specific one because you just don't know what your (future) companies will have. EMC, NetApp, Hitachi, HP, Nexenta and others. If you do want to have a storage cert, maybe look at SNIA ...
Even now I work with people who do server work but do not have an understanding on a lot of Networking fundamentals and it is baffling since some simple concepts are over their head. Definitely a good thing and an easy thing (relatively speaking) to learn and study for.
It's funny because you see a lot of "religious" discussions on this board about going Network/CCNA vs System/MCSA and that lots of large orgs segment the responsibilities, but most of the VMWare guys I see come from various and both backgrounds. IE: Many hold System+Networking certs.
So in a nutshell, what do you find is the best path to take towards becoming a virt/vmware "guru"... Networking, Systems, Cisco, Microsoft etc?
I'm in a unique situation where I was almost tossed into VMWare first and am learning backwards from in the inside out.
Thanks for the input... wouldn't mind hearing some more feedback on this from others as well.
Being in pre-sales I see a lot of VMWare gurus who seem to have more networking/cisco certs, but are pretty fluent in AD as well.
While my role deals more directly with systems, the networking knowledge is invaluable at times.
*Bachelor's of Science: Information Technology - Security, Master's of Science: Information Technology - Management
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
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I would have to understand to a higher degree how much CORE networking is a part of VCP I guess...