CCNA or COLLEGE? - Become a Network Engineer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.พ. 2017
- CCNA or COLLEGE? - Become a Network Engineer
Should you pursue a college degree or your CCNA? (or any other IT certification?) Will a 4 year university degree be more valuable than a CCNA? A MCSA? CCNP?
What will help you become a Network Engineer (or a System Engineer) faster and give you the opportunity to make more MONEY$$$$$$?
BLOG POST: networkchuck.com/certification...
WEBSITE: NetworkChuck.com
Twitter: @NetworkChuck
Should you go to college or should you pursue your CCNA…..or any other certification instead of a degree?
Now, I’m assuming that you want to break into the IT field or accelerate your career. Either way, both of these are options you have to consider. So, which is better? What will get you that job faster and give you the most bang for your buck? - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
After watching this video, I feel really lucky. My high school gave me a great opportunity to go to a Cisco academy for free. I'm 16 and passed the CCNA 1 and working on CCNA 2 right now.
That's incredible. #Jealous
lucky :D where you from sir im 14 im planning to start my IT career earlier :D
@@thelastilluminati6959 im 6 and just got my CS degree now working at a FAANG company. top that
@Suffer No Fools do what?
@Suffer No Fools oh no. I'm so sorry to hear that. A similar story happened to me. I was going to pay my parking ticket and then ten cops showed up and said they received a call of a thug in the building. Ended up shooting me in the leg and I used for 10 mil dollars. Only got 3 though 🤗
I second what chuck is saying. Nothing is going to move you forward faster, further, and cheaper, than a certification. Once you have the certification, then you need the interview, don't be afraid to be confident in your abilities once you get that CCNA. Use networking language in the interview, VLAN, STP, BGP, OSPF, area, AS number, ect.
The school doesn't make the engineer, experience does.
YEP! Awesome feedback!
So get your experience in school!!! You guys are really being one sided. YOU WILL LEARN IN SCHOOL! Probably more than what you will learn in the books. And even better than that you will have a shit ton of letters of recommendation options from prof, dept admin, people who are well respected in the IT community. School is powerful. Do the research there are Great programs out there!!! Be safe,be smart.
Hands on experience and labs help validate the IT certifications. I got that in college, not so much on my self study for IT certs. I had to pay for the IT training, so either way you may have to pay for the training experience.
❤. Touch and hold a clip to pin it. Unpinned clips will be deleted after 1 hour. 8:01 Touch and hold a clip to pin it. Unpinned clips will be deleted after 1 hour.Welcome to Gboard clipboard, any text you copy will be saved here@@deanokanome
Why not both? Choose a community college with a CCNA program. Low cost and end up with both.
Agreed, that would not be bad option. I think the cost would end up being significantly more than just going for your CCNA but, like you said, you would also have your associates. I still stand by the self-study CCNA path if you are wanting the most efficient path.
I agree with Jason, having a degree in cyber is much nicer than a proprietary certification. You have to keep in mind that Cisco isn't the end all be all in everything network related. Im finishing up a degree and we are already having weekly discussions about how Cisco hardware will be obsolete soon. Things are changing faster than any school or certification test can prepare you for, if you wanna "get gud" don't do it for money. Take HTML, take SQL, learn Python, learn Linux, anything grants or financial aid will let you put into your brain. Dont worry about the money it will come.
This is exactly what I am doing. I will be considering just doing the CCNA asap though
Yes that is excellent option, also I have seen Community colleges do have very good Cisco Academy program., I would highly recommend that option.
Do u think its realistic to get a ccna by studying it yourself instead of going to school
I can't remember if he mentioned it in the video, but something else about a degree is that there are no "updates" to degrees. I'm 45 years old now. I got a degree in 1994. What in the world does that degree have to do with today's technology??? Almost ZERO! But if I have a certification that is up to date... well that is actually relevant in today's market.
Couldn't agree more!
Really apples and oranges. A degree is for life depends on major
Supply and demand. One person with 3 years experience, certifications, and a 4 year degree vs one with the same experience an certifications... who will get the interview? Assuming they are the only two candidates, maybe both depending on the HR filters. I have hired in to IT and can promise you with the amount of applicants, your name may not ever be read if you are not a match. However, now let’s say the person with no college is up against lots of others that have degrees?
When searching for a job, notice that most have the degree listed as a requirement while the certification is listed as a nice to have / additional requirement?
Stay competitive and get the degree and certifications. I’m not anti certifications but you also need to consider that they are limited time and there are renewal costs for most and that needs to be factored in. You best position will be one that does not limit opportunities.
