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  Asked: Feb 15 2008   11:32 PM GMT
  Asked by: NetworkingATE

How do I get my networking career back on track?


Career development, Training, Courses, Networking

I finished my BSc in Computer Science in 2003. I am working in Dubai for a construction company, and have found that I am fully out of my computer science field. But now I am very much interested to learn and work in the networking field. Which courses do I need to take to catch up and get back into a networking-focused career?

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Last Answered: Mar 10 2008  8:53 PM GMT  by Edtittel


Latest Contributors: Davis420


Hello,

I would suggest you spend some time doing hands-on study of networking devices and networking theory. In my opinion, the best way would be to go for a certification, like the Cisco CCNA or CCNP.

You may choose to do self-study for these certifications by, say, reading books, watching training videos, and building your own test network of routers & switches to practice on. For video training, I have used Train Signal's Cisco training, such as their CCNA Video.

Or, you may choose to go to a hands-on Cisco certification class that covers the the CCNA (to start with).

I really believe that, in today's job market, the best way to get a good job is to have BOTH a combination of a degree AND certifications AND hands-on knowledge.

All the best to you,
David Davis
Personal Website: www.happyrouter.com

As a long-time IT cert guy and a paid "career expert" for numerous TechTarget Websites, I'd also like to weigh in (check me out at www.edtittel.com). Cisco is certainly a good direction to follow, but there are also ample opportunities in the Windows space (a whole new raft of Windows Server 2008 exams and credentials is in the offing right now). Same goes for Linux where you can check out the credentials for the LPIC (Linux Professional Institute), Red Hat, Novell/SuSE, and others. Then, too both Sun and IBM have their own suite of certs including lots of networking entries. A lot depends on what you know best, and what you like best. If you'd like to post again here, or email me at edtittel@techtarget.com I can provide more input in exchange for more information from you.

HTH,
--Ed--
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Labnuke99  |   Feb 18 2008  2:15PM GMT

Take a look also at IT publications like Network World, EWeek, ComputerWorld.

 

Buddyfarr  |   Feb 18 2008  4:21PM GMT

another item worth looking into is a membership in the IEEE Computer Society. It is not that much of an expense considering what they offer the IT professional such as, (directly from their website at computer.org):

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Complimentary subscription to Computer magazine.
FREE online access to 500 IT books and technical articles.
Discounted subscriptions to leading periodicals in your area of expertise.
Become eligible to subscribe to the digital library.
Discounted registration fees to society-sponsored conferences.
Discounts for hundreds of books and conference publications.
FREE e-mail alias of <a href="mailto:you@computer.org">you@computer.org</a>

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

FREE online access to 1,300 e-learning course modules. Topics include Java, Cisco, Microsoft, project management, security, and more.
Discounts on certification exam and prep course for software professionals.
Hold elective office in the society or serve as a volunteer on one of the society’s many boards and committees.
Become eligible for awards and scholarships.

NETWORKING

FREE membership in the local chapters nearest you.
Participate in up to four of 40+ Technical Committees.
Participate in standards working groups.