Where to go from here

Hi Rich. I don't know of any "maps" for anyone as careers differ so much from person to person. You seem to be going in the right direction and have already accomplished a lot! Unfortunately, times are not the greatest for changing jobs right now. If you are working, keep looking while you're still there--it's always best to look from a position of strength whenever possible, meaning look while you're still working. Try not to change jobs too frequently either as this can look bad to prospective employers. It must be difficult working and studying for certifications and degrees--keep doing what you can, but I would only go after one thing at a time and don't forget to give yourself a break between certification or degree. You sound very bright and ambitious and you will most likely do well in anything that you do. However, you also sound a like you're stretched in too many directions at once. Focus on one thing at a time in regards to education, look for another position while still working (when possible), don't sell yourself short. You already have a lot of experience and education--there's bound to be a company out there that will take you on as a Network Admin given your drive! Best wishes to you!

I think lizzy gave you some good points, but no one can tell you which way to go. That said, I can give you a little advice, you figure what works for you. You have the Net+ and CCNA, great, but almost useless. You have to focus on what you like. Are you good with hardware? Like software better? Do you like the routing and networking aspects best? What about working with people? Only you can answer those questions, but the answers will help you decide which path to follow. I went to the COMP/TIA site and read about the A+. Pssing it means you have the knowledge of someone with 6 months experience. I Looked at it, and with over a 14 years in the business, what good would that do me? you've got over 2 years experience, what good would it do you? If you're trying to get into the IT field, A+ and Net+ help you break in. Once there, they become meaningless. Your CCNA will help you understand Network traffic, problems and bottlenecks, but unless your career is going to be spent configuring Cisco routers, how will that help you advance? If you planning on being a Network Admin, why do you need am MSCE? That's engineering. If you want to be a Network Engineer, why do you need an MCSA? that's administration.

Well the CCNA isn't worthless. I'd start working on the CCNP, CCIE, etc.. If you really want to be a Network Admin, you'll have to really start submersing yourself in the technology and then take on opportunities to get involved in managing networks even if you are just volunteering and setting up networks ..

Going the management route is totally different.

Do you want to manage systems, routers, people???
It sounds as though you are unsure of what a network admin does - you may want to talk to a few.
A few things to note:

THE PAGER - the little device that you'll be constantly chained to:
SLEEP - A luxury that you'll be able to enjoy at times.
SCAPEGOAT - That's you
FUN - Going to Networld/Interop for a conference.
DRY - All the books you'll be reading.
FOUL LANGUAGE - Words people will be using when talking to you at times.
MISTAKES - Can cost you your job
DOING NOTHING - Sometimes is the best thing to do.

Books to read
The New Rational Manager - Kepner/Tregoe
Why? Because you have to learn the thinking process first - then the other stuff will just come..

Well, if you want to go the Cisco route all the way you can do some of the following things:

Start working on your CCNP - I would still work on the CCDA and CCDP and then the CCIE.

Sign up as a Cisco Reseller - you qualify for some training, and if you get involved with them, you'll have lots of training opportunities. As you train to try to sell Cisco products you'll learn a lot about integration, everything about their products and you'll set yourself up for consulting opportunities. It's a LOT OF WORK - but then so is anything worth anything.

Hi again, Rich,
What would I do? I would continue to look for a position in Network Administration while still working. If I got a position, I would continue to see what the market looks like via the newspaper first and possibly the internet. I would continue my education, but only focusing on one thing at a time. By that I mean that I would doggedly pursue either the college degree or one certification track but not any others until the one I'm studying for is finished and the paper is inhand. I would keep my goals firmly in mind no matter what I'm doing. I would try to keep a positive outlook on my career and education because that tends to rub off on others and it could lead to the "dream" position I'm looking for. All of this happens to be what I AM doing right now. So far, it's been working fine for me. I would love to be making more money, but who wouldn't? By keeping on track, I make more every year and hope to keep the trend going... Best wishes.

Probably the best place to look for carrers is obviously online job searche engines, like accessone and jobseek. I am currently doing my A+ course, which is not that hard, and if you get 100 hours work experience while doing this course you also gain extra accreditation. I definetely think Network Admin is the way to go, but the more things you have the more employees like you. I would definetely go the A+ course for a good hardware course

Rich,
Sometimes the schooling is appropriate to get your foot in the door, but one thing to consider is that in most cases a release change means another certification. This can drive you crazy, and you will not be able to maintain certification intoo many areas on an ongoing basis.

1) Figure out what you want to do, and set a path. A network manager will not consider MSCE to be an asset..etc.

2) Talk to your current supervisor or director, and see if they will help you progress into the area you want to be in. If you are well thought of, a good manager will usually help you progress your career, especially if you have taken the schooling for the area.

2b) If you do not get along with your boss, find a job where you are doing what you currently are, that will help you progress your career. It is easier to break into a new field when you have people that already have faith to help you.

It is more likely that someone that knows your work ethic and talents first hand will give you a first time shot at something new.

With the economy the way it is now, it would be difficult to break into a new company with no experience in the area you wish to go in.

Good Luck and all the best

Dear Rich,

Stated below is what would help you in deciding what next on the road to network admin.

Complete your degree in computers..that is a first requirement. You would get some theoretical fundamentals of networking

get a certificationin network admin from a reputed organisation

these are the two steps required so do not rate them as small or big..

all the best...warm wishes suresh

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