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To Recertify, or Not Recertify?

Posted by Cliff on from the therein-lies-the-$64k-question dept.

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?"

4 of 557 comments (clear)

  1. Well, here's what I think by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    DEAR ANSWER BEAR

    LONG TIME LISTENER FIRST TIME CALLER

    MY BOYFRIEND AND I HAVE BEEN GOING OUT
    FOR ALMOST SIX MONTHS AND FINALLY TODAY
    HE SAID HE WANTED TO GO "ALL THE WAY"
    AND EVEN THOUGH I'M VERY RELIGIOUS I
    THOUGHT YOU KNOW I SHOULD PROBABLY PUT
    OUT OR THE GUY'S GOING TO GO HIRE SOME
    PROSTITUTES

    ANYWAY SO WE PICK A NIGHT AND MUCH TO MY
    SURPRISE I FIND OUT THAT "ALL THE WAY"
    MEANS HORRIBLE FISTING, ANAL, CREAMPIES,
    BUKKAKE, AND MUD FUN FOR SIX HOURS STRAIGHT

    NEEDLESS TO SAY I'M FILTHY, STICKY,
    STRETCHED OUT, AND GLAZED LIKE A FAT HAM
    BUT MY REAL CONCERN IS WHETHER OR NOT I CAN
    CHANGE HIM AND MOLD HIM TO MY WILL ???????
    I KNOW HE HAS A GOOD HEART BUT BOY HE SURE
    LIKES BRINGING ANIMALS INTO THE BEDROOM

    WHAT SHOULD I DO ????

    SIGNED, TWATSIE FROM TULSA

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  2. There are far too many IT guys for each job by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    .. so you (and many other unemployed /. readers) should pick up a useful trade. Biochemistry is up.

  3. Re:MCSA by JPriest · · Score: -1, Troll

    MS certs are Mickey Mouse. MCSE's are the least skilled and most arrogant workers in the industry.

    --
    Saying Java is nice because it works on all OS's is like saying that anal sex is nice because it works on all genders.
  4. Re:If you don't have a C/S degree, get one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    I am doing the same thing. I am double-majoring in CS and EE with a minor in math and physics. I should be graduated soon. I want to practice IP law. The great thing is that I have a great well-known mentor who has been in the business for over thirty years. He has connections like you would not believe.

    At least if I decide law is too shady for me, I can always earn a decent dollar.