New to the field.

Sorry if this isn't the appropriate place to put this but im in dire need of some help. I need to get out of this rut I have put myself in. I've been out of high school for 14 years (32y/o). I want to do what I've always wanted to do and that is computers. I don't like being stuck behind a desk so I think networking is what i want to do. The recruiter at my local Community College recommended to me due to my long work hours to take the CCNA Certificate Course. She also said that any place that has internet needs a CCNA.. is that true? What do u think about just getting the certificate? I have 0xp so I know that will be a problem. Thanks

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networker050184

What makes you think people working in networking aren't stuck behind a desk all day? That's where I spend mine!

The CCNA will help you, but its not a guaranteed ticket to a job. Your lack of experience is going to make it difficult for you to get something purely networking from the beginning. Might have to look into something like a helpdesk gig or an entry level NOC position. Maybe some rack and stack if you don't like the desk part. Either way what you are going to need is a well written resume and work on your interviewing skills. If you show you are intelligent and eager to learn someone will take a chance on you.

m0dified79

Let me rephrase the behind the desk part. I know some of my time will be behind a desk and I don't mind that but I don't really want to spend the whole day stuck behind it. You have to take the good with the bad. If that's what comes with the job then I will learn to accept it. I've just always been an on the go/always moving person. Thank you for your quick response.

Tackle

One of my goals is to try to do as much from my chair/desk as possible. I waste valuable time having to get up and walk to the server room or a users desk.

Try to find a place that will let you install physical switches/cables? Not every company needs someone with CCNA. We don't have one where I work. 3 switches is all we manage. The ISP won't let us touch the router.

networker050184

Pretty much any job in this field is going to be spent behind a computer the vast majority of the time. Maybe if you are doing physical installs or some consulting, but most of the work you are going to do on network equipment is done through a computer. Whats that old saying the less you do (physically) the more you get paid? Pretty true most of the time.

VAHokie56

networker050184 wrote: »

What makes you think people working in networking aren't stuck behind a desk all day? That's where I spend mine!

The CCNA will help you, but its not a guaranteed ticket to a job. Your lack of experience is going to make it difficult for you to get something purely networking from the beginning. Might have to look into something like a helpdesk gig or an entry level NOC position. Maybe some rack and stack if you don't like the desk part. Either way what you are going to need is a well written resume and work on your interviewing skills. If you show you are intelligent and eager to learn someone will take a chance on you.

This is good advice here ^. Start focusing on A to B before you think about C, see if there is a A+ class you can take along with the CCNA courses and go ahead and grab that cert too. This should help land you an entry level job in IT and give you a look inside at the more specialized areas of the business like Networking,Server side or whatever else once there make a decision on what you fancy the best. Good luck sir