CCNA and CCNP not good enough for a job in Networking?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by kriss12, Feb 2, 2017.

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  1. kriss12

    kriss12 New Member

    Hello! I am trying to find a job in networking for a while now. I am graduate, though passed the exams barely. I have CCNA and CCNP certifications and a few months of internship experience with switching at a company. I am trying to attend interviews, but heard that only getting certified in MCITP or Red Hat will give me any chance. The professional job recruiter I contacted have arranged a few interviews over next couple of weeks. Should I give a try at the interviews or are my chances slim without MCITP or Red hat certifications?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 2, 2017
  2. Davewill

    Davewill Member

    It will likely hinge on how well you handle the interviews. Certs, like degrees, are more useful for getting through the screening process.
     
  3. nyvrem

    nyvrem Active Member

    friend had a major in history or something, wanted a career switch to development. did an MCSD and some Java certs. and did alot of coding on the side to show what he could do.

    had afew jobs that called him down for an interview.

    managed to land a 50k job. im guessing he did really well in the interview.

    not sure if that was the exception or the norm.
     
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    If that's his first job and he's not in a major city, that's okay. Otherwise it seems a bit light to me.
     
  5. jamesb

    jamesb New Member

    If you are interested in networking jobs don't waste your time with MCITP or Red Hat. You have the correct certifications, you just have to find companies with that specific need and willing to hire someone with little experience. Switching experience is not going to be enough to get hired. You will want to have the full range of networking knowledge such as wireless, routers, and most important troubleshooting skills.

    I suspect you heard that the MCITP or Red Hat would improve your chances, but that's only because those skills have a higher demand than networking. As an example, at my company we have about 30 networking people and 1500 admins where the MCITP and Red Hat are used. But if you are interested in networking you are headed down the right path.

    Once you get the interview you will need to do well. At that point your certs and information on the resume got you through the front door, at that point it's up to you and your communication skills to get the job.
     
  6. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    I know a young person who had somewhat similar situation.
    In his case he simply wasn't getting any offers, he was willing to travel, reallocate etc.
    Noting seemed to work.
    Some one suggested he approach companies, HR and recruiters with willingness to be unpaid intern.
    Even that was a challenge,but he was successful in securing such unpaid internship with
    IT department of TV station. The flexibility allowed him to have another PT paying job and some time to study as well.
    At some point he was converted to employee within the same department, he was well liked by the manager and the team.
    The majority of TV stations went and some are still undergoing changes, their regular broadcast technical personnel all incorporated servers and digital networking, moving digital content. Many host their services with other providers.
    Network Engineers and Technologists became in demand in the broadcast industry.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 6, 2017
  7. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Back a few years, "unpaid intern" was a way of gaining experience and - often - led to employment. Today, "unpaid intern" too often leads to a career as a serial unpaid intern. Saw a documentary that included a young lady who'd had FIVE unpaid internships since college graduation. Internship no. 6 was better - it paid a whole $7.50 an hour - in New York City! Corporations love these things - free (or nearly so) workers!

    J.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 7, 2017
  8. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    Johann, indeed this can happen as well, its sad but some employers take advantage of inters.
    The point here is not to wait until the employer hires the intern but to look at this as apprentice, to gain real hands on experience that can strengthen the candidate.
    In our era of social networking , abusive employers may get bad rep in the discussions etc.
    Like in anything one needs competence, knowledge and luck.
    Local churches may have members willing to assist as well.
     
  9. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    It's even more sad when politicians who call for raising the minimum wage take advantage of unpaid interns. But I digress....
     
  10. michaelwarne

    michaelwarne member

    MCITP is great decision to go but if Going further, candidates can get special upgrade certifications to earn MCSA or MCSE in order to keep pace with the changing times.
    Koenig Solutions offers all course with ultimate training along with guidelines.
     
  11. instant000

    instant000 Member

    There is sometimes a chicken-and-the-egg problem in IT, due to a lack of apprenticeships in the field.

    You didn't provide your location. There's more jobs in certain locations. Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to travel?

    I'm not against certifications, as I have several myself.

    If you're trying to get IT career advice, I'd recommend checking out the tech exams forum.

    Keep in mind that stuff like location, willingness to travel, how your resume looks, etc. matters. If there aren't that many networking jobs in your area, you may have to consider relocation or taking the "work your way up" option if you want to stay in the same area. If things are dire enough, it may be "work your way up" wherever you can. Some can transition directly to networking, but for most, those positions aren't that available, as a typical enterprise has way more systems personnel than network personnel.
     

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