The best piece of advice I could give for someone is to go into this with some kind of study buddy. You don't need to be studying the same thing (though that helps) but just a buddy to keep holding you accountable for your learning and vice versa. That being said I highly recommend professor messer for the A+, Net+, and Security+. The videos are free and easy to understand and follow the comptia requirements to the letter. My last piece of advice would be to skip the A+ certification entirely. It's outdated and won't upgrade your knowledge very much. If you only have enough to get one cert, get the Security+. You need to know networking like you would for the network+ in order to grasp the concepts on the Sec+ so it's better to kill 2 birds with one stone and get that cert. Looks better on a resume too.
Congrats man, guess there's hope for us. Also doing a career change - Just passed my AWS SAA, currently working on my Sec+ (July), then CCNA (Sept). I'm especially proud of the fact that you no longer an Alcoholic. All the best bro, rooting for you!
Your story is very similar to mine, I also found out that I had a baby girl on the way in 2021, was already working as a tech support engineer in an ISP, which sucked lol, and got into the CCNA journey back in 2022. Finally got it in May 20th 2024. Let's keep growing and all the health and happiness to your kid and family.
I’m in an Automated/troubleshooting job that I would say is pseudo IT. Studying for a CCNA to hopefully get my foot in the door in networking. Thanks for the videos, it gives me hope just staying with it even though it can be boring and tough to stick with.
What up man, just came across your channel. I’m looking to get into tech/cyber security. currently working in construction management. (I laughed when I saw the Beacon sheet, that’s the same supplier we use). Starting to get some of my certs now just to help get my foot in the door for entry level jobs. Would love to connect if that’s something you’re up for. Let me know. Good luck dude.
Love you honesty on life and the road to you passing of the ccna exam. I’ve been studying for a while and I mean a while and I’m taking my exam on Monday now I’m just trying to breathe the unknown is a killer 😂😂 but I’m going in with my head up and optimistic. Thanks for being honest and not a know it all.
@@ChristopherTravis-v9d I passed yesterday. It was funny because after I finished the exam I got my results but I had one result pending so I had to go to the my Pearson account and look at my results after my exam was scored. While I was waiting for my results I was anxious, really anxious and so later that night I saw I passed on my account. I had zero IT experience and no lie for “me” it literally to 2yrs 7months and 12 day because I passed yesterday to get mine not every comes in with knowledge and understanding but yeah I got it.
How in depth did you go into Python ? Currently I have A+, Net+, Sec+ & about to finish CySA+ & still struggling to land a job even in helpdesk. I’ve submitted hundreds of applications & not sure what to do at this point. Halfway through bachelors in cyber, but really been doubting if I should stick with it or pursue a different path. Thanks for sharing !!
I know hardly any python. Maybe you could lower your standards to try to get your foot in the door somewhere that pays bad? I am not sure the job market is honestly terrible from everything I hear
Just put in the work and do the best you can. Security+ shouldnt be too bad if you just know the different types of phishing, social engineering, etc. Just make sure you prepare well so you are less nervous.
I live in Florida. I would just search anything tech or cert related. Network, comptia, cybersecurity, network operations center, network administrator, IT, tech, computer, etc just really search anything lol
Yeah it was fairly easy more of a glossary type exam where you just have to remember certain random things. Not really any labbing or anything I think I may have spent like 30 days or so on it.
Hey man congrats on your job and getting your foot in the door. I have a NOC interview coming up. I got my A+ a long time ago, I worked locally fixing computers and dealing with customers. Then I made career change for a bit. I'm getting back into it getting more experience and info. I just wanted to ask can you talk more about what the "hard questions" were during your interview? Can you give a few tips for the interview and what kind of questions they asked you during your's at the job you landed? Again congrats and thanks!
I'm gonna be honest, they hardly asked me any questions. I think they just saw that I knew enough to be an alarm monkey because my role is not super technical. I would suggest just being naturally curious about things. You sound like you have quite a bit of knowledge so if they show you some systems just ask about them. Ask what type of ticketing software they use, what do they typically watch, what are their procedures for how they deal with problems, etc. I think if you show up and really try to ask good questions and seem interested in the role, they might give you a shot. I write a list of questions beforehand. I always ask towards the end "In a year from now, how would you know I was a good hire? What would I need to do to have success here?" I saw that question online with the theory that it makes them imagine you succeeding at the job.
