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Home > Archive > CCNA > January 2003 > CCNA: How Important Is It Today?
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CCNA: How Important Is It Today?
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| Galactus 2003-01-20, 6:45 am |
| That's the question Im asking after some guy at work the other day was bemoaning the validity and quality of the CCNA and MCSE certifications.
His view was that now there were too many people certified from 'long-distance' learning (and not enough 'hands-on' networking experience) which therefore 'cheapened' the certifications as a result. Basically he was saying they're almost worthless unless you have the neccessary experience.
This is not good news for those looking to break into the networking business (like me!) - Im 35, going to take my CCNA in 2 weeks and currently working in a technical support role for a DSL broadband firm.
Advice, thoughts, rants, views....anyone?? | |
| ZacDogg 2003-01-20, 10:12 pm |
| It's definately a start. You gotta walk before you run. Just plan to keep going and keep learning.
People tend to think that if they get so and so certification they are entitled to a job. Truth is, you're not entitled to anything. There are people out there, like me, that are going to study and practice harder.
Just study you XXX off, seperate yourself from the flock and you'll always be employed.
Zac | |
| fsjcp2 2003-01-21, 2:04 am |
| People go for certifications for different reasons. Although you don't say too much, I'm under the impression that you are looking for a career change. If you're interest is in the tech field, and networking is your bag, then the CCNA is definately worth attaining. It is just an entry level certification that will get your foot in the door.
In other words, when someone from HR sees that you've got that certification, it may set you up for an interview. Now doing the interview is the hardest part of getting a job. You have to show that you are sincere in your career path, and that you are a quality person who exemplifies good people skills and a willingness to learn.
I agree that there are a lot of other people getting certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA. However, they are the more familiar vendors with entry-level certifications. If you've been keeping up with the times, you know that certifcations from these particular vendors are being offered to H.S. students. However, there are other entry-level certs from other vendors too, and they are for even more niche positions. One example of what you can do is this, after earning an MCSE, you can then go for a Citrix cert. The path that you take for what interests you is totally up to you, and it is doable.
As for me, I do certifcations for enjoyment. I'm currently a CS major at my university, but I'm only a part-time student. While I work full-time to support my family, I study for certifications. When I earn those certs, it is immediate gratification. What's nice is that as I accumulate these certs, it certainly does create other avenues of employment for me here in the building where I work at. Until I earn my CS degree, I'll be doing certs to expand my knowledge, and make me a happy camper. Good luck in your pursuit. |
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