Written test scheduled!

Posted by on September 2, 2011 1 comment

Well, change of plans. My new job requires a couple of certs (security+ and ITILv3 foundation), so I’ve got to get those this month. The good news is, I can pass both with only a week or two of studying.

The bad news is, I was going to reschedule my CCIE written for next month.

Well, I left my previous job early (a week early), and decided I’ll dedicate 4 hours a day to studying (3hrs to CCIE, 1hrs to the employer-mandated certs). I’m pretty much done with the CCIE exam cert guide, so it’s going to be mostly review. I plan on going through the INE Written bootcamp videos for the next week, then do some last minute review before I sit the exam.

OH, by the way the exam is Sept 13th. I’ve got 11 days!

Getting hired: The IT Skills Pyramid

Posted by on September 1, 2011 No comments

When naming this article, I thought of calling it “The IT Skills Triangle”, but that’s not very accurate. Why? Because three key areas to success in IT exist (a triangle), but within each area, there is more depth than a triangle as drawn on paper. This depth makes the pyramid more fitting to represent this concept.

When looking to hire, hiring managers look at the entire package. They don’t just look at a certification- they look at a certification and a degree (or lack thereof) to go with it. They also consider your appearance, interview skills, references, etc..to make the final decision on how you stack up against other candidates. We’re going to call the view that employers have of you, the “IT Skills Pyramid” from now on. Within this pyramid, there are three key areas to cover (the points), and the core.

  • For point 1 on the pyramid, we’ll call it Education/Training. This is a degree (or lack of one), vendor training, etc. Essentially, it is something you did that furthered your knowledge of a subject, and it is generally verifiable.
  • Point 2, we’ll call Certification. Big surprise..it means certifications. You either have them (you should), or you don’t.
  • Point 3, is experience. This is down and dirty hands-on experience with whatever it is you specialize in (server admin, linux guy, network guy, etc)

I know, at this point, you’re thinking “right, I get it, you want to be balanced between education, certifications, and experience to be successful.” Well..it depends. Read on.

So we have our points defined, but a pyramid also has a large section in the middle, which we’ll call the core of your package. The core is your interview skills, your appearance, your ability to search out jobs, your ability to network, your attitude, the way you speak, your understanding of the field you’re in, etc. You can change ANYTHING within the pyramid. That being said, It takes time to go to school (and money), it takes time to get certified (and money), and it takes time to get experience. Well, the core is free. You have no excuse to NOT to have a strong core.

So now that we’ve defined each area, let me get down to the meat and potatoes of this article. You can have an oddly shaped triangle and be successful. What I mean is, you can have a TON of experience, and be lacking in education/certifications, and do really great. Or, if you have a PhD, and you probably don’t need a CCNA. Alternately, a CCIE probably can get away without a bachelors. The general idea is, you can be really strong in one area, moderately strong in two areas, or average in all of them (with a stronger core to differentiate yourself). Of course, there’s exceptions here, but this seems to be the trend for successful people. Ideally, we all want to be well-rounded.

You SHOULD strive to be strong in all areas. Since we’re not machines, you often have to focus on one thing (or few) at a time. If you’re not sure where to start, analyze your IT Skill pyramid, and see where you can grow. For reference, you might try looking at sites such as LinkedIn, job search sites, etc- to see what employers are looking for (their definition of a “complete” pyramid), and try to match that.

Let’s see an example. I am a hiring manager, looking for a network administrator. Here are my candidates.

Name: John
Education: Associates degree in network administration
Certifications: CCNA, MCSA
Experience: 1 year network administration experience

Name: Tony
Education: No degree
Certifications: None
Experience: 5 years network administration experience

Name: Sheila
Education: No degree
Certifications: CCNA, CCDA, CCNA: Wireless, CCNA: Security, CCNP: Security
Experience: No formal experience

Assuming their core is equal (it’s not..everybody is different)- who would you hire? Well, there’s two scenarios here for what the needs of the company are:

Scenario #1: You just lost your only network admin, and you need someone to fill their spot and maintain the network.

Scenario #2: You have a small team of network admins, and you’d like to add one to help ease the workload.

Scenario 1- I would choose Tony. Tony has the experience, and will get it done (more than likely).

Scenario 2- This is the scenario most companies are probably in. I would choose Sheila, because she has a wide variety of knowledge (gained through her certs), and she can always gain experience. Unless I’m looking for her to move up to a senior position, I don’t really care about the degree as much. John would be a good choice too- infact, I would say the job would go to either Sheila or John in real life, based on their interview and other core qualities.