Doesn't a degree show that you have the capabilities of technical learning (relevant to this topic) and that you have trained your brain to be capable of learning? Yes, certs update but can easily be certified in untrustworthy ways whereas a degree show capability.. I have both BSC and CCNA. It's not easy but in my opinion get both.
renragged CompTia certifications DO expire.
Taking CCNA courses at my local community college is what led to my entry level Cisco job handling implementation for a very large company.
Jason you have a college degree?
This knowledge from Chuck is underated. Not only is Chuck full of solid knowledge, he's a trainer on CBT Nuggets and I highly recommend following his Twitter account. The power comes from that awesome beard 👍🏼
I started at Best Buy in 2008 selling computers. After a couple of months I moved over to the Geek Squad for the next year and a half. When I realized in 2010 I needed some movement in my career but couldn't land the job I wanted due to lack of experience, I joined the Army as a 25N (Nodal Network Operator/Maintainer... basically a tactical voice/data network admin). Last year (March 4, 2016) was my last day in the Army. With no degree and only a sec+ certification, I was able to land a job as a Unified Communications Technician (voice networking along with teleprescence and video teleconferencing) making $38 an hour in Colorado. After 7 months I was made the Senior Unified Communications Technician.
I am currently working on my associates degree in networking on an online school and after that will be working for my CCNA.
Currently my bosses boss has basically told me I am next in line to take the next open UC Engineer position.
I can't express how much I agree with your assessment between college and certs. I am in school right now only so that I can knock it out before my GI Bill expires. Because I have the experience and the job already I feel it's safe to push the certs until after I finish my degree. If I didn't have the job already, I would 100% agree that the certification is the first one to go for.
That's awesome! You have come a long way!
Yeah, you have to evaluate what will give you the most value in your current situation. I started on my degree thinking it would give me a leg up...but soon realized that it would offer little to no value on my career path. (And I also really don't plan on moving into management)
But for you it obviously sounds like a degree is a great thing to attain right now.
$38 an hour ?....thats grt..
here in india the mothly salary of a network admin starts at $200-300(max) per month lol
not me im a student
Nice I'm a 25B in the army reserves
Is it possible to obtain a employment as a help desk tech, without any experience?
you should've gotten net+, ccent/ccna while you were in. unless you had a shitty unit, those are easy classes to get into
I've been looking for a video like this one forever. 2 thumbs up!
Thanks! Glad I could help!
@@NetworkChuck v
It's safe to say that we all made mistakes in the beginning of our IT career. Wasting time working in the help desk and not studying for a major certification. There's a lot of truth within this video. I have BS degree and it was very hard me to find a Network Engineer job until I got my CCNA. So I would say certification is the way to go if you want to advance your Career.
Yes sir! Degrees are valuable but only for certain careers and goals.
Martell Campbell of course you don't have any focused knowledge on that subject, if you major in comp science you could probably land a network job but definitely a sysadmin job. definitely sysadmin with the Linux and Windows experience you can get.
that's what happens when u go for your "bullshit" degree hahah, kidding..
Yanglers Guys I am really confused here seeing as I got the opportunity do i go an get a degree in computer science or networking (I will definitely get a certificate for ccna). Also does cisco certified certificate expire seeing how technology always changes.
Martell Campbell Ive found that certs will get you that network engineer job but degrees will get you the management job and typically more money. My company won’t even consider you without a degree but that’s just my company. I personally believe you should only do college if you can go for a low cost. I basically went for free which is the only reason I have mines.
I'm so glad I found this channel and others like it. I was in the process of trying to enroll in school and after watching numerous videos, I feel like just avoided a huge mistake.
You absolutely did.
it's amazing to look at you today (2022)...from humble beginnings to being the king. I'm really happy for you.
When on my second year of CS, one of our professors approached me and a friend and asked us: why don’t you go for some CISCO certs while you’re studying so you can get a job faster? Bless him. ✌️
is it too difficult to study for cisco exams while on college? asking because im considering it while studying EE
@@sebas2898 it’s difficult but worth it. Got my CCNA while going to college (non-it related) and working
I had no IT background I fixed a VP from our company's display settings in the cafeteria and found myself on the help desk the following week thank God for Google and A+ literature.
So how did you end up? What happened? Did you get your certs?
lol wow
Very true, and i'm glad there is someone out there who understands that you can go further with an AS w/ a CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA cert, etc.. than you would with just a Bachelors. I'm graduating next year with an AS in Science and have already been looking into certs, because they could still land you a job without having the degree first. I believe the "experience" is the thing a lot of people struggle with.
Just discovered your channel and super excited about it! I’m exploring possible careers in IT after my military service. Looking forward to learning more.
This video was spot on. I've been comparing these in my head for a long time. I'm starting to study for my ccna. I got into a small company and I'm working on all kinds of equipment.
