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I am a computer science major with an excellent GPA .I am trying to land a job as a network administrator/specialist.

Veteran

Deepak Jacobi Irvington, KY

I am five classes from graduating with my bachelors degree. What credentials do I need to land a network specialist job. Do certain companies offer on the job training for this position?

16 July 2016 5 replies Career Advancement

Answers

Advisor

Kristin Garcia Norman, OK

Hello Deepak,
Are you willing to relocate for a position or looking at staying local? Prabath provided a great recommendation of completing certifications. Review job postings of companies you want to work for and look at the recommended certs to prepare. If you're new to the industry, you might look into an internship while you finish your final courses or apply for an entry level position for part-time work as you learn the ropes.

I'm happy to chat with you more about those options.
Kristin

20 July 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

David Siedband Palo Alto, CA

Hi Deepak,

Part of the challenge you face is getting the initial experience managing vital infrasutrcture. Usually the way to overcome that is to do either an internship or a volunteer engagement. When choosing that project, look for something which will give you a good success story. Mid-size to large NGOs can be good for volunteer projects.

Certs can help with some positions, but it really depends on the view of the company. Many don't give them much significance because of the many crash-course providers which nearly guarantee that you will get a cert after spending a few days cramming. If you decide to take any of the Cisco tests, ping me as I still have some of the books, particularly the ones around NetSec.

Have you considered expanding your NetAdmin focus to include with SysAdmin or Cloud/Orchestration?

If you don't already have a work-oriented blog, I'd recommend to start one. Same for a GitHub account you can point to.

Feel free to contact me if there's anything I can do to help.

26 July 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Lee Ivy Sunnyvale, CA

While you are still enrolled as an undergraduate, you are eligible to apply for internship programs, this could greatly improve your chances of finding an entry level position (and a "foot in the door" that can lead to a full time job after you graduate). But internships are not a possibility after you get your degree. Good luck!

20 July 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Ed Haugh Westminster, MD

Do you have a clearance? And definitely relocation. Companies are going to train you on what they need you to do as long as you have the basic skillset to start. Certifications are a plus, but experience is the big thing. I hire experience over certs and don't be afraid to apply for jobs that specify certifications. Often if your resume can make it thru the initial screening process, the hiring manager may be quite happy with you and the Cert may have been a corporate job description they dropped into the add which is not really necessary.

20 July 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Deepak Jacobi Irvington, KY

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question, I landed a job with AGC Automotive as an IT Intern.

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