Looking for some advice..

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by Pards07, Feb 11, 2014.

  1. Pards07

    Pards07 New Member

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    Hi all,

    I am currently studying an HND in computer networking and was looking for some advice on the path to take next?

    We are covering the CCNA netacad course this year and I feel that I will be ready to sit the professional cert at the end of the course. I have read a lot of people saying that its better to gain entry level certs first like A+ or Network + which I would agree on but I feel it'd be best to get this cert whilst it's fresh in my mind.

    I have applied to University but am unsure what route to go down, the 2 courses I'm looking at are Computer Networking (covering Windows/Linux domain administration) or Cyber Security which covers advanced routing and network penetration testing. Ideally I'd like to see myself eventually in a network administrator/support job but wonder if security is the better market for finding jobs?

    Also I am trying to determine what type of jobs would I be looking to apply for with either of these degree's? I don't have any experience so I'm guessing I would still be looking at helpdesk/1st line support jobs to begin with?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Messiah74

    Messiah74 Bit Poster

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    Hey pards07

    Welcome to the forum

    First of all i don't envy your position in many ways , but it is kinda exciting to have all those choices in front of you. if i can just jump right in and say It seems that your specialising before you really know what you want to do as the first step in your career , i wouldn't pigeon hole myself like that so soon. Going to university is probably a great thing , but i didn't go down that route, so i cant really comment. Without experience in a working environment its always going to be quite difficult to to break in. There would be a certain amount of duplication in your studies if you were to do A+ and N+ after your HND but if you feel you need it then do it. What makes you think that the HND in computer Networking is not an Entry Level qualification ?. Are you worried that prospective employers wont recognise you if you dont have certs ? Maybe its better to take a step back and a breath and just approach some employers and ask them what they would be looking for ?. Its pretty easy to call a company that you want to work for , ask the receptionist for the name of the person in HR or person who are responsible for the hiring and their email address then email them , set up a phone call / appointment and just have a list of questions ready ?. Communication skills are more important that certifications to many employers at your stage, who knows maybe that might turn into a short term contract over the summer ?. There will be the lack of experience at the end of your qualifications whatever the scenario, but there is a lot you can do to prepare yourself for your first role with your system at home.

    I hope even just a small part of this is helpful to you, Good luck whatever you decide and if i can help you in anyway i will , let us know how your getting on.
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+ , Comptia N+ , C.C.N.A
    WIP: M.C.S.A
  3. Pards07

    Pards07 New Member

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    Hi Messiah74.

    Thanks for taking the time to reply, your advice has been really helpful.

    I would agree I have been thinking too far ahead in terms of where I eventually want to be and that’s maybe been down to the fear of making the wrong choice after college. I previously went to University when I left school over 10 years ago but left within the first 3 months as I didn't enjoy the course so I think I’m just being a bit more cautious this time.

    In regards to the certs, I probably have had it in my head that I need some sort of certs to back up my HND….most of the time I have looked at job adverts it seems that certs are mentioned a lot more than HND’s. Would you say HND's are classed in the same regard as A+ and Network + ??

    I think it would be a good idea for me to contact some companies and find out what they would be looking for. I’m considering looking for full time positions over the summer just to see how I get on so it would be helpful to do my homework beforehand. I have already lined up some volunteer work with a local PC recycling center for when I finish my course which will give me a little bit of experience. However if I don’t have any luck on the job front, I can hopefully carry on with my studies at University.

    Again, thanks for your advice.
     
  4. Messiah74

    Messiah74 Bit Poster

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    Hey pards07

    Ah , your situation is now a lot clearer , thanks for that , I think I fully understand now. As i can only draw from my own experience and what I have learned from joining ICT in the last 3 years this is just my opinion but to be blunt , I reckon colleges / uni is a waste of time . The finance aspect apart from anything else apart from the reputation of the institution and the standard of the qualification. Employers want certs because they comply with constant and specific standards. They evolve and you have to keep them up to date , but that is easier to do once your in the job with your feet under the table ...trust me. So to be blunt , forget about college / uni , get your ECDL (£99) and your A+ ( comptia) .. Get exposure to as many break / fix tests / environments as possible , if need be work for a local charity ( they love it and looks great on your cv ) fix family / friends pc's etc and apply for your first line job.. Get that and then your earning and in a position to fund , MCSA and any other specific certs that you need

    Hope that's not tooo black and white , I hate being blunt but someone needs to be :)
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+ , Comptia N+ , C.C.N.A
    WIP: M.C.S.A
  5. Pards07

    Pards07 New Member

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    Hi Messiah74,

    Thanks for your honesty; I’d rather it was spelt out in black and white to me.

    I do have to say I have really enjoyed my time at college and feel it has taken my IT skills and knowledge to a completely different level. It has also given me the drive to keep progressing so as you've probably guessed I’m just eager to get my career started as soon as possible.

    I have 3 months left of my HND so after completing that I will get started on the certs and plan on applying for first line jobs to see how I get on. I really like the idea of getting into a job and progressing with the certs from there. I took part in an IT Technician competition through college last year and came 2nd in the UK so hopefully with that on my CV along with my HND qualification will get me some interviews whilst I work towards some certs.

    The one downside I have is that I’ve never worked in customer service, which I know is a massive part of the helpdesk role, so I just hope that doesn’t show up too badly on my CV.

    Once again, thanks for making things clearer in my head…much appreciated! :thumbleft
     
  6. Juelz

    Juelz Gigabyte Poster

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    From what I know which admittedly isnt a great deal, a computer science degree seems to be they way forward as it offers you alot of different areas of study. For example I have two friends who studied computer science. . One is working within support the other programing.
     

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