To Recertify, or Not Recertify?

mckeefarley asks: "What is an out-of-work networking guy to do? Almost three years ago I worked for a systems integration company as a Senior Network Technician (with the help of an A+ cert). Two years and many certifications, later: "I am five months away from the expiration of my CCNP/DP and I question whether I should even spend the money to recertify." Would you spend the time and money to recertify, when every cent may count, and all of those pieces of paper still might not get you a job?

"The real fun and excitement was in the engineering department, and I was told the sure way in was to get my CCNA. Well I got my Sybex book, and with the help of our small lab (two Cisco routers and a catalyst switch) I received my CCNA with a [score over 90].

Thrilled as I was, the engineering department was taking some hits, and I couldn't get in. Instead of remaining stagnant I took it on myself to get my CCDA, which I got a month later. Engineering department still going down, me still wanting to rise, I looked for something else. At about this time my company was trying to get a contract working with Nortel routers and switches. 'This is my chance!', I proclaimed.

One and a half months later I was a NNCSS (Nortel Networks Certified Support Specialist), but then contract fell through. The engineering department was taking BIG hits (as was the rest of the networking industry), but I was determined. We only had one CCNP in the company, and my goal was set. With the help of the lab, and some determination, after three months I became a CCNP and CCDP.

Did I get in the engineering department?

Nope.

Did I give up?

Nope.

I got my CCIE study guide, and was all ready to rent time at a major Cisco lab at The University of Colorado, in Boulder (I am not even sure that they have this lab anymore). A month later there were two people left in the engineering department, and then was laid off.

After six months of unemployment checks and sending resumes, I gave up and decided to go back to school and do some independent consulting for some small businesses in the Denver metro area. Now, I am again looking for a full time job, and I am dealing with the same problems that I dealt with, two years ago.

I am happy to admit that all my hands on Cisco experience have not been in a production environment. I understand that the difference between the lab and the real stuff is huge. But the certs didn't, and still don't even get my foot in the door. My resume has been critiqued by many people, and is in tip-top shape. I do have experience on Gateways (Nomadix) and many switches (SMC) and have worked on some MDU engineering projects.

Any suggestions?"

Comments

Pack your bags...

[Anonymous Coward]

Learn Hindi and move to Delhi. That's probably a better use of your time.

Re:If you don't have a C/S degree, get one

[Rogerborg]

There are a lot of out of work CS majors right now. Lawyers, on the other hand, seem to be in high demand.

How to get a job

[photon317]

1. Post certifications and work-related experiences on a front page slashdot article, along with a plea for help.

2. ???

3. Profit!

More learning required!

[Anonymous Coward]

Learn Hindi, get a tan, learn to appreciate the third world, hairy chicks, funky music, and move to India to where the jobs are.

Re:Get non-tech certs

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, join Mensa. And don't forget to go in for your ARROGANT ASSHOLE forehead tattoo. It's free with membership!

First-Generation Americans Job Taken By His Father

[transporter]

First-Generation American's Job Taken By His Father

READING, PA -- Miguel Martinez, 48, who immigrated to the U.S. 30 years ago, last week lost his leather-cutting job at GST AutoLeather, Inc. to his 66-year-old father Roberto. "I came to this country in 1974 to make a better life for my family," Martinez said Monday. "But in December, they moved the factory where I've been working for 22 years down to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. I love my father, but that damn beaner stole my job." Martinez's $18-an-hour duties will now be performed by his father for $7 a day.

Re:I wouldn't.

[ErikZ]

I don't care how hard you study nursing. You've either got breasts, or you don't.

Re:Lawyers and certifications

[larry bagina]

I recently read that the 1-million mark had been passed for lawyers in the US. I think the surplus of lawyers is to blame for the sue-happy americans, which, of course, increases the demand for lawyers. Chicken, meet egg.