Hi, need some advice from you guys:

1. I am working as a network support now for 2 months. I am wondering what is the career path for network support. Is this career path correct?

network support > sr. network support > network manager/network consultant > sr. network consultant > ???

2. What do I need to learn or study in order to become a sr. network consultant?

3. Before I start working, I plan to get ccna, but I am a bit lost now, as my company focus more on Windows server. Do I get MCSE instead of CCNA? Or both?

4. What are the future prospects for "networker"?

Thanks in advance.

I'm exactly the same spot as you're in.

Previously i'm a Network Engineer working for an ISP.

Now working for an MIS company, as a System Engineer.

MCSE is as important as CCNA. What you'll learn in Networking has gotta be going somewhere right? Operating System comes together with Networks and vice versa. You'll not be going anywhere far with just knowledge in Networking only. If you're only good in networking, you'll stuck for being an engineer only. Eg. laying network cables, setting up wifi, etc. And no company would employ ppl to just sit in the office and plan for networks You'll have a brighter future if you have both. And now since your company focus more on Windows Server, might as well take advantage of that and go take up MCSE and you'll be ahead of your colleagues

network engineer/system engineer --> infrastructure manager (maybe?)
but i dunno in the middle.. maybe sr network eng, then infra mgr asst.

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This post has been edited by lipkhin: Dec 1 2010, 02:27 AM

Sometime experience is must more valuable then certificates. Where ur working enviroments and infrastructure is also another factor. No point if u are a CCNA managing a 50 clients network enviroments..

Is totally differents if u are managing a >3000 clients network infracture.. i see alot of my seniors do not hav CCNA also.. but they are good in everything.. certification is always good if u plan to hop around to others company and networking is always very challenging and my advise is not everyone can be great if u do not have strong background.

Hey LipKhin, long time no see. I am fine... Couldn't complain in fact. How bout u?

Too bad, they didn't sponsor or they simply do not have this kind of "culture". If I would really want to go for it, I have to take my money.

Agree with your points. I bet solid experience plus some certifications that can validate your skill and knowledge would be the best.

By the way, I am going to start self-studying for MCSE. Anyone wanna join? Its going to be a long path. Hehe.

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This post has been edited by lipkhin: Dec 1 2010, 02:28 AM

Yeah, 7 papers in total.

After you sit for 1 paper, you will automatically become MCP (Microsoft certified Professional). 2 more core papers and 1 elective paper, you will become MCSA (Microsoft certified system administrator). Another 3 more papers, you are MCSE. (Microsoft certified system engineer)

If you need specialization, you can take one more extra paper, then you can be either MCSE: Security or MCSE: Messaging.

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This post has been edited by lipkhin: Dec 1 2010, 02:27 AM

70-270 Windows XP. Heard from ppl this is the easiest paper. RM 300 per paper if I am not mistaken. If you get MS press book, you will have one 15% discount voucher.