RE: Are CCIEs and other Cisco certifications as valuable as they used to be?
This is the same problem that cropped up years ago with the MCSE. That used to be a "respected" CERT. Then, the "bootcamps" came into vogue, promising 6-figure jobs after 5 day bootcamp (and paying the trainer thousands of dollars). We ended up with a ton of "paper MCSEs" who didn't know the difference between a port and a hole in the ground. With the Dot Com bust, jobs and salaries lagged.
Now, the CISCO bootcamps are lauded as the new "end all, be all". Same scenerio as above, a bunch of "paper Certified" folks with zero experience. The bootcamps are successful (for them) because they "teach the test", and game the system. The only one who win are the trainers: they get paid regardless. Whether you get the job or not.
People, you HAVE to have the experience to do the job. You have to pay your dues. I am embarassed to admit this, but I do not have a BS degree or any Certs. But I do have 15 years in IT, and have close to a 6 figure job. Started as a "break/fix" desktop tech, paid my dues at many low wage jobs, and worked my way up from there. There are many jobs that I will not get called for an interview because I don't have the "paper". When I do get called, I can answer pointed questions on real world situations. That is what employers really want. HR is who wants the paper.
I am currently working towards a few select CERTs, hopefully to insulate me in this uncertain economy. CERTs do have their place. As an addendum to your experience and knowledge, not in place of. Unless you have experience, stay away from the bootcamps. With no experience, stick with self-training, or Jr. College. Cheaper, and with JUCO, you could end up with an AS degree. Also, the longer you take to learn the material, the more you will retain.
