Should I bother with CCENT with no experience?

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I realize there are multiple threads about this, but everyone seems to be saying that it's worthless without experience, which I understand. My problem is that I need SOMETHING that will get me a job so I can get the experience in the first place. I have a BA in Economics and CompTIA A+ and zero IT experience. I'm applying and trying my best to get a job, which is my #1 priority, but it is ill-advised to pursue the CCENT/CCNA while job hunting?

My end goal is Network Security, but right now I'm looking for a Helpdesk or Jr. Sys Admin position. So, would pursuing the CCENT be the wrong move for me right now?

 

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The ccent is more Cisco based but more fun to do then the Network + as it's more hands on, However the Network + would be better as a startup cert as it is a more broader subject in regards to networks. You dont need to be an expert in subnetting to pass the Network +! I would do both as your knowledge would be greater. I did not do the CCENT I took the easier path and just went straight for the CCNA.

 

I ask myself the same question... but I am still doing it. From what I have seen you could expect a NOC position or some low paid 'out of hours' role with no experience. I am sure people have landed a decent job at the end of it but I wouldn't say it's the norm.

If I were you I'd be looking at Microsoft exams for the immediate (MSCDT, MCTS etc) (especially for helpdesk) and then you can continue work on the CCENT after you've landed a job.

 

Cisco has nothing to do with what your first job will entail so you would be better going for the Network+ and another entry level cert such as the MCDST or MCTS in vista and windows 7. No one starts looking after networks anyway you have to build up to that level.

 

I understand that I won't immediately be involved with Cisco Networking, but since CCNA is above Net+, I feel like I'd be wasting time and money getting the Net+ since it'll be obsolete once I get the CCNA.

Maybe a Microsoft certification is the way to go right now..

 

Your supposed to certify in what you work with and if you dont work with anything then you are supposed to get entry level certs to help you get in IT. Getting high level certs without the experience that the cert is supposed to backup can do your career more harm than good

 

If it's a toss up between CCENT and Net+ i would do the CCENT.

 

Me too...

 

CCENT is entry level, hence the Entry Network Technician...

 

Me too.

 

But would a network technician be classified as an entry level IT job?

 

Why not? Network+ is also aimed at "networking professionals", yet it's considered an entry level cert.

CCENT:

 

CCENT:The curriculum covers networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security and wireless concepts, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring simple networks.

The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.

I'll put the question back to you.

Both in my opinion are an introduction to networking. One charges £70 the other £170. Cisco certifications will hold more weight than that of Comptia (I have never seen N+ requested, ever) both will need recertified within 3 years. However people with CCENT usually go on to complete CCNA (since they are half way there) and will become recertified at that point. N+ you have to sit this ridiculously overpriced exam again or do Security+.

 

Beat me to it!

 

I was going to do the network+ myself unitl i found the price of the exam and decided I would be better off doing the MCDST as the company i work for use XP.

If i had to do one of them then for cost sake I would definately consider the ccent, but would the OP not be better going for a cert that would more than likely get him an entry level position like helpdesk or desktop support?

 

Yes, I suggested earlier in the thread that he should consider Microsoft certifications first and pick the CCENT back up later on.

 

I disagree with people saying you should certify in areas you don't know. That's like saying you can't do a degree as a doctor as you haven't had experience operating on someone first. My personal opinion is yes go for it. If your going to study areas you aren't familiar with then you need to study properly and over a sensible amount with the right equipment. I agree this won't in itself get you a job and if you don't know the basics I would strongly recommend starting with that and then move onto the CCNET.

 

Personally I say yes, but it would be a huge advantage if you were working regularly (even at home) with some kind of cisco kit, otherwise what you learn will be gone in a years time.