I really wish there were videos like this out there before I wasted a ton of money on a 4 year bachelors degree, thanks for this and I hope a lot of newbies find this video because everything you said was dead on!
Oh and to be clear, if your going for a networking job, def go straight for your CCNA or CCNP over any sort of useless college courses!
Any update?
I went from Paramedic to CCNA in 6 months no previous experience, so you are correct.
That’s awesome!! I love hearing stuff like this!!
I currently work in mental health since my BA is in psychology. How did you go about this?
I went from teaching to CCNA too
@@RoseMary-qd2ie I actually let mine lapse, couldn't find work in my area w/ a CCNA and CCNA Sec (prior to the changes). Learned to code, got a killer work from home gig.
I would love to hear in detail how you did it. I am also in the medical field and want to earn more money.
Great video! You make a lot of sense, very grounded! You tell how cost efficient it is to break into a great career in IT w/o a college degree, but at the same time you stress how important it is to have one. I am sure this will help a lot of undecided young guys.
i AM DOING MY associates in Network Engineer in my college and i get certified in a plus- cisco and mcsa
Did military route. Computers were analog inertial navigation. Great advice for youth.
I tried, can’t join because of ADHD 🙄
Thank you for making this video, I finished High School and didn't know what to do with the IT field. I will be going for my CCNA here soon!
BRO! You are a freaking life saver. I'm so glad you made this video. I just stared taking CCNA online classes with through ed2go.
How did it go?
How’d it go?
I came here for advice on changing careers. I subscribed for the beard. Rock on dude!
Thank you for this. It is super helpful. I currently have 6 years working in IT, I have started taking courses at WGU. One reason I chose WGU is that you are working towards your degree and getting certifications along the way. There are some basic certs that will at least get you entry level jobs which is ok. I started as a helpdesk analyst making 28k a year. I am now making $31 dollars an hour, it takes time.
If you are looking for a super quick way to make $$$ you either have to be very lucky or get into flipping houses or making money off stocks or w.e. None the less this is an awesome video. Thank you for putting this out there.
When I got my certs I found getting contracts/ job offers were easy, but you have to have something. I tell people often do contract work, sure its 3 months here or 6 months there but it helps. GOOD LUCK everyone.
Also you forgot to mention the best motivator for getting that first job, or that large role. A family. Good work brother, keep it up, this channel motivates me.
Excellent video! I think the best experience is setting up yourself for success and no failure. Thinking positively that you can achieve either the certification/s or college degree. whichever path you are planning to do, always think of, commitment and dedication for what you are valuing the most of.
Chuck makes good videos. This topic is always ask, and it is nice to see different opinions of those in the field.
Nicely done Chuck. Looking forward to seeing your CCNP Collaboration done and CCIE if you are perusing.
Thanks for watching!
CCNP..definitely. CCIE.....I shudder thinking about it. Maybe!
Thanks a lot for this, Chuck! I have been struggling for a while now to find a path, but this makes total sense. Plenty of interviews planned for next week now. Should be able to land one and get my experience up while working on certs. I live in the UK but the relevance is the same for me.
Thanks for watching Adam! Let me know how the interviews go and if you need any advice. I've landed a number of job offers with a few key tips and tricks.
NetworkChuck Landed a job with Vodafone! It's my first day today.
@@techieadam5031 any update?
This is a great video. Im so glad im on track, currently taking the JNCIA JUNOS which is a FREE CCNA equivalent offered by Juniper Networks to gain experience with route/switch and then going to take my CCNA. currently apply to help desk jobs in my area. Super excited to start my career, thanks Chuck
Chuck this really helped me make my decision on my path for school. Totally going for my CCNA Thank you for the encouragement.
WGU's IT Security program will get you the Certs: A+, Network+, Security+, CCENT, CCNA, CCNA Security, Linux+ (and that's just one degree program)
I live in SLC area, know it's an online school, but didn't know much about it. Used to be very into computers and starting a little programming in Jr high and HS over 10+yrs ago now... So I am not in the know or up to date AT ALL. Would this program be good for me if I'm interested in getting a degree in IT now? I'm 28, is it too late since now it seems 12-13yr olds know more than me now....
@@powsniffer0110 im also curious
Logan Flynn I was in the same boat as you. I just turned 30 after I started on my certification classes. 2 of my instructors said they started at 50 and 51. Both of them are instructors at my school for both, IT “programs” ,and also lead instructors that train Lockheed Martin and guys from Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. It seems like it’s a young mans game, but the past month of school has really taught me a lot, and especially, that it’s never too late for education in tech.
