At 3:57 PM +0000 1/1/03, Peter van Oene wrote: > >I would just like to reiterate that the graduate degree (master's or PhD) >>provides you a whole lot more flexibility than the CCIE ever can. With a >>graduate degree, you can branch out far and beyond network engineering. > >That this thread subsists continues to amaze me. The CCIE, challenging >though it may be, is just a vendor test. >
I'll admit it. I was waiting for an academic to notice that "degree" was not spelled correctly. :-) Seriously, there's a lot of emotion tied to certification, and I don't mean as a simple way to make cash fast. The society has overemphasized formal education, undervalued practical skills, and has massively undervalued pure logic. I can certainly remember, in the early seventies, when I started to use certifications to get around HRdroids. But, before long, I had a sufficient resume that it became a non-issue. My job-hunting skills improved as well -- since about 1976, my jobs didn't correspond to a published job description, or, at best, reflected a general need of the employer and we tailored my specific job. One of the best strategies is to get ahead of the commodity curve, and also to focus on the "niches" between complementary technologies, niches where enterprises don't even know they need specialists. Network management was like that for years. Studying the target enterprise, even to the point of recognizing problems and figuring out solutions, can also be a big help -- "hire me and I'll fix this." Now, some unethical managers may just take your idea and run, so don't give away every idea. If you are a consultant, there is a very fine line between demonstrating your competence and giving free consulting. Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=60066&t=59481 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
