What's the path to become a networking professional?

In the long run, I want to specialize in computer networking: security.

I find it very difficult to secure a job as a junior network analyst (since I just graduated with no experience in the field). In the short run, I think I will be doing technical support with windows, hardware, and software. I'm still debating on whether I should take Microsoft Certifications or Cisco Certifications.

My plan right now is:

1 ITIL V3 Foundation (70% done reading the book)
2 CompTIA A+ (70% done reading the book)
3 CompTIA Network+
4 CCENT
5 CWTS
6 CCNA
7 CCNA:Security

I will probably be able to get up to # 4 certifications this year if i study hard. Is this the correct path? do i need stuff like MCDST?

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Comments

RouteThisWay

You say you think you will be doing Windows support. Why do you think this? Is this a job you have or are hoping for?

You have no experience. You will be starting out doing entry level helpdesk/desktop support/phone support/etc. Simple as that.

Alot of people assume if they get a degree and certs, they are golden and will get their dream job and start out making great money. This is wrong. I would say this happens to maybe 7% (total random number ha) of total IT people. Probably less.

Get experience. Once you have gained the trust of people, start asking to help out with side projects involving what you want to do (networking in your case).

Cert wise, drop Net+. CCENT will cover it. Just my opinion.

And it is always good to have some MS certs/experience (or any other technology). It is very rare these days to find jobs wanting nothing but networking. They are out there, but you open up many more doors and opportunities by having some basic cross training.

Good luck!

chrisone

What type of support do you want to do? networking , system support, or server support? Computer Networking is a very broad general term and i have seen people call themself a network admin and yet only touch servers and no true networking equipment.

So first figure out what type of job you want. If its Networking Security, hands on troubleshooting and prevention then get a CCSP.

Finish your ITIL and your A+, then do the following:

1.CCENT
2.CCNA
3.CCNA: Security
4.CCSP

Then any other security you might find interesting. Also drop CWTS and net+, you wont need it, its a waist of time. In a world of a security specialist for an enterprise you will have your hands tied with penetration testing and firewall support. I doubt you will even touch wifi stuff, leave that to a wireless engineer. If you want to do windows support, drop all cisco certs and do your net+ and go with microsoft certs.