Having that many certifications just looks bad on your resume with no real world experience working in the IT field. You still have to go out get experience before you can become a Network Engineer or System Admin. You can move up quicker from self study and job shadowing the Network or system admin team.
@@eman0828 That is a nice theory. That is not correct. Those certifications actually get you past the HR first pass and give you the opportunity to be seen by the hiring managers. But you do you.
My certifications have gotten me jobs. My college degrees have not. That is not to poo-poo degrees, but certs get you jobs. Just sayin'...
.... what was your degree?
@@Dblup MS in Management Information Systems
@@johnday4368 Many companies these days, they don't care what degree you are from, what college you are from and what your grades are. What they care about or the people they are looking for are enthusiastic, hardworking, creative people who are always curious in certain fields.
Especially if you want a federal job. DoD compliance minimum is sec+
Have you ever paused to learn that there's a MAFIA that's created that environment that was NOT the case?
NetworkChuck's favourite phrase "It Depends!" Love your videos man!!!!
Thanks you so much been work on doing this my self thanks for opening the doors for me.
By far the best option is to get a degree and certifications. Degree lays a foundation that lasts you a lifetime. Certificates just build on top of it and allow you to climb up the ladder. I deeply regret not getting a degree when I had the chance and I don't wish on anyone to end up like me. Get a degree, look out for internships while you're at it, get certificates along the way. That's the best way to get you far in life.
Can't forget about that debt though!
Western Governors University is a really good option to knock to two birds with one stone.
And the best part is the certification cost is included in the cost of tuition. So for those receiving a grant / scholarship can now knock out certs they might not have been able to pay for. WGU is really a neat idea. I was enrolled but work got to be too much for me. 1/3rd of my way done.
It's a good program if you still need your associate level certs. Otherwise......not very useful unless you want to move into management.
XtrAMassivE yep!
yeap am not doing WGN yet i sign up but am not going to do it till i hit my CCNP then i will start which will be another 2 years or more.
@NetworkChuck. Thanks for all your guidance and support. We appreciate you deeply in our hearts.
Best Advice on the net and Tube,,, keep dropping the good content and info! !! Everything you stated is facts bro!!
Thanks man answered my questions a lot !
My God it just dawned on me.. My boss already does basic routing and switching at work but as the sys admin he has a ton of stuff on his plate. If me or the other tech in our shop were to get our CCNA it would really free up our boss to focus on other issues.
That's excellent!! I love that you are finding a way to provide more value to your company and to yourself.
It's a win win!
CTC is the way to go if you're still in the Marines. I wished I took more advantage of it while I was still in.
U
you will realise that when you finish college, all of the technology you learn from there are all depreciated
Thank you for the video. These were my questions and it weighs heavy on my mind. I work in finance, moved up over the years quickly. I have my associates in IT. Ive been struggling between getting my bachelors or going for my MCSA then my MCSE. Also wasnt sure to get the MCSA then finish my bachelors. Its been a tough week and i finally started applying for help desk positions just to get my foot in the door and get experience.
I just discovered your channel, Chuck. Well reasoned, logical argument. I especially like how to started at a helpdesk. Subscribed!
I did exactly that, I have not IT experience, degrees or experience but I still landed a job for IT service helpdesk through a friend. (Networking with real people is also REALLY important) and I'm just right now considering taking CCNA while gaining experience in the IT field. I'm turning 27 soon and its not too late guys. Let's get this bread.
Thank you for this comment. I found it very relatable and inspiring.
How'd it go? Did you get your CCNA? I'm 34, fresh out of the Army with zero IT experience, just got my Sec+ and am enrolling into WGU... hope it's not too late to to get that bread lol
Currently, I am studying for MCSD certification then work way to MCSA. my goal is to be IT Developer
I saw this video around two months ago, on the bus ride after failing the Security+ exam. I wasn't discouraged, about it. I had an expired CCNA, but a renewed sense on how I should've approached it again. I saw this video in February, and though I am a college graduate for IT, I didn't even see this video to answer the college vs CCNA debate (if there is one). I saw it, and just how calm, approachable and passionate you were in going for the CCNA, I was determined to approach it again - more serious this time, to move on in my field. I am now CCNA certified, after taking the 200-125, and I am thankful for what you shared, and just making approaching the field, WHILE ALREADY IN IT, more welcoming!
This is very motivational! I'm about to graduate with my AA Degree for free paid by the state of Florida, and 2 weeks later graduate with my high school diploma. You helped me make a decision on what to do. I am going to get an OSCP soon and then other IT certifications to hopefully break into the IT field. My end goal is Pen Testing in either Red Team or Blue Team. Thanks again! :) Earned another sub.
Awesome! Thanks for subbing! And keep up the great work!
