Got certification but no jobs!!!

Oh man! Ad-blocking software has been detected! :'(

This website is run by the community, for the community... and it needs advertisements in order to keep running. Blocking our ads means your killing our stats!
Please disable your ad-block, or become a premium member to hide all advertisements and this notice.

Hi all,
I've got MCP and CCNA certs and also have a degree, but i'm finding it really hard to get a job. I'm sure my CV is alright as i get calls from employers, but nothing turns fruitful. I've also got 2 years experience but back in India. I got a job recently as a 1st line support for an ISP called plusnet. the role is more or less to deal with home based customers queries( like connectivity and stuff). i just wanted to ask all if anyone can tel whether this position can be helpful to get further opportuinities in networking or is it useless?
any suggestions with be highly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,
abhi

 

Oh man! Ad-blocking software has been detected! :'(

This website is run by the community, for the community... and it needs advertisements in order to keep running. Blocking our ads means your killing our stats!
Please disable your ad-block, or become a premium member to hide all advertisements and this notice.

Welcome

Most people start of in entry level positions like what you are doing after you get experience then you can progress.

Also be aware that having the CCNA could be hindering you as the CCNA is supposed to be for people who have experience on Cisco kit and when employers you are applying to see that you have it and no experience they are going to think you may have cheated to get it.

 

thanks guys...
But is this experience, working for an ISP for home based customers will me in anyway? do employers actually consider that..as the content of the job is preety much nothing close to actual networking?

 

Thanks Ken..I've still not started the job. still considering..
Currently i'm working as a quality engineer in a manufacturing plant..thats a reason i was double minded whther to do a six sigma and stick to quality or move back to IT, Now that i got this offer you see..

 

You have my commiserations.

I worked for plusnet for less than a month a couple of years ago, and that was my experience, going from running a network I was given the impression id be doing some reasonable serious networking support, but it was quickly realised the job wasnt for me, and we parted ways.

I would say it is good experience for that first step on the ladder, not only are you doing basic support for network kit (it is basic) there are basic elements of windows based software such as outlook, so its not a complete waste of time.

Id imagine if you did want to stay and try to progress it would be difficult, as i sometimes see the same networks staff working there now as i did then so i think there is limited progression, also the wages sucked lol

I personally would be looking for other roles while at least working in an IT relevant role,
Just out of curiosity do you have any commercial cisco experience? How did you obtain your CCNA, i scraped the bare minimum, and am self training for CCNA, so far I am finding it easy, but the theory side is interesting, the practical side, most commands are sticking, so i guess im just waiting now (8 days till ccent)

Also while working for plusnet there was a guy there, who braindumped his way to microsoft certification (I didnt realise what this was at the time, my first exposure to the sleaze), so overall im glad i left there.

best of luck

 

Thanks for all that information..
well i've work as a system administrator for 2 years..on windows 2003 platform and exchange 2003..
ccna was all on my own..had few simulation softwares, which turned out preety useful.. i would advice you to download ubuntu and run dynamips on it...try n get cisco ios codes...that wud be like training on a live router..believe me.
right now i have a good job...working as quality engineer...so don't want to leave a good job for somethning not worth doing...thanks for the advice..

 

Using IOS outside cisco is against the terms and conditions unfortunately, but i do have a few routers and switches at home, so im getting more hands on.

Good luck with the decision, I wouldnt think the name plusnet on your cv for that role would scream greatness at employers but again thats how you market at interviews.

 

well yeah..using ios outside cisco is not legal...and having a rack for urself is probably the best idea..
i won't go for plusnet anyways..happy with my current job, unless i get something really good.

 

having these certs mean nothing if you dont have the experience to back them up. i'd take the job for the experience and work you way up

Grim

 

If you market yourself correctly, working for an ISP can give you an advantage and look good on a CV.