How I went from a dropout to 100k

Posted by on August 31, 2011 3 comments

**Disclaimer: This is my story. These are my opinions. I feel strongly about them, since I have lived these words, and they’ve served me well. I’m telling my story not to boost my own ego up, but to help others attain the same satisfaction as I’ve attained. Ultimately it comes down to this: I like helping people. So I’m trying to help. If you don’t need help, or don’t care to hear my story..read no further. Else…enjoy!**

At 16, I had my first job. KFC. It is the only job I can think of where I didn’t learn anything. I was only there three months until my family moved.

Shortly after leaving KFC, I got hired at Pizza Hut as a cook. Within 6 months, at 16 years old, I was a shift manager. Right after turning 17, I was promoted to assistant store manager. I learned a lot of valuable lessons here. Most important, hard work does pay off sooner or later. If I hadn’t been a hard worker, there’s no way as a 16 year old I would have been promoted to shift manager. Sure, it’s only Pizza Hut, but it’s more than that. I gained the trust of senior management, because I delivered. They could see past my age, and look at the results I delivered. Unfortunately, not all employers are like this, but the good ones are.

Right before I became the Asst. Store manager, I dropped out of high school to get my GED. Long story short, I homeschooled for one year, and the school board refused to give me credit, It was either GED, or extra year in high school. I got my GED 2 weeks later, and began thinking of college. While being the Asst. Store manager was great at 17, I needed to go to school. I was already into networking as a hobby, but had no experience. All the job postings for entry level positions required experience. One day, I drove an hour to register at a technical college. I was ecstatic. I then met with the financial aid counselor, and learned they would not provide enough money for me to afford going to school there. I left the college devastated, rethinking every decision I made up until this point.

On the way back home from the college, I stopped to use the restroom at a gas station. On the way out, a yellow flier fell off the wall, and gently landed right at my feet (cliche..but it really happened). I picked it up, and it was a U.S. Army Reserves flier. They could pay for my school, and I could work on getting a networking job. GREAT! I called the recruiter, and scheduled for him to come over. A few days later, he showed up. We talked, and after he left, I thought about it for 2 months before making a decision. I gave my notice at Pizza Hut, and left for the Army shortly after.

I won’t go into the details of joining the Army, because it’s not really relevant. I worked hard there, just like I did at Pizza Hut. I strived to learn new things each day, and to help others along the way.Fast forward a few years in the Army, I was on active duty, a 25B (Information Systems Analyst), but pretty much stuck to networking, because I got my CCNA while deployed to Iraq. Once I got my CCNA, my peers (and leadership) instantly recognized me as “the network guy,” which helped me immensely. At this point in my life (about 22 years old), I learned that sacrifice is a key part to success. Whether I was studying for promotion, or more certifications, or just to learn- I sacrificed free-time for the greater purpose (my future). For example, I’d have friends begging me to go partying, and I’d pass, to study OSPF. I didn’t WANT to study OSPF, but I didn’t WANT to be a failure even more. So, the fear of failure overpowered everything. I studied, studied, drank a little, studied some more.

Don’t get me wrong, I had a life. But the point is, I made select sacrifices in order to hopefully one day make it to the life I imagined for myself.

I then got assigned to Tampa, FL, in what basically amounts to a NOC Manager job. It could have sucked bad. Initially, it did suck. A lot. I was spending my time reporting to leadership on network events, doing trend reporting, and pretty much acting like a manager instead of an engineer. I then re-evaluated my situation. I had never had this view of a network before. I then realized, the ball was in my court. So, I got my CCNP. When I got my CCNP, I then became the guy the network folks would turn to for advice..essentially getting myself more experience. Additionally, I realized one day: most engineers cannot relate complex concepts to customers and/or leadership. So, I made it a point EVERY DAY to get better at this. By the time I left this job, I could explain anything to anyone.

It was during the previous job, I was preparing to get out of the Army. I knew I needed to make at least 65k to survive, preferably 75k to be in good shape, and ideally, 80-85k/yr. I got a lot of hits on my applications, and I attribute most of that to my resume writing skills. Eventually, I picked a job with a large service provider who basically makes mobile data work between telecom carriers. The pay was 70k/yr, but I could work from home, and I got a lot of perks. I jumped at it. There’s a few points I’ve learned up until this point:

