Cisco Career Path

[CertGuru]

Friends,
           I am preparing for CCNA and would like to know what other people do after it. I just want to know which are the most sought after Cisco/Microsoft certs after CCNA in terms of career pogression and money

Any advise will be highly appreciated.

Regards
CertGuru

[zom]

i would like to know too as i am preparing some examinations.

[dklord666]

It depends on what you´re looking for... In my opnion security pays the most here... But Cisco PIX is not the only option, so... CCIP is also a good way to follow, and off course, CCVP IP Telephony... Most bussiness of today require that... And also allows you to open your own business to support this kind of service...

I´d like security the most, but in order to attend my company needs, I´m going to IP Telephony... I just passed the CVOICE, and needs two more (plus CCNP) to get there... total of 6 more exams...

If I were you, I would choose the one you like the most, not the one that pays more, it´s not good to receive lots of money, and do something that you hate it!

Cheers!

[marti53476]

Security and voip are hot and will pay the most. Cisco will pay better than Microsoft. In my opinion the best path is the one that you enjoy the most and therefore will have more interest. Real interest and commitment is what is going to make you better, more specialized and therefore get you more $$$$

[JDJDJD]

What is the general feedback on the Cisco voice certs?  Are they very tough? Moderatley tough?

[gg]

first go for CCNA. After that my option would be CCNP/CCIP. If you pass all of this you would
have sufficient knowledge to go for CCIE.

[mbeckman]

CCNA means that you have sufficient knowledge to work at an entry level Cisco position. Meaning all you will do ALL DAY is work on Cisco issues (PRETTY COOL HUH) CCNP/IP/DP etc.. They certify that you have professional knowledge in Cisco products and IOS. This means that you might be able to get a Level 2 engineer position.

CCIE is by far the most respected, and it almost guarantees you making 100k plus, but there are specialties. For CCIE voice, this entails you designing large scalable VOIP solutions with Call Manager Unity Cisco works etc..

I hope that helps a bit.

Mike

[Thurc]

But there are some sidesteps you can take on the way. Gaining you cisco qualified specialists recognition which also looks good on a resume. For example CQS-CIPTOS which is just CCNA, QOS 642-642 and Cisco IP telephony troubleshooting 642-425

[jabrimama]

WOW!!  I am glad I found this post cause I have been confused as to which route to take. I haven't gotten too far in my program to decide what I really like but I will be really attentive to make sure I figure it out.

You guys are on point over here. 

Chanel

[skytrupper]

voila! great information for a newbie like me to decide what to do after CCNA,thanks guys for guiding us