crossroads

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by TomD, Jun 13, 2007.

  1. TomD

    TomD New Member

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    Hi Everyone

    After stopping by this forum for a long time, I finally decided to say hello.

    Having been in the IT field as a network administrator for over 5 years, I feel like I need to make a choice about the direction of my career.

    I work at a small branch office where I am the sole IT tech looking after 60 + users, 12 + servers and have pretty much free reign over the network...to a degree.

    There is a position opening up at our head office in Seattle, Washington in the Network Infrastructure team. But I'm unsure if I want to go down the Cisco path or not. Plus I'm not sure if I want to move to Seattle. If I want it then I need to do the CCNA to start with.

    The position I currently have is enjoyable but not exactly challenging. If I stay, then I feel I need to do something on the cert side but unsure whether to go with Network+ or does the CCNA sound like the better option either way? I also like the look of the Security + as well. The self study method is the one I would choose whichever exam I decide to take.

    Any advice would be appreciated.

    Cheers
     
    Certifications: A+
    WIP: CCNA
  2. Bluerinse
    Honorary Member

    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    Hi Tom and welcome to the forum.

    Tell me.. do they use Cisco kit at the head office?
     
    Certifications: C&G Electronics - MCSA (W2K) MCSE (W2K)
  3. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    Hi and welcome:D
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  4. TomD

    TomD New Member

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    Hi Bluerinse

    Yes they do have alot of Cisco equipment there at the head office.

    Here in my office, I also look after 15 Cisco switches and 3 Cisco routers. Plus a Cisco PIX and also a Cisco wireless LAN controller.
     
    Certifications: A+
    WIP: CCNA
  5. stuPeas

    stuPeas Megabyte Poster

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    Welcome Tom.:biggrin
     
    Certifications: C&G Electronic, CIW Associate (v5).
    WIP: CIW (Website Design Manager)
  6. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    Welcome!
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  7. Raffaz

    Raffaz Kebab Lover Gold Member

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    Welcome to CF!:)
     
    Certifications: A+, MCP, MCDST, AutoCAD
    WIP: Rennovating my house
  8. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    If I were you I'd look to apply for the position anyway, regardless of certs.

    If you apply and you are successfull then you can think about whether you really want the job or not.

    Welcome to CF BTW! :biggrin
     
  9. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Hi and welcome to CF!

    Harry.
     
    Certifications: ECDL A+ Network+ i-Net+
    WIP: Server+
  10. wizard

    wizard Petabyte Poster

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    hi there and welcome, sounds like a great opportunity, no harm in applying you may be pleasantly surprised 8)
     
    Certifications: SIA DS Licence
    WIP: A+ 2009
  11. Bluerinse
    Honorary Member

    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    In which case i would say go for the Net+, just to give you a vendor neutral grounding and then move on to the CCNA afterwards. This sounds like an ideal opportunity to combine certs with hands on, ultimately leading to more experience. That is the perfect combination 8)

    Pete
     
    Certifications: C&G Electronics - MCSA (W2K) MCSE (W2K)
  12. Headache

    Headache Gigabyte Poster

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    With that kind of hands-on knowledge, the CCNA should be a breeze !

    Welcome.
     
    Certifications: CCNA
    WIP: CCNP
  13. Peggsta

    Peggsta Bit Poster

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    Hi and welcome. :)
     
    Certifications: None yet
    WIP: A+ N+ CCNA
  14. UCHEEKYMONKEY
    Honorary Member

    UCHEEKYMONKEY R.I.P - gone but never forgotten. Gold Member

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    Greetings :sunny
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+
    WIP: Comptia N+
  15. TomD

    TomD New Member

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    Thanks everyone for the advice and greetings.

    There are a few nagging questions I need to ask.

    1) Would you go for the Network + book by David Groth or the one by Mike Meyers?

    2) In my office is an Exam Cram Network + book, but it's the first edition. Would it still help me towards the newer exam?

    3) Regarding the CCNA study material, is it best to stick with the Cisco Press books? Or do you recommend another author?

    Thanks again for your help.

    Cheers
     
    Certifications: A+
    WIP: CCNA
  16. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    If you can afford it - go for both. They are both good, but with a different perspective.

    I don't rate the Exam Cram books very highly personaly. But I haven't seen that particular one so it may be different.

    Harry.
     
    Certifications: ECDL A+ Network+ i-Net+
    WIP: Server+
  17. nugget
    Honorary Member

    nugget Junior toady

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    Hi and welcome to the forum. :D

    As Harry mentioned, if you can afford both then get both. Personally I'd go for the Groth book over MM. Meyers is the A+ guru and Groth is the Network+ counterpart. His book is a little dry as compared to Meyers but at the end of the day if you want to be entertained, go see a movie.

    I don't know about Cisco but I've heard around here that the Cisco Press books are the ones to use for Cisco certs.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP (270,271,272,290,620) | MCDST | MCTS:Vista
    WIP: MCSA, 70-622,680,685

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