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I was just wondering which of these qualifications you would recommend someone to study who wishes to work as a network expert in the telecommunications industry
In 2000, I spent some major $ and 6 months to obtain a CCNA + another networking certification. The time & money were totally wasted from my point of view.
Hundreds of applications and NOT ONE interview!
Also the last time I checked NO ONE in my class had gotten a job in IT.
The area I live in was formerly a hotbed of IT but has been VERY depressed lately.No job listings in paper etc..
Also I had some things going against me like no previous computer employment, (have college degree though). And I'm an older career changer type.
I'd say if you already have a networking type job or good contacts- getting a certification could help you possibly.
I still cringe when I see all the local ads on TV, radio promising high paying jobs in IT.
I have the CCNA, and would recommend it as being a more widespread sought-after certification (at least where I live). Although as 1milehgh suggested, it can be extremely difficult converting a paper certification into a job. And it seems these days that the Cisco certs are becoming as commonplace as MCSE, with just as many 'paper certified techies' around.
As you already have 6 months experience, by the time you finish the certification you should have some good real-world experience to tag onto your C.V.
As for the SCSA, you could probably expect to be paid more in the long run (depending on a number of factors of course) as this is a more specialised, and not so populated, certification.
Either way, it's a long road :)
Good luck!
2odd...
1milehgh80210: Forgive me for stating the obvious, but you'd have been better concentrating on an entry-level certification like Net+ and A+, getting a foot in the door and stamping your mark on the job, instead of shooting for a Cisco cert straight out of the box. Don't give up tho' Mate. You never know where or when the next opportunity is coming your way.
Since you have done your CCNA could you answer these questions for me.
Is it possible to self-learn it rather than complete courses and also if I was to self-learn it how many hours do you think it would take?
BTW If you love rugby so much, are you coming to Australlia for the World Cup?
Absolutely you can self-study. All the certs that I've done so far are self taught (I'd rather put my money into home labs than expensive courses), but as to how long it takes well that's a tough one to answer (I took about 7 weeks). It depends on many factors, not the least being how experienced you are in IT already, your studying environment, how much time you have etc. I know folk who have 'braindumped' their way to a cert over one weekend - but a fat lot of good that does in the workplace. Those people get found out really quick.
The best way I've found is to print off a list of the exam objectives, and just work your way thru each subject ticking them off as you go. Don't move on to the next subject until you're comfortable with the one you're on. Do as many practice questions as you can, and of course nothing beats hands-on experience.
And don't mention the rugby. As of last week I'm now living in Sweden (up near the Artic Circle) and the only sports channel I have at the moment is Eurosport. Fantastic if you like cycling and synchronised swimming :( Aussie is definitely out of the question in terms of a visit come October, but I might be able to make it a Pubcon/World Cup couple of months in the UK :) (just gotta figure out how to convince the Missus).
Good luck!
2odd...