Military is one way to get experience without experience.
agree, 2 week course and passed with flying colors
I am a USAF Veteran. I have to agree to a point because it depends on what military job you have.
I personally worked a specialised maintenance job for my 6 year active duty enlistment called Nondestructive Inspection. Which does well in the civilian world.
However several other military jobs don't do well in the civilian world.
I will say that military service does give you trade skills and benefits to prepare for your future job/career if you complete your enlistment and return to being a civilian.
I wasted over 30k on school. I got significantly more value put of A+ and CCNA.
Thank you! Congrads on the new baby!
Awesome video!! Thanks for the insight man!!
Certifications are the way to go. I soon plan on taking a course for CCNA at my community college. I'm also trying to get an entry IT job which lets me work from home. I believe I'm heading in the right direction. I wish everyone else the best on there journey :)
Also Chuck, your videos are awesome, keep up the good work, they sure have helped me in some way or another.
That's awesome Kevin! You are on an EXCELLENT path! Good luck to you sir!
And thank you for the compliments...it keeps me motivated!!
Kevin Blanco Nope!
Its been a while, hows it going?
Its been a while, hows it going?
hey man awesome video. what are your thoughts on the future of network engineers, now that IT is headed off the cloud? thoughts please
Thanks!
Network Engineers aren't going anywhere. The cloud will need us too! Just keep your skills up to date and your ear to the ground.
THANK YOU FOR FINALLY ANSWERING MY QUESTION.. ur the best for cutting the fat on this topic and giving the facts as it is and through experience
Thank you Chuck. Very helpful video and you got me to subscribe! Keep them coming!!
great video.
I've been using a guest login on packet tracer... am I going to hit a point where I need to fork out for it?
I spent my first 4 weeks learning the basic theory from a book, and now I am labbing I am going to pay for CBT nuggets for a couple of months. Cost effective :) No prior IT experience whatsoever. Currently learning how to apply DHCP, NTP etc.
Thanks!
I love stories like these. KEEP GOING! You are doing an awesome job.
I would learn how to start working with GNS3 instead of Packet Tracer if you are worried about the cost. It can be a bear to setup but it will get the job done.
Watching this in 2019 and I think you're assuming that college students (associates, bachelors, etc.) who while finishing their degree are not also doing internships, or have IT related jobs while in school. The industry might be changing, but I think that one will always have a one up with that degree+certs on their resume.
Experience will always trump everything. If that college student has 2 less years experience than the highschool grad with the same certs that may well just give them the edge. Obviously there are companies that will not even let you through to an interview if you dont have a bachelors but tbh fuck those companies anyways because they dont know what is really valuable
I'd also recommend considering a college that is, or has a Cisco Academy. They offer great courses and include lots of practical labs spread out over a much longer period. I'd recommend sticking to industry certifications rather than going down the degree route unless looking for a computer science type role.
Thank you for the good advice! I feel motivated and well informed.
This may have changed my life. Time will tell... I'm about to start my Junior year of college at a public university, and I think I'm wasting my time. 80% of the classes I'm required to take for a computer science degree aren't going to realistically be applicable. I don't think the interviewer for a network admin positing is going to care if I know calculus, but I could be wrong...
Yeah, I have to agree. Each path is different for each person....but I can say from experience that my certs are what gave me the credentials and leg up to land amazing jobs.
If you are far enough along that you're going into your junior year, it would be foolish to drop out and get a certification. Finish your bachelor's degree and get the certification.
I've been in the corporate world for 30 years and, trust me, people in any field without at least a bachelor's degree will hit a glass ceiling fairly quickly. Many of the big companies won't even give you an interview without a degree, regardless of your certifications or experience. Finish college.
Hey man, really informative video! I'm in my last year of college (UK) and I am thinking of doing a three year BSc degree in networking, the course also includes a chance to study for and take the CCNA exam. Also in my own time I am going to start buying second hand switches, firewalls and routers and configuring them. As well as practicing networks on Cisco packet tracer. Do you think this would be good enough to qualify as experience on a CV? Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is the only career path I wish to take.
Hey Alex, thanks for stopping by!!
You're definitely on the right track. I've heard of a lot of guys volunteering to get some experience.
Getting that first helpdesk job is important. Start working on that now.
NetworkChuck I will look into those opportunities, thank you for the reply!:)
@@alexwatson9694 Hi Alex did you got a job or not if you had what is your advice for us
Thanks for this video man!
LOve you man..you explain things so clearly
Get both.
Some IT jobs require a degree. And some jobs require an ABET accredited degree.
It depends on what the employer wants from applicants.
They set the bar.
If you want to learn networking, I highly recommend attending any Cisco Network Academy based curriculum, not boot camps.
