What is the best way to get a job in computer networking?

Question

I have about ten years of experience in telecom engineering hardware installation in central offices for Verizon. I want to start with a cisco CCNA cert but I don't know if I should go back and get a 2 or 4 yr computer science degree. I have a BS in Communications. You computer guys give me some guideance as to how to proceed. Thanks!

Answer 1

CCNA Career Certifications are one of the highest ranking certifications in the IT industry. In fact, many IT professionals and managers believe CCNA certifications bring them more value than their university or technical school diploma! What’s more, CCNA is employing new security measures designed to safeguard the integrity of your certification — and protect its value with employers. A CCNA certification lets the world know you are prepared for what’s next in networking — the next company, the next promotion and the next challenge.

So, what’s holding you back?

CCNA exams can be rewarding and challenging at the same time — that’s another reason they are so highly valued by IT professionals and employers alike, and now is the time to reinvest in your future.

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Answer 2

Cisco is good, I recently got my CCNA from there go to the website and forums to learn more.

https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/in...

Answer 3

i would recommend getting an MCSA or an MCSE, MCITP since it covers network and systems administration and not just networking alone...and also, CCNA, too.

good luck :)

Answer 4

I am a Program Coordinator for, and also teach advanced networking courses in, a 4-year Bachelor program, where CCNA and CCNP are embedded into the curriculum.  My role includes being the Cisco curriculum lead for the college's Regional Cisco Networking Academy (i.e. I teach teachers as well as students).

First, I assume when you say "BS in Communications" that means a degree in data communications (NOT communications as in presentations, dealing with the media, etc).  I also assume you have a 4-year degree ... if not, some of my analysis below may change.

I concur that you should start with CCNA to see how that suits you.  More than ever now, CCNA certification is seen as an entry-level cert for many networking jobs, but more importantly, a networking-centric career.

If you find CCNA interesting and not too difficult, you should continue with CCNP.  This will give you better perspective and a much deeper understanding of the key technologies that underlie the entire field.

Another option after CCNA are 3 new CCNA-level certifications just announced by Cisco focused on Voice, Wireless and Security.  These require you to complete CCNA certification first, but the content is considered to be at the CCNA level.

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le...

One important point here:  Yes, employers look to certifications for a comfort level when filling a job with an unproven employee.  But when it comes to a career, a Bachelor level designation proves you can think and grow from one job, one job-level, to the next.

The combination of a Bachelor degree plus a proper mix of current certifications, will give you career mobility.  At some point, you might even consider a Masters degree to catapult you into ever higher levels of management (if that's your goal).

So, to your question of whether or not you need a CS degree ...

I would advise you start with the CCNA and see if you feel you're lacking foundation on key topics and underlying theory.  If you do, then further formal studies like a CS degree, may be the right way to go.

However, if you find that your communications background (along with in-depth self-study of focus topics as needed along the way), is sufficient for a firm understanding of all CCNA topics, then I would say, you don't need another degree.

Be warned that CCNA (and even CCNP to a large extent) only covers a veneer of purpose-driven topics and does NOT provide a solid theoretical foundation.  For that, you must be supported by other formal education or "put 2 and 2 together" on your own.  (Having taught at this level for 18 years, I can report that less than 20% of students can do this on their own.)

Some last points:

1.  If you're thinking of delving into programming (e.g. web development), then I would definitely recommend further formal training.  People who learn programming completely on their own tend to build code that works, but doesn't last (not reusable, buggy, etc), so they get "promoted to their level of incompetency" very quickly.

2.  One other option you have post-CCNA (or even post-CCNP), is to find a Masters degree program in Networking to leverage the data communications education and networking skillset you've built.  This will both round out your knowledge and vault you into a well-recognized higher level of education, further enhancing your career advancement potential.

3. For a networking-focused job as you said in your question, you should be able to pick up enough ancilliary knowledge on your own to deal with hardware, operating platforms, database environments, etc. If, however, you're really targeting generalized I.T. support, then other certifications and tracks of study should also be considered, like: A+ for hardware, and for platforms knowledge, Microsoft MCP/MCSE, plus don't forget Linux (your choice of exactly which one, but of course installation, configuration and troubleshooting are key areas)

HTH,

David

P.S.  CCNA/CCNP certifications expire after 3 years (I just re-certified my CCNP for the 3rd time in June).  It's a pain but it does encourage you to keep current!

Answer 5

Hi there

Industry quals such as CCNA and MSCSE are much preferred by employers than any university degree as they demonstrate skills more closely aligned with the "real" world. I would hire an MCSE over a BSc any day!

Good luck with your career!