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Is network system administration a good career?

Getting started in IT (network/system admin)?

  • I am a 23 y/o with a BA in History (yes, I know...) and I'm thinking about ditching the law school path for a career in IT. I think I'd like to do system/network administration with the path towards management. How should I get started? I am knowledgeable with computers but have no formal education. I know about A+, Network+, etc but I don't know what to do. What certifications should I look to get, and in what order? What certifications should I not waste time/money on? Is it doable for me to buy books and teach myself and pass the certs or should I pay for a course? And how long would it take to learn the material for a cert? Thanks!

  • Answer:

    let me clarify: BEST order from Top to bottom: A+ (Can be omitted if you have a SOLID udnerstanding of computers, basic networking knowedge) Comptia Network+ (Fundamental Networking knowledge, comes in handy for entry level corporate helpdesk job applications) CCNA (needed for Jr Admin Jobs) CCNP(Needed for Network Admin jobs) CCIE (Second highest Cisco level achieved), salaries UP TO 120k/yr salary I beleive. 20% pass rate CCA(Cisco Certified Architect) This is like Project Mangement to be honest from what I see. Implementing business solutions with IT technology. HIGHEST certificate you can achieve. ** To be honest I saw few Network+ questiosns show up in my friends A+ when I was helping him study for it which I found odd, but it is still bottom of the barrel cert. Also forgot to mention time period of studying. Network+ takes about 3 weeks to study for and CCNA depending on your dedication can range 4-5 weeks to 3 months. CCNP can sometimes take up to 4-5 months.

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previous answer was pretty good. Personally I'd steer clear of the Microsoft certifications for now. If your focus is networking then I would strongly suggest Network+ first. Then immediately jump into Cisco!!! Million dollar hint: If you buy a router or a switch from Ebay and you choose the right seller..He will give you access to his FTP site where you can download the CCENT, CCNA, CCNP videos from CBTNuggests. Jeremy is an awesome instructor and I personally used them for my ccna A+ -- beginner cert (not for networking) -dont waste time here N+ excellent starter cert for networking -definitely pursue this cert --The next two certifications from CompTia are advanced and will renew your Net+ Security + Linux + Go for those after you've got 2-3 years experience under your belt - last tip: download GNS3 You'll need to read up on it and how it works but that tool alone will let you play with Cisco and Juniper routers

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