Jobs in CIT CCNA

Question:

You wrote back to me about where I can look to find jobs in CIT CCNA and I have some more questions. I had taken the first class at the College of DuPage to get a CCNA and I plan on taking the next class.

I really want to get a job in this and not just spend money and time taking classes and get a CCNA and then no job. Is there still a demand for CCNA engineers in this economy? And if so, do you think the demand will grow for a CCNA engineer?

Reply:
There is a demand for qualified, certified network engineers, James. Do a search on ‘network engineer’ on the web. Try http://www.indeed.com; http://www.careerbuilder.com; http://www.monster.com; http://www.dice.com; http://www.usa.lucidjobs.com; http://www.ilworkinfo.com; http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/tch.


Question:
What I got out of reading what you wrote to me was that a CCNA engineer can work in a lot of industries. Am I correct? These companies and organizations hire and need someone with a CCNA and not just a manager because you wrote manager. Am I correct? (The reason I ask that is because as someone who would be new with a CCNA, I would not be a manager.)

Reply:
Yes, you are correct. A networking engineer can come from any one of the many vertical markets, I mentioned. IT is everywhere!

Question:
Here is what you wrote me: "IT managers across all vertical markets, government, healthcare, education, finance, insurance/securities, wholesalers, and retailers in the production and distribution of products, law, entertain/sports, real estate, etc. hire our graduates. Depending on the individual student’s background, he/she may find a career in any of the following fields with a degree or certificate from CIT: network administrators, system support specialists, system administrators, technical support specialist, network support specialist, computer support, security specialist, convergence specialist, or VoIP support specialist. And of course, there are also many opportunities and careers in security, not only as a career but as a network professional in the IT departments of any of the above mentioned industries."

Reply:
I did not say that you are limited to becoming an IT manager, James. I said that IT managers from all these vertical markets hire our graduates. That, of course, is no guarantee that you will take our four CCNA prep courses and be guaranteed a job. It doesn’t work that way.

Question:
You also wrote that it would be a good idea to get an internship while working on getting my CCNA. I agree and I want to do that. In getting an internship, I can look at state and local governments, schools --high schools, insurance companies, stores like Macy's and Sam's Club and Walmart, factories, and Lawyers. Am I correct?

Reply:
Yes. In addition, internship opportunities exist for currently enrolled COD students completing a program of study through the Cooperative Education and Internship Program. You can go online to register, and check current internship openings at www.cod.edu/intern. Also, students may call 630-942-2611 for an appointment for more information.

Question:
I am confused as to the different fields you wrote, such as, network administrator and technical support specialist. It's confusing to me because at the college we learn how to be a CCNA engineer. How do we become those that you mentioned?

Reply:
James, I highly suggest that you do some research on your own. You can ‘google’ these different fields to get an understanding of each. In addition, you can search on them through the links I listed above, and take a look at the different job descriptions for each. You also have the COD library resources available to you.

Question:
I am also confused as to what I can write on my resume and tell these people in these industries about what I can do for them as an intern.

Reply:
You write the truth – your current and past job experiences. There is a wealth of information in our library on resume writing.

Closing Comments:
Thank you Joanne for all your help as I look to continue in the CCNA classes. Please let me know your thoughts.

Reply:
You are on the right track, James. That CCNA certification is the first step!