HVTA [cnttbachkhoa]

Question: I was thinking about getting a CCNA cert, but I'm not too sure what that entitles me to, job wise. The schools/recruiters I've talked to all tell me things like "Yeah you can get a job when you get your cert from us" etc. But of course, they might be telling me that because they want me to spend my money there and couldn't give a shit about getting me a job, or me working. I don't have much experience in the IT field at all, I have a little bit of college networking courses, and basic computer classes though.

So, pretty much my questions are... If I get a CCNA cert... is that what employers hire people off of? Should I get a CCNA cert and a Network+ and MSCE maybe? What type of skill set/cert's should I be looking into getting? Or would I just be better off going to college and getting an Associate's in networking, or the liking, instead of going through some(quicker) cert programs?

Answer: You're always better off getting a degree.

It's the combination of education, experience, certifications, and your networking/people skills -- plus some luck -- that help you get and grow an IT career. And Experience is King -- but until you have that, you'll have to rely on your education and certifications to open some doors and your people skills to get an opportunity to prove yourself so that you can earn that experience.

If you're a top student in your Cisco Networking Classes at School -- and your instructors have industry contacts -- you may be able jump into a nice junior network admin position or an exciting NOC position. But if you have people skills and no certifications you could still land something like a boring 3rd shift network/server babysitting NOC job.... while you go to school to work on your degree and certifications.

The CompTIA A+ and Network+ are good "starter certifications" -- but even those may not be required for some of the simple help desk jobs.

Add some Microsoft Certifications and a CCNA and then you'll have some ammunition to hunt down a better job.... so I guess I'm saying (unless your a recent high school graduate still living at home looking at starting college or trade school this fall) try and get a job to start gaining experience while going to school.