thinking about MCSE.... Network Engineering field

[Dial_tone]

Don't choose a field for the money; choose it because you enjoy the work.
Example: I've been in IT for 7 years now. I can't program a lick and I don't want to either. It bores me to tears and my math is terrible. My web developer friend, who's making a mint, is trying to get me into it. I keep declining. Why? Because I could never like it enough to be willing to work hard enough to become better than the guy that stuff comes naturally too. I'd always be playing catch-up.
The people who get into IT (without even basic computer knowledge) simply because they heard they can make alot of money are destined to fail.
I went thru Cisco Networking Academy for my CCNA (company paid). When the class started there were near 25 people, some of whom had hardly touched a keyboard. When it ended months later we had 8 students left. The rest couldn't hack it. I only know 1-2 students from the class that took the CCNA. I passed it before it ended, mainly because I 80% of my studying before I even got there.
It's like the stock market analogy. When housewives with less than $500 to spend start investing in stocks you know you're at the top. When people leave good jobs to become MCSE's and get rich you know you're at the top. The top was 2 years ago.
Get a college degree, get a part time job supporting the school network, study for certifications in your spare time. Be ready for the next rebound....just remember it won't be like the last one.

 

[Spanky11]

Cisco is where it's at. Get your CCNA, and the rest will fall into place. Most companies need people with cisco. Trust me.

 

[AAP]

In the best interests of NYM, you should really stay out of this discussion.

In the best interest of fitness people, you should reall stay out of this site. Your scrawny ass started working out yet?

 

[Parabellum]

Experience is what really matters. School and certs are good too but do not compare to experience. Everyone on is asking for a wide range of experience.

These are my current certs:
CCNP Cisco Certified Network Professional (Mid tier Cisco Cert)
CCDA Cisco Certified Design Associate (Cisco beginner cert)
CCNA Superceded by CCNP.
MSCE
MCP+i Superceded by MCSE
MCP Superceded by MCSE
CCA Citrix Certified Administrator.

I have 7 years of experience and I'm having a hard time finding a decent job. No one wants to pay for your skill set anymore. Everyone is low balling everyone.

Job pickings are slim in NYC. Take a look at the Sunday NY Times, it's has 15-20 ads tops now. I remember 4 years ago there were 3-4 pages full of ads for IT jobs.

Everyone is jumping on the Cisco bandwagon; no one will hire you to touch their production network right out of school.

VoIP is pretty hot now. Security too.

 

[Parabellum]

Cisco is where it's at. Get your CCNA, and the rest will fall into place. Most companies need people with cisco. Trust me.

CCNA's are a dime a dozen now just like MCSE's. You have to distingish yourself from the other job seekers. MSCE and CCNA do not cut it anymore for meaningfull employment.

 

[Dial_tone]

No certification by itself, even a CCIE, is going to get you an IT job. Having a CCIE with little experience to back it up just makes you overqualified for entry level jobs and underqualified for high end jobs.

 

[NY Muscle]

Ok now im re-thinking my decision...but the real issue at hand is I think its 2 fold.. IF I was able to get a job 1/2 way threw my schooling then when I am done with it all I have some experience on my resume would this decision be smart or even with that will it still be hard to find a job since the jobs are slim now and not as hot as they used to be.


Also when it comes to what interests me.. web design I always liked but then that gets into programming eventually right??

I guess it all comes down to is if this field is even worth it.

 

[Parabellum]

Do search on monster.com and dice.com for the field your looking into. You 'll get a good idea of how much experinece and what skills you needs to get a job.

It's rough here now.

 

[ungbygger]

If you want to work in the IT-security/networking field, it might be good with a few other certifications in addition to the Cisco ( CCNA/CCNP )
You could also look into Checkpoint certifications ( Firewall-1)..

Im 21, been in the IT-field for 3 years, with no school.. started with tecnical support for end-users, and worked with that for 1,5 years, and now i work as a security consultant, I dont make a fortune, but its ok money, and inspiring work, with some travelling around in scandinavia

I would suggest trying to get an ISP support job, while studying on your own for other certifications, and looking for other/better jobs. Its easier to get a job when you already got one

 

[flexygrl]

Also when it comes to what interests me.. web design I always liked but then that gets into programming eventually right??

Maybe not. Why don't you go for graphic design instead? I teach some GD courses. Mostly just Dreamweaver and Flash. Web Design has really moved beyond simple programming. Now some people chose to just code rather than use the newer programs out there, but it's personal choice. If you have a good eye then you can be a pretty good web designer. Take a couple classes, see if you like it. But I must warn you, the money is not good. Someone I know who is an amazing artist as well as web designer , graduated with a BA in GD got a job making only 25K. Ofcourse, that was only in the hamptons and if you look for work in Manhatten you may find a job paying more money. Good luck! If you have any questions, please let me know.