Hey guys, I'm looking for a change of career and network security has really sparked my interest. Is the CCENT even worth getting, or should I just study for the CCNA Routing & Switching and build my base off of that.
Any other noteable certifications I should consider acquiring? Mosty looking for good stepping stones to push myself into a decent position, I'm aware that senior positions come with time and a proven track record and have no problem starting from dirt.
>>52641329
Also general networking discussion
>>52641329
There's really no point in skipping the CCENT if you have no experience and no current IT job.
You end up paying pretty much the same whether you take the CCENT then do the second half/CCNA test separate or whether you do it all together as CCNA.
Less dollars spent statistically if you do it in two parts.
>>52641449
So I would be able to acquire my CCENT and then take a secondary exam to acquire the CCNA?
Also, I'm open to any suggestions on study material if someone has a good resource.
>>52641506
>So I would be able to...
Yep.
Even CCENT is a big commitment if you have no real experience in networking. Network+ is far easier. I'd say expect 3-6 months for CCENT if you take it seriously and study an hour every day.
I personally think the Chris Bryant CCNA video series on Udemy is worth it, and of course you need a book. Wendell Odom is good.
>>52641787
Thanks a lot for the suggestions anon. I'll definitely look into these. Do you have a current career in Networking? What can I expect my day-to-day routine to be
>>52641826
>Do you have current career in networking
I don't. I do IT sales, but I take it seriously enough to know my shit.
>>52641329
If you have no experience, a CCNA is a red flag and no one will hire you.
Go get the ccent or network+ and get a job as a datacenter technician at a noc.
>>52641787
I avoid Udemy because they steal videos.
I would suggest pluralsight their shit is god tier.
If you're looking for a datacenter tech job, CCENT might even be overkill. Cisco CCT and/or Network+ and even A+ might be more commonly listed. Check the job listings you want for cert names.
>>52641787
Thanks anon
>>52641915
>>52641960
As I stated in OP, my long term goal is to work in network security. Is my best shot at progression to start within a datacenter? Or would I be better off trying to obtain a sysadmin position of some sort
>>52642060
sysadmin is not a starting position anon.
Why does everyone try to start above entry level.
If you want to be a sysadmin your best shot is starting out in desktop support.
Desktop Support tech> Sysadmin
Network tech > network admin
>>52642060
Good question. Depends who you know I guess. Start linking people on Linkedin.
Working for the government might be a good starting point. Library Help Desk or Army National Guard IT Specialist/Customer Service or something.
>>52642098
I apologize for the miscommunication, I meant it as a path/progression, not a starting role. I want as much exposure as possible to different topics so I can be well rounded as my career progresses.
>>52642168
Please restate your question then. I'd like to answer what you intended to ask.
>>52642225
To work in a senior network security position (later in my career) what would be the most ideal path to gain as much unique experience as possible, in relevance to my desired job.
Or alternately, which path would yield the best results in regards to obtaining my desired position.
>>52642285
Network engineers do most of the security implementation.
Companies will often have 1 or less "security" people, and they are usually clueless and will focus on the user since most (80%) of security breeches are non-technical (user error).
>>52642382
so presumably going the data center route would yield the best results?
>>52642410
Yep, just understand if you really really care about security, you'll be stuck working a huge megacorps, anywhere that is smaller than 500 employees will really cheap out on security professionals
>>52642485
Surly there is options to work with consultation firms no?
>>52642525
Yeah those too.
Stuff like sysadmin or netadmin are basically needed at even the smallest companies.
>>52642573
So it sounds like it makes sense to benefits from both networking/engineering positions and more IT related/sysadmin positions to have the most flexibility long-term
>>52642098
That's how I got my system administrator position. However I have a college education and years of desktop administration experience. Certs don't mean fucking shit if you don't have alot of experience or a degree with it. Companies want people who are dedicated to their studies. Not cheap trick cert owners.
I went desktop support support at 38k, CCENT, CCNA, hustled my way to Jr Network Engineer at 40k, 7 months later I bullshitted my way to Network Engineer at 85k, next year 88k, next year I was Manager of Network Operations at 100k, been there since. It doesn't take too much knowledge to transition from catalyst shit to Data Center/Nexus, but I'm currently transitioning to Cisco ACI (SDN stuff) and it's a motherfucker, but awesome.
I don't know where I was going with all that, but I can tell you that I'm fucking exhausted but it can be done.
I can also tell you that people tell me all the time that they're going for their CCNA because they want to make 100k. CCNA is just the beginning. I read that myself before I started my CCNA and shrugged it off, but after a few years of sacrificing time with my family to get sharp enough I can accurately say that the CCNA is just the beginning. Buckle up.
Will also answer questions you have as long as you can keep the thread alive.
>>52642763
Thanks for the motivation man, I'm really stoked and I find everything about it super interesting. Any tips or suggestions you can make for my journey? Did you start or obtain a college education along the way?
>>52642763
>Cummerbund
holy shit kill yourself
>>52642877
Ayy lmao
>>52642798
You don't need college for Networking. Just have a decent understanding of the basic data flow in your environment. Web to app to db or whatever. Storage, vms, hosts and how they come into your switches. I hired two CCNPs who are useless in a spanning tree or ISP outage situation so don't bank on Cisco showing you everything. Try to understand the big picture. Also try to understand the business drivers in your company. don't just see everything in IP addresses. You'll need to know how to use syslogging, snmp and other tools to diagnose issues. This all applies to Security too. Most good security guys I know come from different parts of IT and all have a strong understanding of at least fundamental networking. Also learn firewalling too. Not really covered in Cisco shit but absolutely critical.
>>52643073
Word, thanks anon. I want to delve into as many topics as I can.
network security is a lot different than network engineer.
i changed direction and went back to school and now i am graduating for a second time and had multiple offers. ended up starting at 75k, and the cost of living is low where i am
>>52643151
Could you share some of your experiences or thoughts on the career?
>>52643107
Also draw everything out. its a great way to gain understanding. Even with an already made Visio, if you drawn out every layer 3 hop you'll remember more.
Oh and keep your layer 2 and 3 diagrams separate, faggot!
What city are you in anyway?
>>52643232
Currently in south florida not far from miami, but I'll most likely be moving away. We only get one season and I can't take it any longer, been considering cali or new york, possibly another hub with up and coming jobs in the field. Texas/chicago also seem like decent options at this time. I'm open to seattle aswell minus the rain
>>52642711
yes exactly. I have almost 5 years of experience and now is the time I started looking into (midlevel) certs.
A couple of entry tier certs if you have no experience is ok, but really certs aren't a thing until you feel like you've stagnated.
>>52643232
This is a huge benefit for me too (sysadmin).
I have a 2x3 black glass whiteboard that I use to diagram my home lab. At work I do the same. Visualization is hugely important.
>>52643294
Well if you go work in silicon valley you'll be surrounded by a lot of people with a ton of experience.
My company has 2 big offices, one in san jose and the other in austin, the IT people in Austin have been in their job for easily 10 years each and are pretty worthless and behind the times. The folks in san jose have all been with the company less than 5 years and are much more knowledgeable.