The Network Academy provides you with a good foundational knowledge of how various networking technologies work.
There are community colleges that offer Net Academy courses that are eligible for college credit or are part of a degree program.
I learned more about networking from attending a Cisco Network Academy program than from reading a book, attending a boot camp, or attending course where I went to college.
Certifications in my opinion are not an accurate metric to gauge an individual’s networking knowledge.
I have interviewed people with CCNA certs and some don’t know to answer basic networking questions.
But, for some jobs, certifications are one of the requirements for qualifying for a position.
degrees required is becoming more rare these days unless you want to work for the U.S government.
What if you have a degree unrelated to IT, such as Aviation Science/Management? Would supplementing it with Cisco certs be enough? This question is in regards to a career change.
Yep!! A lot of jobs just want the checkbox "4 year degree". If you have that with certs....you are golden!
This is exactly how it worked for me. I never finished my degree. Got my CCNA but with no experiance I could only land a Help Desk position. However my CCNA helped me move up the ranks. First 6 months on the Help Desk, 2 years on Desktop then bam Networking. You just have to be very patient and bust your ass. When a position on the Network team finally opened up I was their first pick.
Well said CHuck. I think the degree can be something an engineer does when he's slowing down or wants to manage, not get dirty. Then a business degree, management, or Mgmt for IT type degree pays off. All of which can be gotten online from reputable colleges galore now.
Thank you for doing this video, i went to school for a 4 year degree and finished in 2007. That was about $98k in tuition and now I'm studying for the CCNA 10 years later. If I could go back and do it again I would do anything but a 4 year degree. Do the 4 year degree after your starting to work! 4 year degrees don't do anything to get you a degree!
Long term career, go for a college degree. It will always benefit you.
Hey man! Your video was great! Thank you so much for makin me understand ccna, hopefully I can train ccna within the next few months.. keep it up, what you're doin will help people like me who's torn between a degree or it certs.
Thanks Paul! REALLY glad I can help!
Why are you waiting? If you want to do it and you are able to, start now!
Wow this was very helpful! Thanks!
Hey man im 24years old in a IT help desk for a large company and have only studied a diploma in systems technology. do you think its to late to give studying ccna or have i left it to late. ive been in the helpdesk since i was 21.
No sir! You are in Prime time!!! You are in a sweet spot, already having IT experience. I started on the helpdesk when I was 22 and didn't have my CCNA until I was 23. You are on a great path.
That intro tho.. RIP headphone users
lol. Sorry ;(
But hey, I got your attention!
@@NetworkChuck you almost got me killed
My career path took me to certification (A+, Network +, landed IT job, started CCNA , passed(after 3rd attempt) and then went onto doing my BSc (3 year part time - Saturday's)...degree helped me understand so much more than just ICT and I think developed my logic and finesse (ability to write, discuss, team work, researching structuring documents, basics of project management, etc)....... to each his own.....a degree gives you really good negotiating power when you need to advance so id consider it once you settle in your career path...
I so much like the information. thanks a lot! I am studying for CCNA and attending college at the same time. though I work as an IT Assistant and knowledgeable in Network fundamentals and System Administration with windows server. Thanks a lot again. I am now more confident in getting through.
can you give specific examples of a good help desk company to apply for. also how old are you?
Medium sized banks, mortgage companies,...companies that tend to grow fast, have various locations/branches, 500-1000 people.
I'm 27.
Do you think banking and mortgage experience would be an asset there? Laid off from banking looking at a career switch, thinking getting CCNA and moving up the ladder.
Do you have a bachelors degree?
Me? Yes.
I am 26 years old with no IT experience Is it late for me to get in to IT.
Absolutely not. Go for it.
I know someone that has one year of experience and he's making 18$hr in Ohio. I only add Ohio so that you don't think he's making that in California.
If you get your CompTIA A+, you'll get a help desk job easily. The A+ exam is supper easy. If you don't know much start there.
I am 44 and going back to school to be an IT.
I started at 28 with a kid ive got my CCNA and Im working on MCSA before the test expires.....its not easy gotta grind but its definetly doable
MrCateye111 never too late I’m 48 and just starting
Thank you! looking forward to more of your videos.
Thanks man I'm down with your speech
I agree with you and disagree. You missed part of what a degree really means, and I'll tell you why. Your look on it is just "what will give you a job?" Quicker. Which is true, but the classes you go through will take you to another level, for example human behavior in a single physiology class. A dude with a degree and a CNA would have kept you sitting at the Jr. help desk longer if that was the case. It does build you into a better person. You do learn a lot. However you are right, you don't come out jumping into a admin job obviously, but the knowledge is priceless. You are wiser! A total different human being from when you started your Bachelors. It's worth it from a different perspective which I wish you had mentioned.
