Starting college for network specialist degree...

[xsubxwooferx]

Im about to start for associates degree in network specialist and I was wondering what degree or whatever it would take to be considered a network administrator.Also, are network specialist in demand?

[krishananda]

If I were you I'd just take some networking certifications such as CCNA or others, if u do then ur in demand

[xsubxwooferx]

well people are not gonna hire you unless you have a degree right?...but still what could I do to become a network admin. if i get a network specialist degree?

[krishananda]

you got the point, people still need experiences, but you can have greater advantage using the "preferred certificates".

Try something little at your place, build your own mini lab, buy cheap routers and switches, or if you afford to, buy cisco, hp, or other high end routers and switches from e-bay. They sell quite cheap there.

Manage your mini lab, see whats going on there, use networking tools for monitoring, and sniffer such as wireshark.
Join this forum (^^)

[TriggerFinger]

I guess it depends how far you want to go. If you want to climb the corporate ladder you have a better chance with a degree. Certifications are good but add a degree to that and you are on your way.

[krishananda]

absolutely true, don't neglect your degree and still aim for the certifications. I know a guy having a CCNA and CCDA now owns his own business.

[xsubxwooferx]

I mean after I grad with network specialist degree I will prob end up going back for certifications and such.But what would make me a netowrk administrator?Also, what websites could help me learn mor about networking? I already have a book called Network Warrior if anyone has heard of it...

[krishananda]

what would make you a net admin is your experience, if you have all the degrees and certifications in the world but never get your hands on the real network they would be useless.
at least with your experience you can climb up from net assistant to become an admin.

there are tons of sites that you can learn from, one of the best is this forum (^^)

yes I've read network warrior before, good book, oh, you should also learn things about cabling too, you can't be an admin without knowing a thing about cabling.
this one is a good book:
Cabling, the complete guide to network wiring, third edition from SYBEX

[xsubxwooferx]

I will read up on that. Can you or someone look at my college northwesterntech.edu then go to Thinking of NTC? then Programs of study. Go down to Networking. I just want someone to see the classes I would be having to take. Is this a good start on becoming a Net admin? If so, after this what would I need to do?

[krishananda]

can't reach the site, a problem or something, will try later.
I would say though, don't just rely on your academic programs, try searching other knowledge build up your experience, no one will admit someone as an admin just from a piece of paper

[lazareth1]

From first hand experience I can tell you that degrees along with certs are good but what employeers really look for along with these nowadays is experience. I had my degree and was gonna be sitting the CCNA cert soon whilst in UK. I went and applied to god knows how many jobs with not even a letter or a phone call back.

[krishananda]

Phew, I know the feeling lazareth1, I also already have degree and got my CCNA few months ago. The problem it's hard to find a job these days, don't get me wrong there are lots and lots of vacancies in my country but honestly, they don't pay well...
Now I'm starting my own business.

[lazareth1]

Originally Posted by krishananda

Phew, I know the feeling lazareth1, I also already have degree and got my CCNA few months ago. The problem it's hard to find a job these days, don't get me wrong there are lots and lots of vacancies in my country but honestly, they don't pay well...
Now I'm starting my own business.

Same here in the UK. A fair bit of vacincies but there ain't a demand for us networking people because they are so many of us out there with years of experience so they are the ones getting the jobs whilst graduates like us get dumped .

The same can be said for the IT techie. From what I can see, there are LOADS of vacancies for programmers and web devs in the UK, but i dont know if they are getting filled up fast like the networking ones or if they are in high demand.

[krishananda]

Yea, you're right, but surprised me that the condition same out there, I thought it's only here hard to get job.
It would be much easier if we have connections to other networking people, let them know what we have.
Try aiming the consultants and contractors for job. Last year I got few jobs abroad for networking, paid pretty well.
Now I'm back home, upgrade myself with certifications.

Good luck

[TriggerFinger]

Yep, I think it is the same anywhere.

That is true, employers look for people with experience. If you are a new grad with almost zero experience, I suggest you go into some internship or volunteer programs. Here in our city alone, there are companies (of course in the entertainment business) that offer these. If you are still completing your degree (like network administrator degree), you can apply as a network admin intern. The pay would not be as high (sometimes none at all if volunteer work) but hey one should start somewhere, right?

[krishananda]

what a nice program wow, really, usually network people won't let any newbie messing around with production network.
if there are such, I'm sure people would even pay to be in the program, but with no cost and even get paid.
I don't know about you guys but if I were there, I would go straightly in

[lazareth1]

Damn right!! Some of use lucky students do get work experience but it's nothing like an American internship! The contractor work sounds like a good one and I agree whole heartedly that having contacts in the business goes a long way.

PS. Im talking about the UK and not Hong Kong cause ive only been here for best part of 4 months lol.

PSS. Just noticed that it's an associate's degree you are going for. I dont think they have anything like that in UK but I read in another forum somewhere that this isn't the same as a full degree?

[krishananda]

which associate degree may I ask?

[lazareth1]

the degree the guy who started this thread is doing lol.

[kevinbrown09]

Individuals with a Computer Networking Degree are the ones in charge of the networks that support an organization. This includes designing and maintaining local area networks and wide area networks. A good computer networking and technology degree will also provide you with skills required for jobs in computer programming, systems analyzing, and database administration, to name a few. You can check with California College San Diego for more information on the computer degree programs.