Career change and CCNA

arkonte76 · 4 Jul 2015 at 14:05

Hi, I wanted to know if someone has been in the same situation as me. I am in my 40s and currently studying my second year of BSc (Honours) in Computing and IT with The Open University. I chose the Networking path and I recently have got the CCNA certified. I am working in a completely unrelated job with IT but my aim is a career change. Even though I have made my own home lab to get hands on experience, I don't have working experience in networking.

Is it possible at my age to work as network engineer? I have applied for a few jobs in cwjobs.com but no answer... Another question is what to include in my CV as a CCNA certified with no working experience in this field.

Thanks.

arkonte76 · 4 Jul 2015 at 14:40

Hi Mr. Stu, I am currently working part-time, although I have worked in finance as manager in the past. I know I have to start from the lowest positions but is not a problem for me, the only concern is about my age and my lack of experience.

Thank you Napaim, I passed the CCNA after completing the OU module. It is quite hard but with the Knowledge that I acquired from my studies (the CCNA module is quite intensive) and learning the stuff with my home lab (highly recommended), you shoud not have a problem.

Any suggestions about how to build my CV?

arkonte76 · 4 Jul 2015 at 18:30

mad_allan said:
arkonte76 where are you based in the country?

Hi, I am from London. Why?

arkonte76 · 4 Jul 2015 at 18:32

Nate--IRL-- said:
I was 33 when I made the Switch into IT. Age is not a barrier.

Nate

May I ask you where did you start? Help Desk? Network engineer?

arkonte76 · 4 Jul 2015 at 18:40

Janesy B said:
Your lack of experience means you'll be stuck doing 1st line for a year or so, if you don't mind that then go for it.

Thank you for your reply Janesy B, I don't mind to do 1st line support if that means experience. I have applied at least 10 1st line support vacancies through cwjobs but no answer at all after a week. Maybe my CV is not good enough, I have just included my CCNA certified and my former experience in the last 10 years in unrelated fields. Should I be more especific and include the protocols I know and other related knowledge?