I definitely see your point.
But I would also argue that if you want to learn psychology or physics...etc....you can pick up a book or sign up for a Coursera course. You will often learn a lot more from this method.
I believe that college is only valuable for the piece of paper. Everything you learn in college you can learn faster and go deeper with self-study.
General education will always enlighten you but you don't need a degree to do that.
That's the issue. If I wanted to learn that. I would have taken that path. You should not have to take a human behavior class to get a CIS degree. It looks more like a money grab instead of letting you focus on what you want.
i went to a community collage and studied computer sceince.. they taught us all the material that is required for ccna and much more. not only networking but also advance database managment and and shit ton of programing .... i would recommond going to collage they will teach you allot of stuff its more comprehansive .
I agree, some degree programs add more value than others and you will get a lot. But if you want to accelerate fast, starting from zero, I think certs are the shortcut!
Awesome vids this year. Keep them coming sir.
Thanks!
Sir. CHUCK, you are the best in explaining it. I wish that I know this twenty year ago.
CCNA is only for learning conepts, you still don't know how to configure a Firewall, and a switch together with VLAN, and Site-to-Site and I haven't mention a router yet.
In other words, not a good comparison because college can get you into a entry level job depending on which major, if it's math or science, College degree, its's way better. If you really want to compare a computer science BS vs. CCNP, then CCNP will save your time and money for college. But beware companies always low ball your salary without a BS, and also you cannot get a management position if you don't have a BS and if you out grow your technical skill. But one thing for sure, being a Cisco Engineer you never out of job and you work the same job till retired because it changes gradually. You deal with complexity as you move into advanced level.
The "X FACTOR" will always be your skill level and experience. In my experience the CCNA holds a lot of weight but you do need a bit of experience to back it up.
That's why I think you should go straight to your CCNA and start working on getting experience instead of wasting 4 years on curriculum you will rarely (if ever!) use.
You learn to configure a firewall in CCNA Security. You learn the basics of switching and VLAN's in CCNA R&S. You learn basic concepts of OSPF single/multi area, EIGRP, RIP, OSPFv3, EIGRP for IPv6. I actually think one of the best ways to get your foot in a door this day is through an apprenticeship. I agree though that you'll most likely won't get a management position without a BS.
That is not correct, if you really study for CCNA there is no way you will not know how to set up VLANS, IPSEC based VPN ( SIte to Site). If you do not, it tells me you just cheated on your CCNA.
I agree with VLAN's, but IPsec based vpn...? You don't touch that at all in the CCNA R&S unless you actually mean CCNA Security?
It is insane how much more you learn in the NP compared to NA... I can't wait to move onto security! ;)
Stand corrected IPSEC based VPN is not included in CCNA, but i still feel CCNA is supposed to be for entry level job, but content of CCNA ( R/S) is way beyond basics .
Will universities even exist in 15-20 years time?
That....or be completely revamped. We'll see. Right now...it's hard to justify spending that much on something that isn't relevant.
Yes , by some magical blessing
Much different from what they are now.
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Me
I’m a CCNP and Highly recommend CBT Nuggets. Best video courses training I’ve ever seen! Do CCIE with INE though. Also, recommend buying the study book for extra reinforcement.
You can do both. I run a program/teach at a technical college whose INT program teaches CCNA R/S, CCNA Security, Security+, A+, VMware, Red Hat, MCSA, plus other supporting courses like database and cloud. In and out w/ an AAS in 2 years for around the cost of a single semester at a traditional 4 year school.
Down-talking 4 year degrees, particularly the mention of "a four year degree will land you a help desk job" is ridiculous. Sure, if you get a BA in the arts or English of course you are unqualified for an IT position. However, if you actually take advantage of the opportunities available to you in University then you can easily start at a high salary position because as opposed to "rising through the ranks" with a high school diploma and certifications you can do internships, individual research, and work with professors (i.e. various forms of networking) that open up positions for you WHILE going to university. What you are conflating is that individuals who are extremely driven who don't have a college education can out-earn lazy college grads, with the idea that college is somehow inefficient because it doesn't guarantee some outcome. Encouraging your audience (which undoubtedly includes individuals who are still in high school) to forego university education on the basis of it being inefficient is biased, incorrect, and harmful. If you take a simple look at the outcomes and placement of individuals in the Computer, physical and mathematical sciences of any top 30 university they will handily out-earn their non-degree holding counterparts, the major flaw in your analysis being that you fail to consider life time earnings and opportunities for advancement that diminish for those with less education (even if it is wrong to prevent these individuals).
