Posted: 12/19/2007 8:00:30 AM EDT
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I'm in school right now for my BS in Network and Communications Management. I have about 7 months until I graduate. I'm also studying for my CCNA at the moment. The job I'd like to have is as a Network Engineer, but I know that they require a boatload of experience. So whats a good entry level job for someone with the above credentials? Before you ask... currently I'm a Data Analyst for a major ISP.Cable Company (i have zero to do with neworking or IT). ANy other information anyone has would be appreciated as well. |
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What are your salary requirements out of the gate? If you like Cisco networking, and want to blaze your path there, LOTS of opportunities with a CCNA and a BS. These will be lower lever job like 1st and 2nd level support however, but stringht outa shool, you have to pay your dues for at least 2 years. If you are serious, after two years you can be banking, bigtime.... the most critical decision affecting that will be your choice of your jobs during the first two years. You need as much experience as possible. If you take a job as a low level supprt guy, doing one small scope - it will be very difficult to gain the experience to move up quickly. The best thing you could do is keep your resume out there, and jump around and try to gap up every 6 months. And a CCNA is just a tiny door opener. You need CCNP to be taken seriously at all, at least that is how it was a few years ago. The advice I'd give someone starting out - is jump... move... companies dont reward or respect loyalty or time in a single position like they used to. They want skilled people who dont have to be managed or prodded. |
Salary requirements out the gate, at leats $30k, that's what i bring in right now. CCNP is already in my head, as is a CCSP if i can swing it. I've tried for Tier 1 and Tier 2 slots, but i always get passed over for sons of VP's or some crap at my current company.
Will do. |