Charles & All, This is something I can sympathize with. Charles, you have the added bonus over me, that you have a CCNP. Man, I would sell my sister to have that (ok not my sister, but maybe all of her worldly possessions and mine). You have no degree? Well neither do I. Actually, I quit my degree the same day I got my first full time job. Here's another idea: It is possible to study part time and work full time, in which case most employers value someone who is trying to achieve tertiary education. It is seen firstly as a good sign of your willingness to be educated, but you can also be seen as a long term investment. Ie. If the company is willing to place you while you're doing 2-8yrs of Tertiary study, then you're not going to run off in a hurry to find another job. This year I started part-time study + full-time work, and it's working for me. Although it is tough on the whole social life. Technowizards tend to forget how important the "unwinding" stage is! Back to your question: another thing to remember when approaching clients. I have found (in my experience) that broaching the subject of having part-time tertiary qualifications go down better if you mention: a) I'm studying part time, but it has correspondence aspects - so I don't have to sit in formal classes. Most of the work I am more than happy to do in my own time. b) I have night class, so it wont interfere with the working hours during the day. c) The degree I am pursuing is directly related to what I will be doing in my job and will enhance my analysis, project, management skills in teh following areas.... I would have to agree with some of the words already spoken - It's all about attitude and your practical know-how. Employers are so varied that you will always get someone who wants you to have an alphabet after your name. Do you really want to work for someone who is more interested in your title, rather than your potential? Working for a company is supposed to be a mutually beneficial experience. Always be positive about your skills. In interviews, give examples of how the CCNP has helped you in your career. The less you say about the tertiary aspect the better, and focus all your energy on all the other services you have to offer. You want your employer to go away from the interview thinking about the 2-3 things you said about your skills, rather than the 2-3 things you said about you not having a degree. Best of luck Charles, and "you can do it!" Nigel Hedges Consultant (Security) Computer Associates nigel.hedgesat_private -----Original Message----- From: Charles England To: SECURITYJOBSat_private Sent: 25/04/2001 10:14 PM Subject: Network Security -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 I have been trying to change my career focus from Jack of all Trades in a high paced service environment to network security. Despite banging on many doors I have up to this point come up empty. I was wondering if anyone had any advice they could give me. I also had two specific questions. I do not have a college degree should obtaining a degree be a high priority, ie am I wasting my time without a degree. Which certifications if any are worth pursuing, I once thought certain certifications would help advance my career however having a CCNP has done nothing except help my current employer achieve a higher standing as a Cisco dealer. Charles England -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGPfreeware 7.0.3 for non-commercial use <http://www.pgp.com> iQA/AwUBOueEi3SOBwex5LBDEQJlLQCfaxQmJ9pwDKSdpfbsr3txCoF/vrwAn0V3 ElrhFbXyYbYs7tYCGCaOmFuZ =FNbc -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
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