Hi,

I am 28 yo currently working in KL. I have a diploma in mechanical engineering in 2012. All these while i have worked on alot of jobs but not career. From being a customer service agent to being a cleaner in singapore i think ive done it all.
Only 6 years before(circa 2016) I started my current job which is IT technician/Broadband installer. Its a good experience to be honest and grew to like the IT environment especially networking. I get to do all sorts of cabling work cat6/fiber/coax etc. Not only hard labour, I also do router configurations, network troubleshooting and alot more.

The problem now is, although i moved to a different company doing the same job, but my pay and skills are now stagnant. I have been trying to apply for Field Engineer job or maybe entry level NOC/Network Eng but response has been quiet.

So far I've only gotten 1 job interview, although the iv i think was okay, but the company question me about my expected salary. I told them 3k, and they point out a problem with it because my current pay is commission based and im pulling in 5k-6k gross(havent exclude work expenses etc). I tried applying for similar position elsewhere but alot of them are asking degree or ccna but I applied anyways.

Right now I feel stuck in my career and I feel like I cant go anywhere. I'm thinking to study for CCNA but that might take some time more. Before COVID, I rolled into part time degree program for IT Network but did not managed to complete it due to financial constraint.

Now I feel very loss on what to do next. It feels like I'm overqualified for entry level jobs but underqualified for experienced job. Hope someone can give me advice here. I would appreciate it greatly.

Thanks. 🙏

Do your ccna for a start, accompanied by any cloud networking certifications from AWS/GCP/AZure. Try n volunteer above your current responsibilities or learn from the seniors. Proceed with CCNP. With all those certifications in hand, then you may have a direction on your next steps. Good luck!

I agree with mahem, if you have the time as well, try taking cloud related networking courses and certifications. Those would definitely help you to elevate your skillsets.

How much it cost for CCNA? Can all do online?

i am in the mid-senior level role, my advice is to go for the process excellence/automation role.
low code automation tools like rpa and alteryx are pretty hot now and very easy to learn.

Sorry to burst your bubble ccna is no longer in demand coz any Tom dick and Harry can own one with testking. Ccie is prefered but demand is low now as most services has moved to cloud which only leaves really big company needing a ccie. But by that they really want an architect than an engineer

Good advise .. start something... don't sit and wait

Yes. This is what I have in mind currently. Thanks for the advice.


IINM the exam itself cost 300$ and can self study with no pre-requisite.


I get where you coming from. But from where I am sitting, CCNA is like the only ticket for me to get a foot on the door. Almost all entry level IT networking job out there requires a degree or atleast a CCNA. I have neither. Regretted not finishing my degree back then.

Thanks for the kind words. I am trying sort out my life now step by step. Hope its not too late.

Do CCNA part time

Continue working, take ccna part time since you say it’s the least you need to hv to get a foot in the door. All the best!

Do you have to take online courses for it or learning on the jabz?