Degree + Experience + ??? , go for the CCIE?

thefish · Guest

Hello,

I'm a little new to the group, but I've read through quite a few
threads.

The first thing I'm wondering is of all networking certifications is
the CCIE the hardest one to get? What other certifications are also
very difficult?

I have a BS in electrical engineering and I've been working as a unix
admin and now a network engineer at an ecommerce firm for about 3
years. I install cisco routers, pixes, and switches and also linux
servers. So I'm more in the enterprise networking field I guess.
What I'm wondering is if the CCIE will help me at all to break into
the service provider networking field? Or is there a better way to
give me and edge when I apply for a service provider network job? I
know the CCIE won't automatically get me everything I want, but I'm
looking for something to give my an advantage over others with a BS
degree and the same type of experience as me.

I'd like to hear from any of you guys/gals who already have 5+ years
experience as network engineers/admins/etc (especially those in the
service provider field).

Thanks,
fish

nrf · Guest

"thefish" <swisscheese@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d1711bce.0308131332.1f33d7e0@posting.google.com...

JohnNews · Guest

Fish:

It is very refreshing to know that others are actually taking the time to
plan their careers. After reading the various threads I often detect an
anti-education posture of many contrubutors. One guy wants only 'practical
experience' and is not interested in books at all. Remember that you are
planning to survive whatever life may throw at you

In response to your questions, I will hasten to say that it all depends on
what you want to do NOW and where you want to go in the next 5-10 years.
Are you more inclined to do technical hands on stuff or do you want to
manage people who do the technical stuff? Once you clarify these issues in
your mind you will be better positioned to make the appropriate choices.

I would suggest that you continue to educate yourself (Certs and Degrees)
even while holding down your regular job. A first degree is expected and
standard. To acquire that competitive edge you need a graduate degree. An
MBA would be nice if you plan to manage people and combine your technical
knowledge with business knowledge.
If you want to remain purely technical for the time being then consider an
Engineering Masters degree. Also, it is
important to ensure that your writing and oral presentation skills are
second to none.

For many people education is a chore to be ENDURED. Assuming that you ENJOY
education then I would suggest that you definately pursue CCIE as one way to
further separate myself from the crowd.

Many years from today when you are able to look back at all your
accomplishments, you will be happy that you did embrace education.

Thanks,
John.

"thefish" <swisscheese@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d1711bce.0308131332.1f33d7e0@posting.google.com...

The Real Slim Shady · Guest

The degree definitely. A degree in a marketable subject like computing,
engineering or science will always retain its worth for the rest of your
life. Certs are a passing phenomena and I say that as a holder of CCIE
myself. Sure, the CCIE stands out in a crowd and is definitley worthwhile.
However, faced with your situation I would not hesitate - the degree. Now
then, if you are an experienced engineer in your late thirties then the CCIE
might be the better descision. The CCIE on its own ain't worth squat
without experience.

My two cents worth.

Slim

"nrf" <noglikirf@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:DeE_a.140734$YN5.94844@sccrnsc01...

thefish · Guest

"nrf" <noglikirf@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<DeE_a.140734$YN5.94844@sccrnsc01>...

nrf · Guest

"thefish" <swisscheese@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d1711bce.0308140709.12eec88a@posting.google.com...

mikester · Guest

I'm a bit in the same boat.

I'm technical with a degree. I already have the CCNP and CCDA certs,
working on the IE for a while now. I work for a provider that never
sees the light of ISDN, Frame relay or ATM. I work on a DWDM based
OC48 SONET network. I do advanced switching, BGP routing, etc...

I also do Solaris administration, HP Open View, etc...

The current CCIE doesn't seem to fit in there but I do want to be a
better engineer. The best in fact, I think that studying this material
does nothing but make me better at my job. Just because I don't do
Frame Relay, ISDN or ATM doesn't mean that one day I won't. It also
doesn't mean that I don't want to know about it. One thing I would
consider is the "Communications Services" CCIE.

That might be more up both our alleys.

thefish · Guest

Thanks for all your input nrf, shady, john, mikester.

I'll have to keep the masters degree in mind. The problem is I am
SICK of school. I think I'll go crazy if I try to do a masters while
having a full-time+ job. I did that with my undergrad in EE for my
last couple years, it sucked. However, I love reading books, white
papers, manuals of routing or switching protocols and then
implementing them on my home lab. I think because of that I'lm gonna
keep trying for the CCIE. Maybe after that I'll go back to school.
Hopefully by the time I get my CCIE the job market will have made a
nice comeback.

Seems like the way to get the job I want at a provider is to just work
at getting provider experience. Maybe try to get a job at a smaller
local or regional provider and then work my way to a bigger provider.
That seems more long term though.

You guys ever heard of the "three legged stool" of a career? I've
seen some articles on this. They say education, experience, and
certification are the three legs to a strong career. Experience is
the most difficult one to obtain they say. The other two are easier
because for the most part anyone can go get a degree or go get
certified. Not to say they don't take time and commitment. Any
thoughts on that?

fish

JohnNews · Guest

Fisk:

A degree is exhausting work. But don't forget that this will last a
lifetime and is certainly more valuable than any certs. Now that you have
finished your first degree: take a break, focus on something else, grab
some job experience, etc. But continue to ready & study those white papers,
etc. The need for school will return soon then you can continue where you
left off. In the meantime, continue to plan your career. Ask lots of
career questions. This is one way to identify a strategy and get feedback
from this IT community.

Thanks,
John.

"thefish" <swisscheese@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d1711bce.0308150852.1159a45f@posting.google.com...