Personal experience: degree is not worth it. Tens of thousands of $$$ to become a fresh grad, with a student loan debt and a few years of your life gone. If networking is your interest, a CCNP should not cost you more than $2k and a year of part time studying. Many companies offer support if you’re pursuing a relevant cert. it will get you out of your boring NOC job and the pay jump is massive. I was sitting in your exact position (CCNA and boring NOC job, monitoring and replying tickets) back in 2013…
Thanks for the tips. I was wondering about CCNP or some other certs like some IAM certs or something then wait for CCNP until I am in a position with more Networking. Time will tell!!
@@networkbret Best of luck Bert! Anything that you find relevant at your current company will help you for promotion and getting in more interesting position. Given you have already made such a drastic change in your occupation, I'm sure you'll do great no matter the path. Just save that money and time a degree will cost and redirect it to certs :)
I took the CCNA and got 975/1000 and Aced it (975/1000)x100 = 97.5%
Would you please let us know what are the resources you used?
Jeremy's IT Labs for CCNA & CCNP
Professor Messer is all you need to get in the door.
The best piece of advice I could give for someone is to go into this with some kind of study buddy. You don't need to be studying the same thing (though that helps) but just a buddy to keep holding you accountable for your learning and vice versa.
That being said I highly recommend professor messer for the A+, Net+, and Security+. The videos are free and easy to understand and follow the comptia requirements to the letter.
My last piece of advice would be to skip the A+ certification entirely. It's outdated and won't upgrade your knowledge very much. If you only have enough to get one cert, get the Security+. You need to know networking like you would for the network+ in order to grasp the concepts on the Sec+ so it's better to kill 2 birds with one stone and get that cert. Looks better on a resume too.
Use downtime at a "boring" job to skill up, work on your own projects (for resume building), and generally make yourself better.
Congrats man, guess there's hope for us. Also doing a career change - Just passed my AWS SAA, currently working on my Sec+ (July), then CCNA (Sept). I'm especially proud of the fact that you no longer an Alcoholic. All the best bro, rooting for you!
Keep grinding man, something will come up eventually if you just keep pushing and learning.
Knowledge is power, Knowledge is free
Hell yeah dude. Super inspiring, I’ve been doing hvac for years and I’m just really tired of it. Starting my tech journey soon.
You got it💪
Your story is very similar to mine, I also found out that I had a baby girl on the way in 2021, was already working as a tech support engineer in an ISP, which sucked lol, and got into the CCNA journey back in 2022. Finally got it in May 20th 2024. Let's keep growing and all the health and happiness to your kid and family.
Awesome to hear! Having a kid gives you way less free time but also a lot more motivation. Lets keep growing💪
Good job man on the transition, I’m currently working on core 2 for the A plus. I passed core recently
Good job! I need to do my A+😭😂
Do you really? Aren’t you too advanced for A plus ?
Thank you for sharing and inspiring people like us
Luv you man, Keep going!
you why i am here
Congratulations for the job sir. And You are doing great with the channel too. Keep it going
💪💪💪
I’m in an Automated/troubleshooting job that I would say is pseudo IT. Studying for a CCNA to hopefully get my foot in the door in networking. Thanks for the videos, it gives me hope just staying with it even though it can be boring and tough to stick with.
It can be super boring but if you can automate and troubleshoot I am confident you can do it
Gonna write my CCNA soon, thanks for the video. Hoping i can land a job soon after that, gotta get my life going.
It may take a long time but if you keep hustling things will line up eventually
What up man, just came across your channel. I’m looking to get into tech/cyber security. currently working in construction management. (I laughed when I saw the Beacon sheet, that’s the same supplier we use). Starting to get some of my certs now just to help get my foot in the door for entry level jobs. Would love to connect if that’s something you’re up for. Let me know. Good luck dude.
Sure thing my Twitter is NetworkBret. Good luck getting into tech somewhere
so i just got hired in at a entry level position going from a mechanic to this is brain wrecking hoping this is something i can do long term
Good luck! Get used to being somewhat bored and somewhat stressed but just dont anything personal and do your best
Congratulations 🎉
Thanks💪
Love you honesty on life and the road to you passing of the ccna exam. I’ve been studying for a while and I mean a while and I’m taking my exam on Monday now I’m just trying to breathe the unknown is a killer 😂😂 but I’m going in with my head up and optimistic. Thanks for being honest and not a know it all.
