CCNP - Networking Career Advice

Author

Networking Career Advice

RATTLERMAN

2003-01-21, 10:29 am

Need some info from those that are in the field.

I have a non-IT degree and like alot of others I have been on the cert chase. I am at the point where I need to seriously focus in on exactly what I want to do.

My degree is in economics and I want to combine my knowledge of business with IT.
Thats what led to E-commerce infrastructure.

My question is about Network design which I think the CCDA/CCDP would play into well

Am I being unrealistic about going further into networking with a non-IT degree .

Should I focus more on becoming a Business/Systems Analyst or Project Management

Dude

2003-01-21, 11:39 am

I had a two year degree (which is nothing) and I changed careers to get into the IT field. BUT, I had to start out at the beginning, and I mean a computer tech fixing PCs. But, it was a start. Now its 8 years later and way on up the ladder.

RATTLERMAN

2003-01-21, 11:42 am

I guess its just the fact that I am frustrated with it all.

I have worked a help desk job and I am currently doing desktop support/lan administration for the school system .

I guess I just need to be patient and pay my dues.

Dude

2003-01-21, 12:15 pm

Well, the fact that you have a 4 year degree helps alot. I just didnt have it. Plus, if you have already a little experience, that helps too. But, I THINK, most employers want a proven track record, not JUST certs. I also THINK, that certs help you out alot, but only if you have the experience to back it up. So, what do you do if you dont have the experience??? I THINK, that you have to start out at where you can. That doesnt mean quit your job and live off of lima beans. You could do volunteer work at night after your day job, or even weekend stuff. Im sure there are lots of ways of getting experience, I just took the lima bean way. But, now Im not eating lima beans anymore, Im eating nice steaks now. BUT, that is just my way of looking at it, and someone else may hold a different view. Dont loose heart, if you really want to work in the IT field, do what you have to do. YOu will be happy when you go to work loving what you do.

freak

2003-01-21, 12:21 pm

Interesting question. I have 2 Master's degrees, neither of which is in IT-related studies -- one in Applied and Comparative Linguistics, and the other in education. It has never stopped me from getting a gig in IT. As a matter of fact, it has helped more often than not. It proves that I have other skill sets than pure IT, which tends to make employers happy. Pure IT guys can be hard to reach and integrate in a team environment, or so the common conception goes...

RATTLERMAN

2003-01-21, 12:50 pm

I hear ya freak , but i just so frustrated.

I am not getting younger and my credit too jacked up to be able to get any loans for a
graduate degree.

Thanks for allowing me to vent a little.

wirelessboy

2003-01-22, 4:03 am

Relax all u guys

The only people who have their carrers related to what they studied in school or college are REASEARCH SCIENTISTS.

i have seen in my country, the highest number of networking guys have HOTEL MANAGEMENT, CATERING degrees!.

So all u NON-IT guys, there is a level playing field here, and for IT students and graduates, it is a sign to work hard and make a mark for them.

and rattleman, u are really lucky, starting ur career with LAN ADMIN, we are all spoilt lot, we do not know LAN but are handling WAN. just think u are going the right way, finish CCNP and u will be fine

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