Cisco not sure if I want to do this/ more information.?

Question

I am 23 yrs old. Most of my life has been filled with music.I used to do web design/animation freelance..learned on own. Yet I do somewhat of troubleshooting/NHD..I guess I feel VEry interested in this field of IT. I Dj, so reacting at the spur of the moment is kinda what I enjoy. I love using my brain and figuring out what a problem is. I feel like I am actually worth something at my job lol....Anywho, I am not really in it for the money though I do however am interested in how much they make..Also, I am not sure about how to go about this. Should I get a degree in Computer science? Information tech....then get the CCNA? or should I get the CCNA and jump in. I guess if you have any links to more information telling me more about security and switching and routing of what they do..I would be most thankful.Sorry if this sounds ignorant but I am really trying to change my career.Djing is my thing but I think i'm just going to keep it at home in the future.

Answer 1

Depends....Boxers or Briefs? :)



I think what you are asking is what is involved in each of these for you to make an intelligent decision, right.



First, DON'T do the college thing. What a freakin waste of time. Funny thing, they don't know it. By the time you get through 4 years of BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, everything has changed. In the technology world, those people who are teaching it for 4 years are doing ONE thing, taking your money! You may have some skills, but very little that are really useful to anyone.



Good Question. I have been in the IT field for a very long time. I have seen people come and people go. I have more certs behind my name than I can fit on my business card.



They all start with the same question, or at least similar to yours. How can I make a million dollars the easiest way...or something like that. :)



Seriously. Here is how you start.



First, in doing the computer thing, it better be all you can think about day and night. Forget the money, forget everything you know about the field. You have to want to do this no matter what.

You will work long hours for little pay for probably many years BEFORE you even get to the comfortable stage. You will bounce from job to job, lasting only 6 to 18 months for the first 5 years of your career, gaining valuable experience.



Now, EVERYONE that I know that has approached CCNA/CCNP or MCSE, or any other certification from the point of "If I get this, they will beat down my door" has been disallusioned. The paper is great and will at least get you an interview. BUT, many of these 'paper' people can use the paper for other purposes, if you know what I mean.



Honestly, you can teach yourself everything, if you REALLY want to. Nothing will stand in your way.



First thing, get an IT job somewhere, ANYWHERE, even if it is unboxing computers and equipment. Let them know what your goals and dreams are. Second, PRACTICE everything. Spanning-tree, OSPF, EIGRP, Root Bridge election process, VTP, VLAN, Router on a stick, you name it. Do everything you can. Finally, know that you, and your significant other, are in for a LONG journey. It is worth it for those who really want it.



Cisco and networking has very little to do with Web pages, VERY little. In fact, if you are a good network person, nobody really see that you are doing your job. They only know when you are not doing your job. Kinda like the power company. The only time that we even think about not having power is when we do not have it.



Good luck

Answer 2

Sounds like you have a bit of time on your hands. I suggest diving in and getting your CCNA. Go after technical certifications rather than a technical degree. After working for a bit then go for a degree in business or something which will allow you to climb that ladder.



Word of caution do not get stuck in the rat race. Network guys make money fast up front but eventually it tops off (just like any job). A degree in business will help you open new opportunities when you are ready for them.

Answer 3

CISCO CCNA is a fun class. You sound like you should do fine with it. I have taken the CCNA courses and really enjoyed them. Also you can make money sorta like you do with DJing



You can make $100.00 as easy as just GOING to fix a problem, then get paid for fixing it. That would be a consultation fee.



I would highly recommend it if you want to do it. Cisco handles something like 80% of the internet with their devices.



I can possibly get you in contact with the teacher who taught my class, to find a class/school in your area.

Answer 4

This jogs my memory of a query I noticed on Microsoft's 291 scan. Something approximately connecting a customer to a MS 2003 server configured as a VPN, and no longer being in a position to entry regional assets. The reply right here used to be that, you had entry to the server itself, however for those who desired entry to the community, you had to configure it to direction you. So, perhaps the Cisco is the identical means, you will have entry to the gadget, however you ought to setup a direction among your regional community and the far off community.