Does computer networking require any further education other than the certifications?
#networking #computer #information-technology
18 answers
Carl’s Answer
Hi Jason,
Computer networking is one of those fields where as if you know what you are doing, not too many people will question your credentials. You do however need to get your foot in the door and that is where certifications such as a CCNA or CCNP come into play. Large scale planning may require a bachelor's and/or master's degree in a field such as Network and Communications Management or Network Administration.
Carl recommends the following next steps:
Alok’s Answer
Hello Jason,
I will build on Carl's answer. Go for getting your basics straight and solid. Question and challenge yourself on how much about networks you really do know.
You do realize that you hold a small equipment in your hand, where you type in a few key words, and that data get converted into many tiny packets, get routed from your Wi-Fi router to a modem to your ISP's optical fiber cable to probably a larger cable, moving across multiple network devices (routers, switches etc) and network setups (network domains) to reach the right server and give you the information you need on the same device, all in matter of few seconds. And imagine a few million people are doing the exact same thing.
I do not think any certification in the world covers all this. I do not intend to demean certifications. They are a seal/brand that represent quality and excellence. My point is just that mere certification will not make you a problem solver. And trust my words, a problem solver is the most coveted skill in any technology. And almost like a gold-level skill in Networks. And that cannot happen until you really understand details of every layer you touch.
So my suggestion to you would be this. Study for certifications with the aim of understanding the basics, and spend some effort on seeing how it is implemented. The certification material usually does an outstanding job of covering the basics and implementation scenarios, but they seldom cover all that you will need in your career.
Good Luck!
Alok recommends the following next steps:
Hi Jason,
Knowing the basics is the first thing and certification like CCNA helps to get the fundamentals. Courses are available before attempting the certification. Second thing is some Hands-On experience on network devices like switches, routers, Wi-Fi access points, firewalls.
All the best !
Britee Thakkar
Anwesha’s Answer
Certifications are a part of creating credibility for the knowledge that you possess in networking. Along with that you would need to read up extensively on latest networking trends, technologies for the future and get enough hands-on whenever possible on simulation softwares to hone your skills.
Vikas’s Answer
Yes Jason not only Computer Networking but every filed requires more than just a certification. You need to get the experience also besides a certification. So you need both things hand in hand. It's like marketing yourself you have the experience plus certifications makes you different using which you can bring that flavour of surprise on the table.
In short, experiences helps you to use those certifications wisely.
Cheers
Vikas
Abhishek’s Answer
Ramprasanth’s Answer
Once you get your job, don't stick to certifications and concentrate on your actual industry knowledge. Because the certifications are mostly designed for commercial purposes and do not give you 100 % of the knowledge and experience that you intend to achieve.
Vuk’s Answer
Depends where you want to work. For some positions you need to have higher edu finished. When it comes to practical knowledge education will never be able to complete with technology education. In my opinion having both is win win. It will open some doors for you.
Selda’s Answer
Hi Jason,
My suggestion is first focus on basic concepts to be familiar with the world of Networking. Then try to get depth knowledge by reading CCNA book. Prepare yourself for CCNA certification. Then Plan to doing some labs to get hands on experience and try to get CCNP certification.
If it's possible I recommend to buy one Cisco switch and router and practice at home.
Arunkumar’s Answer
Certifications will help you to begin your career but try lot of labs available online and keep your skills up to date.
Kayenaat’s Answer
karthik’s Answer
Ragil’s Answer
If you have very good knowledge in networking and one bachelor degree , that is sufficient to get a job in networking.
Once you gain some experience in this field, then you will get lot of opportunity
Definitely, having a certification along with knowledge will help to highlight your CV .
Saif’s Answer
To get skilled in a particular technology I believe certifications and training would suffice.
However, tertiary education layouts the foundation for all aspects of IT field or computer engineering, such as networking, security, software development and IT management, and while your role can be very specific to computer networking, you are still expected to have a basic understanding of security, scripting etc, and in fact a lot of the big tech companies do list tertiary education as a requirement for the jobs they advertise ( even entry roles ) . This however is not true of all companies, in general if you have the proper training and certifications in computer networking then you've already covered the baseline skill for many computer networking positions in the market.
Brent’s Answer
Hi Jason,
To be honest, it will very much depend upon the job and and even other factors like how willing the company is to help you grow and improve your skills. Some job roles will require further education and certificates for the job itself or to continue rising within the company. However other roles may have different priorities and therefore it may not be as necessary. Similarly, certifications can be very expensive. Some companies will be happy to help provide money to help you achieve these, while others will expect you to pay for them yourselves.
Additionally, when hiring some companies will look specifically at certifications just to be considered (whether that's a good hiring practice or not is debatable). Further education and certifications is incredibly beneficial regardless of the field you're in but at the end of the day, the knowledge and experience to back up how you achieved it is the main thing.
Vishal’s Answer
Apart from certifications, you can focus on learning latest technologies, this will help you stay ahead of competition. If you want to succeed in IT Industry you have to keep learning otherwise you never know when your knowledge becomes outdated.
Sanjeevirayan’s Answer
Yes, as everything in Computer Science, you need to learn all the time.
Things are changing rapidly, and the stuff that I've been doing couple years ago are already outdated, and again this is truth to every field of IT.
In terms, what to learn, I would recommend to try to look for job offers that seems appealing to you, write down the requirements that are frequently there and then just start to learn it.
You can use any way that works for you, training tracks, video courses, reading books or blogs.
But always remember about getting your hands dirty and trying to actually work on some project. It can be anything, just try to come up with some idea and then try to implement it.
Amer’s Answer
Hi Jason, obtaining a certifications in a technical field in which you are interested in a good starting point. However, the content in many certification today may not cover the latest technologies that are in the industry. Some certification's have version control to indicate at which stage the certification is up to. Keep an eye on these and ensure the content is relevant to your day-to-day workflow.
Furthermore, I suggest to join an networking community as on-going developents are shared and discussion with the forum. Other options to consider is the content available on Cisco Live (session recordings/ppt slides).
Regards, Amer
Onkar’s Answer
These skills will help you can automate many things.
Python and automation skills are mandatory for so many networking job rolls.