Posts:
2
Registered:
6/16/09
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Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Jun 16, 2009 12:05 PM
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I'm a Graduate Student finishing my MS in CS. I want a job in networking or in Help Desk or somewhere in IT. However, I have 1 year actual work experience in Help Desk field. I've been trying to get internships but seems like no one is really hiring summer networking interns.
So thought of doing something productive like certification during the summer.Is CCNA a good option to start with. I am thinking of getting CCNA by taking the 2 test approach. I want to know if I am aiming too far too soon, since I don't have any actual work experience yet. Would it even be worth it to go get a CCNA without actual having Networking work experience?
My goal is to land with a job in IT, any tips would be appreciated.
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Posts:
6,421
Registered:
5/16/07
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Jun 16, 2009 3:17 PM
in response to: Guy
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OP should abandon IT
Best of Luck
If you are finishing off an MS in CS then hopefully you have some internship experience or a degree from a top 10 school and preferably both.
The IT job market is EXTREMELY GRIM and a CCNA is NOT worth very much in this job market.
NOBODY really needs to hire entry level people anymore given the glut of experienced IT people looking for work.
Use your career placement center for any assistance. Help desk jobs are pretty much "throw away" paying close to minimum wage.
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Posts:
7
Registered:
7/4/09
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Jul 4, 2009 7:59 PM
in response to: Guy
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I just completed my CCNA with the 1-test approach. It is a comprehensive exam that does not go into detail in both areas. To be honest, I took the exam 3 times to pass. It is not an easy exam, however, with the right preparations, it can be pulled off.
Having a CCNA is valuable but with the right set of other certs (Microsoft, Linux, or Unix). In the end, it depends on your interests. CCNA is a powerful cert that is more hardware focused than anything. Having the routing and switching experience is helpful but it respective place in IT is like a "janitor" as mentioned in another post.
If you're planning on pursuing the CCNA, it's best to diversify it with other certs and skillset. The economy is tough right now.
Best of luck to you.
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Posts:
6,421
Registered:
5/16/07
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Jul 4, 2009 10:13 PM
in response to: modymrunal
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Certs are pretty much worthless and a CCNA can be ordered up like a Mcdonald cheeseburger. Even CCIEs with 10+ years of experience are having difficulty finding work.
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Posts:
9
Registered:
7/18/08
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Jul 19, 2009 1:30 PM
in response to: Guy
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If you can not find a job with your CCNA why don't you create your own business, by offer area small businesses your services in networking? You have one years experience in the field. Then you can sell yourself on your experience in networking.
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Posts:
4
Registered:
8/1/09
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Aug 1, 2009 1:52 PM
in response to: hoapres
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It's really discouraging for those us aspiring CCNA students to read threads such as the one found in this thread. I have worked in Television for the last 12 years, I am sick of it. So, I can understand your feeling towards the IT Industry. You should consider a career change; perhaps you had enough of the IT industry.
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Posts:
6,421
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5/16/07
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Aug 1, 2009 5:50 PM
in response to: Netnewbee524
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>> It's really discouraging for those us aspiring CCNA students
Tough Luck.
The truth hurts and CCNA's are pretty much worthless in this dismal job market.
>> You should consider a career change
A moot point for those trying to enter IT as it is not likely to happen. Why bother hiring a CCNA without any experience when I can get one with lots of experience for under $15 an hour.
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Posts:
11
Registered:
4/29/09
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Aug 2, 2009 11:10 AM
in response to: Guy
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What are you specializing in? Hopefully you didn't research in AI, Operating Systems or some other theoretically intensive field.
You can get a CCNA by purchasing and studying the exam questions before hand. This is a common practice with certifications, making them worthless. Anyone can order a set of test bank questions and then go write the exam.
If you have a MS in CS then take it to the next level if you are good. But if you had enough then consider another career path that makes use of your talent.
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Posts:
6
Registered:
9/14/09
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Sep 14, 2009 7:56 PM
in response to: engDude
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I've considered CCNA, but I'm not thrilled about how quickly it expires.
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Posts:
633
Registered:
3/3/08
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Sep 16, 2009 10:50 AM
in response to: thetrainer
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You can easily renew you CCNA by taking any professional level exam and passing it. By doing so, it extends you CCNA an additional 3 years. It actually a better way to go since it shows you are staying (somewhat) current (depending on what you recert with).
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2
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5/16/07
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Nov 4, 2009 1:49 PM
in response to: engDude
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you cannot purchase exam questions and pass CCNA, You have to know your stuff! period.
Yes, it is very worth and will land you a job eventually, don't listen to people who don't have it. You have to do well on simulation question to pass CCNA which is a valid test of concept, you frank simulation you frank the exam...
I got mine 4 months ago + 4 yrs experience I am marketable as ever.
I am getting interviews back and forth in this economy..
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Posts:
6,421
Registered:
5/16/07
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Nov 5, 2009 12:59 AM
in response to: Jobber
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CCNA without experience is worthless. A job interview doesn't pay the bills but a job will.
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Posts:
4,683
Registered:
3/4/08
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Nov 6, 2009 7:34 AM
in response to: cadams
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> If you can not find a job with your CCNA why don't
> you create your own business, by offer area small
> businesses your services in networking? You have one
> years experience in the field. Then you can sell
> yourself on your experience in networking.
Craigslist, and odesk, is filed with people trying to do just that - for about $10 an hour. The problem is employers don't respect that sort of experience.
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Posts:
4,683
Registered:
3/4/08
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Nov 6, 2009 7:36 AM
in response to: Guy
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> I'm a Graduate Student finishing my MS in CS. I want
> a job in networking or in Help Desk or somewhere in
> IT.
I am a little confused by your career planning. What you are saying seems to be something like: I just got my MD, and I am hoping to work as a bartender.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
12/1/09
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Re: Does CCNA has a future ? Is it right for me ?
Posted:
Dec 1, 2009 6:30 AM
in response to: Guy
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Understand that the CCNA started as a sales tool - that resellers receive discounts from Cisco equipment based on how many CCNA/CCNP/CCIEs they have on staff.
So, if you are looking for a job with a Cisco reseller then a CCNA is a plus otherwise hands on experience is probably as good.
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Legend
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Helpful Answer
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Correct Answer
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