Good morning,
I'm looking for some advice regarding getting into the Technical field, 6 months ago I attempted a Degree in BEng Network Engineering at University in the UK.
I struggled throughout the duration of the course for the past 3 years due to the combination of electronic modules , high end mathematics modules and Cisco Networking modules. Mathematics was eventually my downfall. (high end algebraic equations)
I understand this is going to be a long process.
I have created a list of qualifications that I believe would help me gain access to the industry:
Comptia A+
Network +
Server +
Cisco CCNA
CCNAS
CCNP
Suggestions please.
Thank you for your time.
The CCNA, and CCNP are much more focused networking infrastructure certifications. (And unfortunately I don't recognize CCNAS.)
The entry level certifications (A+, Network+, and CCNA) will help you get into an entry level position. It's critical to get experience after that however. If you are 'fresh out of college', and don't have work history, take an entry level IT job, and start work on one of the more advanced certifications. The certifications show dedication, and desire for advanced knowledge, but they a greatly diminished without real work experience to back them up.
In some organizations, there is overlap between folks who support the servers and the network, but when broad skill sets are required, usually folks do not have the opportunity to dedicate to a specific technology. In that situation, Server+ might be achievable, but CCNP might be a bit of a stretch. More frequently, you will find folks with the advanced Cisco certifications in organizations which have specialized networking departments who can dedicate their time to network infrastructure.
As you consider starting positions, I just want to make certain you know there are other specialized technologies out there to consider as well. Each vendor will also offer their own set of certifications for their solution, and there are other areas of IT knowledge.
IT Security:
Entry Level: Comptia Security+
More advanced: SSCP, or the wide range of GIAC certs.
IT Management Frameworks:
ITIL Foundation, and MOF
And of course,
VMWare, Microsoft, Linux, Redhat are just a few of the other specific technologies in which you can certify.
The field is huge and diverse. I'd suggest getting an entry level cert or three, and start gaining practical experience. I suspect that'll help you discover on which specific areas you might want to focus.