  • Take all the advantages you can get. A good resume, dressing sharply, knowing how to speak well, understanding business objectives..these are ALL free (well, minus the clothes if you don’t own them)..why not take every advantage you can get when seeking employment in the IT field?
  • Do what you say. If you tell a potential employer you’ll get back with them tomorrow, get back with them. If you don’t, this says “I’m unreliable, and you haven’t even hired me yet”
  • Learn how to translate previous experiences into resume candy. For example, if you have experience running cable, don’t leave it at “ran cable for X company”- instead, something like: “Experience performing Layer 1 installation/troubleshooting for customers, ensuring the availability of key IT services”..some crap like that at least. The point is, speak like management. If you speak like you’re a minimum waige worker, why should they hire you for this 65k/yr job?
  • If you don’t have experience, don’t lie. But don’t just say “no experience” either. If you’re a new CCNA, with no job experience, get some equipment if you don’t have it. Setup a network at home with domain and all if you have to. Volunteer. Do what you have to do. Articulate all of this very well on your resume, and stress that “although I don’t have production experience, I have done everything I can to gain experience on my own, including working in my home lab, and volunteering to provide IT services to so-and-so’s small business. Given the opportunity, I will absolutely learn everything I can, and excel at it”
  • Ask questions in your interview. By saying “nope, no questions at all,” it’s easy to come across as uninterested. You want them to realize you’re just as interested in the company as they are in you. There should be a mutual interest.

So moving forward, I’m at this great service provider job, and I hit a major roadblock with management. Long story short, they expected me to be on-call 24×7 365 days a year (not agreed to prior to hiring), and have articulated several times to me, that family should come AFTER work. No thanks. As soon as my manager said these words (roughly), I started looking elsewhere. The days are gone of “get a great job stay at the same company for 20 yrs“, the market is too unstable for that. Now, it’s “get the best opportunity you have, add to your resume, and keep your eyes open.”

So I found a position that seemed to fit, so I submitted my resume. The next day, a phone call. I ended up not showing up to the interview, because I had cold feet about leaving a brand new employer. Once I came to my senses, I called them back, and went for the interview. After nailing the interview, I was offered the job on the spot. I accepted, for a 40% raise, which put me just shy of making 100k/yr.

So if anyone is keeping track, I went from making 48k/yr in the Army, to 70k 2 weeks later, to almost 100k onemonth later. Was it luck? Partially. Was it skill? Arguably. Could I have gotten the same position if I had not worked hard for the 6 years that built up to it? Possibly..but the bottom line is, I will never know. All I know, is I did everything I could, and the end result is this amazing opportunity.

It should be noted, that I do not have the mindset of “I’ve made it,” on the contrary- I have a LOT of work to do now. I’m stepping up the CCIE studies, and setting my sights on two, hopefully. I once heard successful people are generally pessimists by nature, because they never think they’re doing good enough. I tend to believe this.

Only one day after I landed this new position, I have the urge to do more, because I don’t want to become obsolete- so to speak. So that’s it. There’s a lot of details left out, but I’ve included the pertinent details/lessons I could think of at the time I wrote this. I hope someone else gets something out of this, and does well for themselves.

Regardless of the state of the economy, the state of IT, whatever..there will always be jobs for the right candidate. Make yourself that candidate. Be the solution to that companies issues.

Almost there..

Posted by on August 30, 2011 1 comment

**Record month of hits on the blog!**

Done with multicast, starting on MPLS (saving security/IPv6 for last). Mostly because I deal with MPLS at work, and a better understanding would benefit me greatly.

Was trying to take the written in a week, but ran into a roadblock so to speak. My work was going to pay, but since I’ve only been here a month, they have asked me to push it back 2 months (till I hit 90 days), then they’ll pay. I want to take it, but $350 is a lot, especially when they said they’ll pay in 45 days. End decision? I’ll wait 45 days. No later.

That being said, I expect next week I should begin the technology labs. I’m going to dedicate 2 days a week to re-reading chapters of the CCIE exam cert guide. Then, about 4 other days of the week, I will be doing tech labs.

The good news, is once I start hands-on labs, I’ll start working on new articles.

My lab..part 2

Posted by on August 20, 2011 No comments

Well, I’ve got some misc pieces of gear, a couple of 2610XM’s, a 3550, and some 2501′s, but thats it.

Just ordered the following:

2x 3550′s

2x 1841′s

1x 2522

So, as it stands, I need a 2511, a 2611XM, 2x 3560′s, and one more 1841 to be complete. I’m expecting within a month I’ll be completely setup matching INE’s topology. I thought about getting a 3725 instead of the 1841′s, but wanted to futureproof my lab to some extent. I might end up just getting a 3725 to replace the last 1841 which I dont’ have. That way if there’s any changes, I only have to upgrade one router (hopefully). We’ll see. Still trucking away on the written prep. I’m currently around page 585 in the exam guide. If all goes well, within two weeks I’ll be at page 850-900, and then I can have a week to review my weak sections before I sit the exam. After that, I’ll hit INE Vol I labs hardcore.

