Where Next?

mattrgee · December 2008

Hi all,

Well I passed my CCNA on Monday and been enjoying a few days off since, but my thoughts are already turning towards what certification to pursue next.

I've been in IT for 4 years now since graduating with a BSc Hons in Computer Networks. Since then I've done a few management certifications such as Prince2 and ITIL, however I would prefer to focus on a more technical career rather than managerial. Hence persuing the CCNA.

I'm now trying to decide which route to take next, CCNP, a concentration, or specialism. I don't want to make the mistake of persuing CCNP when really an unknown interest could lie in Voice, Security or Wireless. Then again I want to increase my chances are finding a solid cisco networking position sometime next year that would help me achieve CCNP or even CCIE, who knows. Basically I'm thinking of moving jobs next year into a position that will give me more Cisco hands on experience and I want to increase my chances of getting that position between now and then.

Thanks.

nel · December 2008

NP is quite a step up from NA and personally i would only go to that level if i worked with it which you dont at the moment. its a catch 22 thing saying well if i had NP would i get a job etc etc but thats a different story.

Think about what you want to and possible try something at the associate level. there's no harm in going for the NP but its most valuable when you have the experiance etc to back it up.

mattrgee · December 2008

Yes thats very true, I want to get job that is challenging and having CCNP would help, but right job is needed when persuing the CCNP. Basically, I want to give myself an edge instead of just being another person with a CCNA, having a CCNA concentration would probably do this.

LBC90805 · December 2008

That is my dilema too. I don't know what to do after I complete my CCNA. Should I go the Micro$oft route? Maybe Linux specialization?

I've been thinking about going into Storage. Specialist is this field tend to be few and far between. I wouldn't know where to start certification wise however?

Daniel333 · December 2008

Keep it simple for now.

My random under thoughtout recommendation...
CCNA Securtiy >> CCNA Wiressless >> CCNA Voice >> CCDA

Then snag a few client and server certs.

mikej412 · December 2008

The CCNP is the most common Cisco Certification to get after the CCNA -- but finding a job that lets you use your CCNA knowledge and skills to gain real world experience is probably the better choice.

The only place I can think of that might want a CCNP with no experience would be a consulting company that's happy to bill a customer for your mistakes and learning experiences.

If you already have a job with the chance to use your CCNA skills, the CCNP is always an option and something you should eventually work towards. But if you have an interest in Voice or Security and you have those opportunities where you currently work. then consider the new CCNA Concentrations and the CCSP or CCVP, and fill in the CCNP later.

If you're one of those wireless freaks, then the CWNP Certs (CWNA & CWSP) and CCNA:Wireless could be options.

mattrgee · December 2008

Thanks guys.

In my previous job I maintained the pix firewall and a couple of routers, but you know what it's like once a something is set up you only make the occasional change.

In my current position I do light switch admin as most of the internal network is outsourced to BT who maintain everything and give us little access. Its a shame because we have an extensive MPLS network, but no one has any knowledge on how it is configured or how to maintain it. I've only been there about 8 months but as everything is outsourced there is little chance of me getting good experience, hence the need to leave.

To be honest I've always fancied working for a consulting company, at least then you get reoccurring experience in diverse technologies.

Still undecided what to do.

nel · December 2008

mattrgee wrote:

Thanks guys.

In my previous job I maintained the pix firewall and a couple of routers, but you know what it's like once a something is set up you only make the occasional change.

In my current position I do light switch admin as most of the internal network is outsourced to BT who maintain everything and give us little access. Its a shame because we have an extensive MPLS network, but no one has any knowledge on how it is configured or how to maintain it. I've only been there about 8 months but as everything is outsourced there is little chance of me getting good experience, hence the need to leave.

To be honest I've always fancied working for a consulting company, at least then you get reoccurring experience in diverse technologies.

Still undecided what to do.

You need to get your foot on the ladder first and foremost - like everyone initially. Your going in the right direction Matt so keep it up. if your heading the cisco way then continue as you are. You say no one internally really does any networking? well it was like that at my place and i got made that person - maybe thats something you could push?

mattrgee · December 2008

Well I've made a decision: CCNA Security, I hope to have this done by the end of Feburary. After that I may look into CCNA Voice.

I figure it is better to have a diverse and flexible CV rather than being too focused. I'm still working with the technology i.e. Cisco, so all is good.

I've watched the first 5 CBT Nuggets of CCNA Security and I feel pretty motivated, the subject is interesting and the labs should be good fun to configure.

I'm also getting some good Layer 2 experience at work. Since passing my CCNA two weeks ago I am now responsible for 15 Cisco switches. Not that exciting I know, but it still experience I can add to my CV. Just need a few routers now...

mikej412 · December 2008

mattrgee wrote:

Well I've made a decision: CCNA Security

Sweet!

The CCNA Security Official Exam Certification Guide is a good book. They may be a bit too obvious with their hints and tips of what to know for the exam -- but if I finally get a perfect score on a Cisco exam you won't hear me complaining about it.

I bought the IP Telephony Using CallManager Express Lab Portfolio to go along with the CCNA Voice Official Exam certification Guide -- but I had already figured long ago it would probably also be useful someday for studying for the CCIE Voice Lab.

Cisco IP Communications Express: CallManager Express with Cisco Unity Express may also be a good 2nd source for CCNA:Voice study -- but probably only if you believe that there is no such thing as overkill when studying for an exam.

Good Luck with your studies!

Where Next?

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