I agree that degrees show more value later in your career. But...starting out....they just aren't as valuable as certifications. I think getting a degree is a worthy goal...but you can get that later in your career without going into debt.
Mathchess are you still in college? Or do you have your degree?
I have to lean towards NetworkChuck on this debate. I acquired my Associate in Computer Network Administration roughly 6-months ago, with solid instructors incorporating technologies and hands-on experience in order to apply towards our certifications. However, largely my 2-year degree alone has proven ineffective. I have received several interviews back in the day, but nothing to quite seal the deal; icing on the cake. It's not been till I've started studying towards my Network+, which will lead into my CCENT - CCNA R/S that I've slowly regained my confidence, and acquired useful, real-life, hands-on experience. The majority of positions I have noticed prefer, if not require experience and/or CompTIA or Cisco certifications. Ensuring a few IT certifications largely contributes towards a successful technician, and helps act in place of experience that you may not have.
To boot, having a Bachelors or Masters is largely time consuming and expensive in terms of debt accrued. It also doesn't guarantee a job acquired, nor do HR/companies consider it as real-world experience... My biggest issue with college is that for those that attend full-time, work full-time, try to squeeze in internships, and have a family/kids/responsibilities/hobbies and goals will largely crash and burn with such spread out academia. When I was chugging along my 2-years, we were force fed many technologies in order to become well-rounded, that after learning one concepts I would forget it, in effort to learn the next concept from that same class, or the other two. Or worse yet, rote memorization towards a grade, rather than having a deep understanding of the concepts and their interoperability, or concentrated effort on equipment. As I study for my Network+ now, and eventual CCENT/CCNA R/S, I have learned more, and had higher comprehension/retention due to not being burnt out from too many classes. There is something to say for achieving your degree, but at the end of the day if you want to truly get good at something, become really well versed in that one topic, and then move on.
"You can either become really good at one thing, or okay at many things." Note, I'm a firm believer that you can become really good at many things. But the catch is that in order to do so, you have to at first become really good at one thing, and then move on. If you split yourself too thin, you'll never truly master any one subject.
Good luck landing a high paying job upon graduation.
No. Wrong. University will not teach you skills. It is a scam.
Thank you, Chuck!
A really great video!
Wow, this video helped me figure out what I wanna do, thanks bro!
great video Chuck... be real and keep it real!
Thank you for this video, very eye opening!
Omg, your the best! I was wondering this same question. Thanks a million
Very helpful video Chuck. Good luck!
Go ahead!!!
Lovely advice. Great video. Totally agree with your views.
This is a life saver! Throughout my high school life I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a engineer(electrical/mechanical) but I did take four years of engineering classes but by the time I went to college (Luckily I only went to community college) I was so unsure of what I wanted to be going for, so I have always been interested in programming because I took a easy and fun Visual basic class I and II, I would have made it through college but I got in a car wreck at the end of year one and had no vehicle to make it to school and ended up failing so im only paying about $2,000 back to them, which is happily brought down to $1,000 now. Seems like I would be interested in this because ive self studied C programming. Thanks for the great content.
Man, that's rough, but at least you have an idea of what you want to do now. Glad I can help and thank you for the kind words!
I totally agree with your analysis, thank you for the video btw.
I decided to do both, I am missing 5 courses to finish my 5 years licentiate degree in telecommunications, I already have some CCNA routing and switching knowledge, I still need to take the exam, Where I live I would probably be making more money If I had taken the certifications path first, but I wanted to have my degree, now I am really close to get it, I must say I has taken a lot a lot I really mean a lot of time, money but there are no regrets.
And you are right I know people that with CCNA and juniper certifications and making the same or more money than me with less experience and being younger, I guess each one of us has his/her way in this life again in my case no regrets.
My experience in trying to find what helps me the most. Coming right out of the military with no IT foundation. I found a Community College with a Network Admin/CCNA path. Im still going down this path but my plan is to do some work studies in the colleges IT department for some form of experience and then look at paid internships and look from there. During this time will also be completing Network+ and Security+. Both of those might be overkill but what i would rather is have plenty to put on a resume. Show my dedication and my knowledge through Certs. Looking into degree plans for sys admin and network admin is that they dont exist in my area(dallas). They tend to lean toward business side of things. More credit hours actually learning what i need to know through getting an associates(40credit hrs) vs the bachlors (20credit hr). im glad you have this out there because if you dont know anyone in this field its almost impossible for someone to be able to help you. Advisors dont know how to help you because this field is so strange for them.
If you qualify for the Trade Assistance Program (like having lost your job due to overseas competition in the U.S.) they will pay for both your schooling and a one time fee for all the certification test of all the fields you are going to school for.