CCNA or CCNP?

[Randi Poling]

So I am wondering, should I learn CCNA or CCNP? Whenever I go into Barnes and Noble, I look at em, wondering which one would benefit me the most? Which one will stand out slightly more on resumes?

I was also wondering, is SQL something worth learning as well?

(Looking to get into Network/Internet Security)

Hope to read some responses soon!

 

[Eximo]

CCNA / CCNP are linked together more or less. Generally someone will have a CCNA before getting a CCNP. The difference between someone minding the store and opening a new one.

SQL has little to do with networks or security, it is a database language. There is benefit to knowing a query language, while syntax varies between say MS, Oracle, and MySQL the logic is pretty much the same. Asset management systems are typically some type of query-able database.

 

[SgtScream]

How many years of "hands on" experience have you had in the field?

 

[Randi Poling]

"Hands On" experience with the CIsco network? 0
Thats why I am wondering if they are worth taking at all.

 

[SgtScream]

"Hands On" experience with the CIsco network? 0
Thats why I am wondering if they are worth taking at all.

What do you do for work? Anything related to information technology?

 

[USAFRet]

"Hands On" experience with the CIsco network? 0
Thats why I am wondering if they are worth taking at all.

0 experience and 0 certs.
And you want a job in.....what, exactly?

Book learning from a CCNA might get you an interview. Maybe.
And then "OK, we'll keep your info on file"

What is your overall goal?

 

[Randi Poling]

Well, as of right now I do IT Help Deskand IT monitoring, after Highschool, I have not touched or messed with anything Cisco related at all (that would be 2005/2006)

As for job wise? I am just looking for stuff that I can get under my belt that could potentially move me either up a ladder or even find a career in IT Networking. Ive set up server racks and ran networking cables, but that was back in Highschool. My goal in 5 years is to finish a degree in IT/Network security, and go for a career down that path.

 

[The Paladin]

IT/network security, start with CCNA, add cyber security classes to that and try to get an entry level job.
out of school jobs in IT security are not easy, 200 resumes for a single job...
there are additional cisco certifications you can add to that and Microsoft ones as well.
The market is saturated, and competitive. I can only wish you good luck

 

[The Paladin]

don't look for a job, look for a contracting firm, how I did it, get to run various places, various experiences, for the duration you set/or max customer allows.
no one get a "job" or "position" anymore.... be a contractor, get a lot more money, you will need to get your own medical insurance but you will be independent.. add school to it, and at the end of 10 years you will have good names on a resume and a credible variety of offerings to an employee.

Been there done that.... still loving doing it... and all I started with was is called now a CCNA in my pocket.
The business has changed that much is true, and they want more paperwork than the ink is written on. all that for am entry position.

CCNA, CCNP, MCSE are like basics now. I suggest you put a business degree on the back side of it all if you ever intend to become a manager or higher in IT.