CCNA with Associate degree and no experience?

Hey all! Need some job/salary advice here.
So I've already taken the CCNA and didn't pass but am rescheduling in May. I was pretty close on passing and don't think it'll be an issue this time. When this current semester ends (this week) I have one class left before I get my Network Admin degree and have taken all 4 Cisco Academy classes. Also have active directory, Windows server, VM, and UNIX scripting experience from classes.
Anyway, I got offered a contract job that only pays $13.25 for tier 1 help desk. Now most of these positions pay $15 and I would be starting this job after I take my CCNA test again. I've had other interviews but never get called back and I'm worried about passing this job up. However, from what I've researched and heard from other students I should be making $17-$18 an hour with CCNA and no experience (well I DO have some from Cisco Academy).
I also haven't gone into an interview yet and do plan on asking if I'd get a pay bump with having this certification. So wanted some advice here in case I get told I won't receive a pay increase.
What would the rest of you do in my position? Is $13.25 too low or should I jump on this opportunity?
So I've already taken the CCNA and didn't pass but am rescheduling in May. I was pretty close on passing and don't think it'll be an issue this time. When this current semester ends (this week) I have one class left before I get my Network Admin degree and have taken all 4 Cisco Academy classes. Also have active directory, Windows server, VM, and UNIX scripting experience from classes.
Anyway, I got offered a contract job that only pays $13.25 for tier 1 help desk. Now most of these positions pay $15 and I would be starting this job after I take my CCNA test again. I've had other interviews but never get called back and I'm worried about passing this job up. However, from what I've researched and heard from other students I should be making $17-$18 an hour with CCNA and no experience (well I DO have some from Cisco Academy).
I also haven't gone into an interview yet and do plan on asking if I'd get a pay bump with having this certification. So wanted some advice here in case I get told I won't receive a pay increase.
What would the rest of you do in my position? Is $13.25 too low or should I jump on this opportunity?
Comments
And at some point, you need to take that first step. Especially if it's the only offer you have.
Take the job you can get to get experience and after 6 months to a year look to move to a job more in your field but you will at least have experience.
This x2.
I started at $12 at a call center that did remote support (SUPER basic stuff like clearing browser cache and restarting pc), but it gets you experience. A few months later I got a job paying about $16 with way more responsibility and moved my way up from there. If you can afford it I say go for it. Having that first job on there with a CCNA and Associate's will make your resume look pretty good. After a few months you can start looking at other opportunities and get a pay increase most likely.
A certification doesn't automatically put you in a higher income bracket and classroom experience is only going to take you so far. Get the real-world experience in a work environment. That, along with your certs, will help you move on to bigger and better things in the future
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I guess I won't be so picky from here on out though. I'll definitely go into the contract thing with them some more and if I decide I don't want to do this I'll keep an open mind on salary for the future.
take it then use that a stepping stone.
Oh and 4 year contract is not your 4 year contract, that's between the contracting company and the client, you can leave when you please.
4 years doesn't bind you to a contract for 4 years.
I'd take it if it looks interesting for you and in 6 months to a year look for something better.