Calling all IT experts

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Taking N+ simply to prepare for the CCNA makes no sense whatsoever - unless one is not on a budget.

CCNA has FAR more hiring cachet than the N+ does.

Jim Morgan
MCT, MCSE, CCNA, CAI, CIW Security Analyst, & various CompTIA certs.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Calling all IT experts

Jim, she's shooting for an entry level job. Helpdesk, call center, Best Buy, etc.

Prep for CCNA is too much of a commitment for someone who hasn't even decided on a specific IT career path. Much of the CCNA curricula - CLI configuration of access lists, OSPF, NAT, ISDN, and Frame Relay - are esoteric to those who are not network specialists.

The A+ & N+ curricula are not esoteric - they are excellent, general foundations for entry level candidates.

I will grant you that they're too expensive.

 

Q?

How is been Financial Analyst is related to Data communications, unless you looking at changing career?

 

Re: Q?

I am looking for a career change.

 

Can anyone recommend a certification path for someone interested in Security Engineering or Security Analysis?

Thanks

Rhonda

 

Excellent advice!

- Tom

 

Rhonda

Thats basicly what I do. For Security Engineering you want to make sure that you have a solid networking and systems background, CCNA, MCSE, CNA. You will traditionally have support people, but you still need to have a good grasp of the tech.

For analysis i would work toward some of the more security oriented certs like SSCP, CISSP, Sec+, CISA, CISM, SANS GIAC etc. The problem with alot of these is that they require experience to take the test. I got my first real break on my CCNA and the Security+, got a hybrid position at a small company and then got the CISSP. Once you get a few years and a big cert the door start opening, but I still find that I have to continue to get more education to grow. Outside of my BS degree, this year I plan to test for CEH, CISM, and EnCase certifications, and if I can get my boss to pay for the training I would love to grab a SAN incident response. That area is very hot!



Some of

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Calling all IT experts

Our recomendations are prefaced by our definition of "entry level". I would not consider helpdesk/best buy as a career entry level position (generally).

Along those lines, try the brainbench certifications - many of them are free and they are open book.

For bang for the buck, the MCDST and the CCNA are hard to beat - and they are entry-level credentials with high industry acceptance.


Best

 

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Help Desk has been an entry point for many people who moved upwards in the IT industry. Not everyone starts out in their dream position regardless of the bachelor/master degree and/or higher-level certifications. Without good interpersonal skills all the knowledge in the world us not going to get you hired; help desk positions are a great way to learn patience, empathy, and general communication skills along with team work.

 

If you have a basic knowlegde already - self study. If not take a course or two. they will give you the foundation you will need. DO NOT take these classes at some crash course place like New Horizons. I would recommend a community college.

 

I agree with Randell1234. Anyone with the ability to read and a basic aptitude for technology should be able to read the self-study guide for A+ in 1 or 2 months and pass the two exams (hardware and operating system). Studying for Network+ might take 2 or 3 months of self-study but is easily passable if you are a good test taker.

Plus if you can pass these two certifications, you will be on solid footing to learn the material for more advanced certifications. And whenever possible volunteer for a group that uses computers to build that resume. Churches, community groups, etc. typically provide computer access and therefore have a need for support; volunteering gives them support services for the computers/networks while you gain experience and make contacts. As a distance education student working the system should be second-nature by now.

 

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"Has been" is correct. This has not been the case since 2002 (generally). It's important not to consider what worked for you "way back when" - but what will work NOW - something that can be hard to bear in mind.

 

Help desk is still fairly entry level, but the problem is that it is hard to break out of the role. Good HD people are hard to come by, and when its time to move up there tends to be a surplus of candidates.

Jimnagrom, I moved up through the helpdesk work in 01-02 timeframe what do you think is different now than then? Or do you think the market is simply tighter and tougher?

 

Hey Rhonda

What a great thread!

First off, I think Sentinel had some great advice regarding volunteer work. Back in 91, I got my start doing visual basic 1.0 programming (unpaid) for basic Windows GUIs. This lead to Powerbuilder contracting, which lead to Oracle contracting, which lead to Real Estate, etc...you get the idea.

Point being that while 'Paying your dues' may be a necessary precursor, it need not be onerous. Just enough to get your cert - and help someone else out that may need it (but lack the finances to pay for it)...which is a cool thing to do anyway (IMO).

For what it's worth, I thought Steve Foerster offered some excellent advice regarding leveraging certifications towards MS degrees. I didn't know Charles Sturt was so generous (and forward thinking) to offer a vocational masters in SQL Server. Especially if it's worth 50% of the degree. IMO, it gives the best of both worlds - take a class or two, take a test (to see if you like it). If you like it (and pass) you can move forward, get credit, and get certified/degreed (which will only help you getting a job). If not, you can likely transfer the credit into something 'softer'.

Of course, that's just my opinion and your mileage may vary.

Greg

 

Btw...

I forgot to mention Randell1234 gave excellent advice about volunteer work (whether Oracle, SQL Server, CISCO, etc.). It's just a cool thing to do when you're learning the ropes...

I'll step off the soapbox now.

Greg

 

Though I'm admittedly far from an expert (just finished my BS, starting the MS and in process of making the career change), I can definitely echo that knowing specifically what you want to do in the field is key. I'm trying to get my foot in via a contract job in software development -- which is precisely what I want to do -- and hopefully be able to leverage that to a full-time job with a company that may be willing to pay tuition reimbursement and perhaps more importantly, those ever-important certs. Security is definitely hot right now, though -- if it's something that you feel like you will enjoy doing, go for it!