i feel under paid

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the title says it all, i have being with the company for like 8 months, i have my mcitp ea and network plus and 2 years of experience doing system admin/system engineering work mainly as well as support work. I only get paid 22.3k pounds a year. I have a review next year when i pass the 1 year mark. I am doing cisco cert to get my salary up, what else can i do also is my salary right for my experience and certs?? I wanna get to 27k pounds

 

I am not planning to do ccna

we do not work with cisco gear here, maybe we have a couple of switches but most of our gear is 3com.

The reason I am gonna get my CCENT is because i wanna get some more knowledge and confidence in networking as a general, I looked at the CBT stuff and some of the stuff actually relates to my work even though i do not touch cisco switches at work.

 

I have a good solid foundation of networking, Comptia network + is easy, i looked through the n+ book I know like most of them without study, the ccent has lots of interesting stuff thats why i want to do it, also the hp ones arent that famous and recognizable.

is there anything wrong with doing the ccent? i was told in my half way review that instead of working on the network and doing the work on the switches it is much better to get certified so the HR can measure it, so thats why i decided to go for CCENT.

 

There's nothing wrong with the CCENT course I think the point wagnerk is tryin to say it's geared towards cisco's own products if you don't use cisco gear then the N+/ HP might be a better option. don't get me wrong I am a huge fan of cisco certification but if you not using what you learn you will lose it.

 

Got to say that a lot of people would consider 22.3k a good salary for 2 years experience. Obviously it doesn't take into account location and company etc. I've found over my 8+ years experience (discounting times I've done contract work) that certs tended to only help me get the job in the first place. Once in the job managers for the most part couldn't care less if you have an MCSE, degree or invented the PC. They only care that you can do the job. There are companies out there that do value certs and reward you for it (I wish I could find one) but I would say these are in the minority.

Sorry to say but to get a better salary yo may have to move jobs.

 

I'd think about asking my manager which cert might be best. In the outside world the CCENT might be "worth" more because it is more widely known. However, in your current role HR might view something more specific to 3Com kit as having more value.

Is 27K a realistic figure to aim for? That's a 21% increase, not something most companies will give out when they have the "there's a global recession" card to play.
Are others in your company doing the same job as you getting that figure? What's the local job market like for people with your experience? Is 27K near the average?

 

I would narrow that down more and say certs only help you get the interview.

 

good points there guys, i am just getting the ccent to show that i have gained more networking confidence and knowledge,

also its just a entry level cert, don't matter what vendor you use the concepts are the same.

basically i work for a big company, there is someone who represents me, me and had a chat and he said go for ccent and get many other certs i can, because it is measurable. Then its up to the HR to decide.

 

a little but mostly improved in what my job is, starting next year I am gonna take it to next level and try and take on more responsibility and more project based work. I am just going to plan it out.

 

Unless your work peers are on or around 27k then you may have to move on, 22.3k is a reasonable wage with 2 years experience, you don't simply get a wage rise just because you get more certs and experience, what was the advertised salary for your role and what part of the country do you work?

 

22 k is good for someone with 2 years. Count yourself lucky. It took me longer than that to get what you have - not through lack of trying.

I would also echo that managers dont care once your in the job what you have after your name, if you can do the job great. It helps you get the interview/noticed in the first place and thats it. Only if its going to increase the image of the manager or IT/provide greater service /there is a need for the business will it be important to have the certs.

 

I wouldn't call it luck, I call it hard work, I came from having nothing.

 

So did everyone.

 

i really wouldnt say that to everyone.

Some people get lucky and get a job with no quals or experience, while others have to get quals and even work for free and get rejected from 20 interviews and get hired.