CCNA-CCNP-CCIE Please read, I would really love input from anyone with experience in the networking Field!?

Question

Hi, My name is Jessica.
Though I'm only 15 years of age,

I have been interested ( And have been prusuing ) in getting my Certs ( CCNA ) for over 2 in half years now.
Networking seems to be the profession I would like to be in,
Or at least some Graphic Designing.

I have indeed purchased the Cisco books recomended....

But in a sense I'm not so sure if networking is the absolute route I should take. That's why I'm looking for personal opinions from others with experience in the networking area.




I would like some personal suggestions in presuing
my education and what might be the best route to all of this.

Is becoming a network engineer truley a good job with lots of oppertunities... Or should I be looking into something else.?.

Thanks for reading, And your suggestions are greatly apperciated.

Aww,
Big Thanks to everyone who has already replied & is still willing to reply!

You guys are almost like my saviors, seriously!

If anyone might have any additional information that might be helpful, Please by all means do not hesitate in giving me an e-mail at [e-mail] !!


Thanks a bunch!!!!!

Answer 1

"But in a sense I'm not so sure if networking is the absolute route I should take."

No pun intended? ;)

I am not sure if you live near one but you might check out the Cisco Press website for local Cisco User Groups in your area. One other place to try is http://dfw.cisco-users.org/other_cugs.htm

You can get some good information from the people running the group and get an idea from the attendees exactly what they do as networking professionals. Plus, you might make some friends.

Some CUGs have study groups that can really help on understanding concepts and technologies you will see on the certification exams and in real life. You might even find a study group with some equipment to practice on.

Answer 2

Hi Jessica,

First of all congrats to you for setting up high standards for your self. I should feed my daughters the same cereal that you had.

First things first. Graphic Design (Web site stuff) is very much different than Networking (breakfix, design, systems intergration) in a huge way.

I can do a website with ease but not at the professional level of graphic designer that does it every day. I haven't met a graphic designer who can walk into a combined Novel, Linux and Windows based environment and fix an issue let alone determine the causes and why it actually happened at the same professional level. Yes both fields are in Technology. But more important, both fields have different paths for success.

My advice to you is, instead of CCNA, why don't you take the design path of CCDA and up. Cisco books are good, but you really learn in the lab for the basics. At least for me, I couldn't afford all the gear needed for the final tests to practice on. Your local college may have a cisco lab, and since your not out of high school yet, they may let you take a class there for a small fee or free like they do here for High school students. If not, do an internship for a computer network company, and have them pay for your studies at your lab.

And finally, I chose Networking over Graphic Design because it gave me more choices to work before I started my own business.

I hope this helps you, good luck : )

Answer 3

Hi Jessica,
It's great to see someone so young looking ahead. The networking field is a great route to take with a lot of opportunity but don't limit yourself. The most successful people learn a little about everything then a lot about what they enjoy the most. Considering the time you will be spending at work, you should enjoy it!

Answer 4

to me it is the best career that any computer junkie could have. here are the highlights: traveling, high in demand, and it pays well.
there are few careers in the world that allow you to travel or stay at the office if you choose. it will also help to learn some new languages {it helps when your in another country}. :) good luck on your future choices. seasons greetings from Morhazsen Networks.