Beginer questions

[ronin9391]

Hi guys! I have a broad question so I don't expect a clear answer, yet any kind of guidance will be highly appreciated. Is the age of 36 to late to start learning networking, in order to become a world class specialist? How far do you think I can get with, lets say 5 years of hard work (10 hrs/day of studying and practicing)? I'm planning to focus on security, nevertheless I'm not yet fully confident so I might choose something else. Here is a [;ace where I can use some advice as well.

Do I get a real chance to get a job after 5 years? Thanks in advance, I please accept my apologies if my questions sound odd or even stupid, but I need to start documenting myself to see what are my chances.

Kind regards

[najacajahaja]

Never Say late you always has the chance to start from the beginning it needs only strong well

Good Luck

[Richard Burts]

Based on my personal experience I would say that 36 is not too late to start studying networking. I was older than 36 when I began studying networking. And I have done pretty well in the field.

I will say that it will not be easy. Back when I started there were not nearly as many people in the field and it was easier to get that first job in networking. These days there are a lot more people in the field and the competition for jobs is more intense. But if you have a genuine talent for networking and apply yourself you should be able to succeed.

My first jobs were not in technology areas. When I decided that I wanted to change fields and to get a job in the technology area my first job was working with computers (but not networking them). As I got experience in that field I got interested in networking and began to look for opportunities to move in that direction. Part of my suggestion to you is to spend some time in studying and practice. But do not wait till you have acquired expert skills to find a job in the field. Once you have learned some networking and have some skills then try to find a job in the field. Once you have a job it will be easier to get experience that will help you improve your skills and to determine in which area (routing, switching, security, or whatever) you want your long term career to be.

HTH

Rick

[ronin9391]

Hi Richard, thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts. My education is PhD level in intelligence field and I also have 15 years experience in dealing with securing information, but more from procedural side of the matter (applying ISO 27xxx series) in various sites around the world.

Do you think pursuing a security certification with Cisco will somehow give me the chance to use my current background as relevant when I'll be able to apply for a position in networking? Did you notice someone doing a similar thing in your career?

Thanks again :).

[Richard Burts]

I would think that achieving a security certification from Cisco (above the CCNA level) should open some doors and to have some employers look at you as a viable candidate for a position in network security.

HTH

Rick

[ronin9391]

Thanks Richard, those were my thoughts also. Really helpful.

Best regards

[Mohammed Islam]

Its never too late my friend.  With your background in Intelligence, I would recommend the following courses:-

1. CCNA Security - 1-2 months at the most
2. CCNP Security - 10 months
3. ECC's CISSP - 2 years mandatory experience in one of the 10 CBK fields (which you may hold already).  Approx 2-3 months to complete.

You should be all set then!

Good luck.

[ronin9391]

Thanks for such a pragmatic answer. Really helpful, because it confirms what I researched so far.

Best regrdas