Status update

Posted by on August 16, 2011 No comments

Lines drawn through 15 days on the calendar hanging in my cubicle. Damnit. Only 15 more days to go. I should study. I can’t..work to do. I’ll do it later. That means sacrificing family time. Guess this is why they call it a marathon. If this is a marathon I really have absolutely no interest in participating in a real one. Back on topic. So I’ll study later. Right.

Starting on QoS..about time. Last time I did QoS was when I wrote my QoS part I and part II tutorials. This time I’m going to finish them. Not much time left. I’m a professional procrastintor, so if I don’t set myself to a real test date, I’ll keep pushing it off to “someday” in the future. I like to think I’m just thorough, but if I’m honest with myself, I’m self-destructive, and when I’m about to do something great (or attempt something with the possibility of it being great)…I ruin it. Not this time.

With BGP out of the way, I have the following written topics to cover:

  • QoS
  • Network security
  • Multicast
  • IPv6
  • Frame Relay
  • Layer 2 (review only)

Damn. That makes it look like I’ve done nothing. Regardless, I’m cranking away. Learning a lot. As a part of my studies, I’ve incorporated various material ranging from Sun Tzu (Art of war), to Donald trump’s books, to benjamin franklins autobiography. Call me crazy, but they motivate me, and make me want to be better.

Still truckin’

Posted by on August 15, 2011 No comments

Almost finished with the two BGP chapters. I’m supplementing my studies with “network warrior” and Doyle’s TCP/IP Vol I. Almost being done with the BGP chapters is a big deal for me, because they’re a couple of the larger chapters, so hopefully things will speed up from here. I’m determined to test no later than Sept 6th. I was shooting for the end of august- and still will test if I’m ready, but I think I’ll need the extra week to do some reviewing before I test. If I pass, it’s full steam ahead on my lab prep.

Red bull & BGP

Posted by on August 11, 2011 No comments

Not much new stuff to post in the of technical stuff. I read in the morning, I read on my lunch, and I read/watch INE videos in the evening. Once I knock the written out I promise I’ll post some tech stuff again.

Currently on pg 389 of my CCIE exam cert book. Also reading “Network Warrior”, reading Cisco docs, and reading my usual donald trump books for motivation. In short..lots of reading. I am hoping to finish the book early enough to review the core topics before the written. We’ll see. Gotta go..I got “off work” an hour ago and I’m still here…not leaving until I finish this chapter on BGP. Then I’ll go home, eat dinner, and hit the videos. I’m gonna earn my number through blood, sweat and tears….and red bulls.

Overload

Posted by on August 9, 2011 No comments

OSPF LSA’s. Juniper SRX’. SS7. Mobile IP. Break to grab another Red bull (third one by noon). More Mobile IP. Tell my co-workers I can’t go to lunch because I have to study. This is what makes me a damn good candidate. This is why I’m going to become a CCIE. At least that’s what I tell myself. It works for now.

Head buried back in the book, this time more OSPF. My written is in ~3 weeks, and then intensive lab prep begins. As if there wasn’t enough CCIE material to cover, I’ve got to become a telecom expert..oh, and learn firewalls in and out. Tomorrow I start waking up early to get a jumpstart on studying. Longer days. Guess I should get used to it.

More to come..

The plan!

Posted by on August 2, 2011 No comments

Well, work has been crazy. I deal with anything ranging from Checkpoint firewalls, to Juniper SRX’s, to Cisco 9k’s, and all sorts of stuff in between. It’s great experience, but I’m trying to stay focused on the cisco stuff, so studying has been hard. That aside, I drew up a study plan today for the written…

I’m taking somewhat of a different approach with the written. While I absolutely appreciate the wealth of information contained in books, the real world is where I make my money, and that means getting my hands dirty (not literally) and into some config. I plan on pretty much flying through the written material as quickly as possible- picking up the key points (ie: things that can come bite you in the ass during your config studies), and leaving anything I deem not important behind.

The main reason behind this is, nobody can learn everything. If I force myself to study book after book after book, I’ll never get the CCIE. It’s much easier for me to sit down and spend hours troubleshooting a problem, or working on learning new technologies. If reading is a part of that, that’s fine.

So, I’m giving myself two months and some change at the LATEST. That means, if you read this after Oct 15th, 2011- and I don’t have my CCIE written…feel free to punch me in the mouth if you see me.

Mike

P.S. If, by some reason I don’t pass it by Oct 15th, and someone really does punch me after reading this, I’ll be really pissed at them.