Network Systems,Cisco and Job Decisions

[previasc96]

I'm am now working toward getting my Network Support Technician Certificate. the course work goes as follows: A+ Essentials, A+practical, Network+, Network Cabling Technologies, Microsoft Windows Client, Linux+, Security+,and a Computer science elective which I have a credit for already. I've passed A+ essentials and I'm in Practical now. Being in these A+ courses taught me how much is involved in keeping a Computer working at it's optimal performance level and how to trouble shoot problems with the computer or network.

Anyways...I was contemplating weather or not to go into cisco since the first few courses on the cisco specific certificate program are the same as NST. I spoke to my professor, and she told me that the IT field is broad and I need to know what Job I would like to do in order figure out which certificate or Tech Degree is best for me.

I am more of hands on guy. I was originally going into Telecom, but my Unlce who has been in the field for 20 yrs said there is a shift going into Voice over IP and that my best bet is to do cisco. Networking seems more attractive than Systems Administration or system support.

Anyone here have a CCNA or know much about Cisco Networking?

[InuFaye]

I am working on my CCNA.

Most certs are only useful in getting an interview.

The real money lies in system design, and Voip support.

150k for 3 weeks work in creating VOIP solutions.

[VinniE30]

Well some certs are useful. If you get the Cisco CCIE cert you're pretty much set for a very high paying job. One of my coworkers is trying to get it. Supposedly the pass rate is less than 10%. That's way less than even so called very hard exams like the BAR exam for lawyers.
The ones that actually pass take an average of 3 to 4 attempts and it's very expensive each time you attempt it.
But this is something that you would think about doing only after you get that CCNA and have many years experience.