Getting Network Specialist degree..

[xsubxwooferx]

I start school October 1st for this degree and I was wondering if it is like in demand or or even getting? I searched online on what it is but I keep getting Network Administration with it.What would I mainly be doing after I get the degree? Is the pay good?

[nemowolf]

I start school October 1st for this degree and I was wondering if it is like in demand or or even getting? I searched online on what it is but I keep getting Network Administration with it.What would I mainly be doing after I get the degree? Is the pay good?

What exactly is the programming training you to do? Can you link the school/program/degree information?

From the title of Network Specialist, it sounds like your going to be running cable or monitoring network performance. More information would be needed to really tell you more.

[SeanC]

Once you finish the program don't expect to be making big bucks right off the bat, unless you already have 5+ years of related work experience.

Unless you get lucky, expect to get a job doing computer tech support or help desk for a few years first. Then work your way up to the network support.

Network support can include looking at network traces to figure out why things aren't talking to each other, troubleshooting general network issues, configuring routers, switches, designing networks and other related things.

After you graduate, you'll want to look at getting the Cisco certifications. With them, you'll have a better chance of getting into companies as a network analyst. Most larger companies expect at least the CCNA (lowest level Cisco cert).

[xsubxwooferx]

the college website is northwestertech.edu and the classes are here http://www.northwesterntech.edu/stud...networking.pdf Yeah I prob will be doing the certs after that.Also, are they in demand?

[SeanC]

Cisco certs are always in demand. They are almost becoming a job requirement in networking. At least in my area around Toronto. You don't get interviews without certs, even if the job posting doesn't say they're required.

With the highest Cisco cert the CCIE, you can be almost guaranteed of getting a good senior network analyst job after you have a few years of related experience.

[xsubxwooferx]

yeah but once I get a cert. wouldn't I haft to go back every 2 years to keep doing those? Wouldn't it get repetitive?

[SeanC]

Unfortunately, that's the nature of most certifications. Although I think Cisco is actually every 5 years they need renewing. But if you get into a good company you can get them to pay for all or at least most of the recertification.

[xsubxwooferx]

well thats good to know.Is network specialist in demand to?

[famosbrown]

yeah but once I get a cert. wouldn't I haft to go back every 2 years to keep doing those? Wouldn't it get repetitive?

Cisco requires recertification every 3 years, but there are other options to just recertifying, but yes...you will have to take an exam of some sort every 3 years max to stay certified.

[xsubxwooferx]

well im sure every 3 years isnt that bad?

[nemowolf]

Honestly, reviewing the courses your going to be taking, the only thing that really strikes me as being network related is the Network Fundamentals/Intro to LANs and Wans and the Cisco/Unix option. Even then, the cisco option is only three classes that may not cover specifically Cisco as they appear to be general classes.

I would definately say this is a good entry level option but it is nothing great or tailored specifically for a certain job. As already mentioned, you are probably only going to get into entry level jobs like Help Desk because nothing there is specific to Servers and you lack the experience for a Cisco admin position.

[xsubxwooferx]

how much do help desk make? So after like years of doing that I move up or would I just haft to find a better job?

[GroundZero3]

Helpdesk are at the bottom in the IT world. Dont expect alot

[nemowolf]

Helpdesk are at the bottom in the IT world. Dont expect alot

It varies by geographical area and the field for your respective employer.

[xsubxwooferx]

Even though Network specialist and network admin is 2 diff degrees....can this be the first step into getting a network admin degree?

[nemowolf]

Even though Network specialist and network admin is 2 diff degrees....can this be the first step into getting a network admin degree?

I would say no. You would need to compare classes and see what is different. Honestly, this sounds like you should speak with the dean/councilor of the CIS department (or what ever it is called) and start asking them questions about the programs and what they will do for you.

They are going to be your best source because they should have a firm understanding of the courses and what you actually learn in them. You may find that you hit the nail on the head with the network specialist but only want the diploma and then do a degree in something else. Since they also know the school and how it works best, they may be able to assist you with alternative classes to substitute certain classes with more suitable ones to slightly tailor the program for you.

[xsubxwooferx]

well i messaged the school and it was I will get a reply within 24-48 hours and I asked them if I got a network specialist degree if that can be a start for me getting network administration degree.

[xsubxwooferx]

sry for double post but now im gonna ask yall if it is possible without switching classes around?

[GroundZero3]

That is up to the school

[nemowolf]

sry for double post but now im gonna ask yall if it is possible without switching classes around?

You may want to look instead of the degree specific classes, check out their entire course listing catalog. Many schools have a certain set of classes they offer for fall/winter/spring/summer etc. Just looking at the first semester/quarter course listing may not give you a good idea. Instead of emailing the school, call and ask for the department and then speak to the receptionist. There should be a councilor for the department that is there specifically to help people in the major programs for their department. They will know the courses offered each quarter and may very well be a better councilor then a general council because of the smaller student ratio and more focused understanding of the course work.

We are going to be a poor source of information on your school compared to one of the faculty.