Next step after CCNP R&S?

I received my CCNP R&S back in September. I'm wondering what I should work on next. I have 23 years working with Cisco products. I would love to move on to CCIE R&S, but money is pretty tight right now. I may be able to get my work to pay for additional certifications, but I'm not sure CCIE is a possibility there. I'm thinking about CCNA specializations, specifically Data Center, Security, and Cloud. I'm also looking at the AWS certifications. Any opinions?

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Legacy User

what do you work with besides R&S?

hodgey87

Have you thought about any of the security tracks outside of Cisco?

I'm thinking OSCP once i've finished my CCNP.

pfisterfarm

dmarcisco wrote: »

what do you work with besides R&S?

Wireless is pretty big here, so I've gotten the CCNA Wireless already. We have some Nexus switches, and I maintain the firewall, so that's why I've been looking at DC and Security. We don't have much to do with cloud services, but it seems like something I want to look into.

pfisterfarm

hodgey87 wrote: »

Have you thought about any of the security tracks outside of Cisco?

No, to be honest, I haven't looked much beyond Cisco at this point.

ande0255

I'd like to get my CCDA and CCDP once I have finished R/S, I was going to go into Security, but there is too much filler material there when I only really need to know ASA and Firepower administration.

I think Design would broaden possible job role horizons quite a bit, especially with your experience, holy cow. I'd probably look into CCIE something if I were THAT far into my years of experience with Cisco, however, Design route would be my best suggestion

pfisterfarm

ande0255 wrote: »

I'd probably look into CCIE something if I were THAT far into my years of experience with Cisco, however, Design route would be my best suggestion

I think I may look into that. I'd love to go after a CCIE, but I don't know how I'd come up with the funds right now.

OfWolfAndMan

ande0255 wrote: »

I think Design would broaden possible job role horizons quite a bit, especially with your experience, holy cow. I'd probably look into CCIE something if I were THAT far into my years of experience with Cisco, however, Design route would be my best suggestion

This is what I did (CCDA/P). It really is great to learn the design aspects. Makes you appreciate some of the protocols on a whole different level, as well as understanding certain things from a business perspective.

Danielh22185

As mentioned I think it heavily depends on what you currently work on and what your desires are. For me I just got into a role where I touch on a bit of everything (R/S, Voice, Wireless, Design), so I plan on keeping my NP alive with CCDP. Next when my kids are a bit older and require a bit less constant attention at home I am going to sit down and begin the journey toward CCIE.