All you can ever do is try your best!
How’d it go?
@@ChristopherTravis-v9d I passed yesterday. It was funny because after I finished the exam I got my results but I had one result pending so I had to go to the my Pearson account and look at my results after my exam was scored. While I was waiting for my results I was anxious, really anxious and so later that night I saw I passed on my account. I had zero IT experience and no lie for “me” it literally to 2yrs 7months and 12 day because I passed yesterday to get mine not every comes in with knowledge and understanding but yeah I got it.
Thank you
🥸
Lol I meant to reply with 💪 but somehow clicked the glasses guy
How in depth did you go into Python ?
Currently I have A+, Net+, Sec+ & about to finish CySA+ & still struggling to land a job even in helpdesk. I’ve submitted hundreds of applications & not sure what to do at this point. Halfway through bachelors in cyber, but really been doubting if I should stick with it or pursue a different path.
Thanks for sharing !!
I know hardly any python. Maybe you could lower your standards to try to get your foot in the door somewhere that pays bad? I am not sure the job market is honestly terrible from everything I hear
Thanks a lot Sir! I Failed my N10-008 twice and very stressful, and currently I'm studying Security+ , any advice please
Just put in the work and do the best you can. Security+ shouldnt be too bad if you just know the different types of phishing, social engineering, etc. Just make sure you prepare well so you are less nervous.
@@networkbret Thanks very much Sir! Truly appreciated it, I will do well hopefully, I promise...
what state you live in? what job titles were you searching for? thx
I live in Florida. I would just search anything tech or cert related. Network, comptia, cybersecurity, network operations center, network administrator, IT, tech, computer, etc just really search anything lol
"I'd rather watch golf. I don't like golf"🤣 Nice video.
😂
So you skipped the A+ and went for security+ ? Was Security + test easlier?
Yes
How did you create a portfolio
Wordpress for some stuff and a resume is all. Listed projects I did on my resume and very lazily made a site.
What is it like to work as an NOC? is it in data center or can work as remote?
I did a video on my channel recently about my day to day. I am in person for 4 10 hour shifts weekly.
What the heck is that green thing in the background?
Hahahah my toddlers Christmas tree.
was the splunk core exam easy? And how long did you study for it?
Yeah it was fairly easy more of a glossary type exam where you just have to remember certain random things. Not really any labbing or anything I think I may have spent like 30 days or so on it.
Hey man congrats on your job and getting your foot in the door.
I have a NOC interview coming up.
I got my A+ a long time ago, I worked locally fixing computers and dealing with customers.
Then I made career change for a bit.
I'm getting back into it getting more experience and info.
I just wanted to ask can you talk more about what the "hard questions" were during your interview?
Can you give a few tips for the interview and what kind of questions they asked you during your's at the job you landed?
Again congrats and thanks!
I'm gonna be honest, they hardly asked me any questions. I think they just saw that I knew enough to be an alarm monkey because my role is not super technical. I would suggest just being naturally curious about things. You sound like you have quite a bit of knowledge so if they show you some systems just ask about them. Ask what type of ticketing software they use, what do they typically watch, what are their procedures for how they deal with problems, etc.
I think if you show up and really try to ask good questions and seem interested in the role, they might give you a shot. I write a list of questions beforehand. I always ask towards the end "In a year from now, how would you know I was a good hire? What would I need to do to have success here?" I saw that question online with the theory that it makes them imagine you succeeding at the job.
Personal experience: degree is not worth it. Tens of thousands of $$$ to become a fresh grad, with a student loan debt and a few years of your life gone. If networking is your interest, a CCNP should not cost you more than $2k and a year of part time studying. Many companies offer support if you’re pursuing a relevant cert. it will get you out of your boring NOC job and the pay jump is massive. I was sitting in your exact position (CCNA and boring NOC job, monitoring and replying tickets) back in 2013…
Thanks for the tips. I was wondering about CCNP or some other certs like some IAM certs or something then wait for CCNP until I am in a position with more Networking. Time will tell!!
@@networkbret Best of luck Bert! Anything that you find relevant at your current company will help you for promotion and getting in more interesting position. Given you have already made such a drastic change in your occupation, I'm sure you'll do great no matter the path. Just save that money and time a degree will cost and redirect it to certs :)
congrats 👍👍👍👍