Thus spake "Blake Fithen" <fithen@networksplus.net>
Stephen Sprunk Thus spake "Nigel Clarke" <nigel@forever-networks.com>
Certifications are a waste of time. You'd be better off obtaining a Computer Science degree and focusing on the core technologies.
If you're looking to write software, sure. A CompSci degree won't help you in the slightest at operating networks.
Usually what you say is helpful. I have to disagree with you here though. A few things I learned in a CIS degree program which apply to networking:
With the exception of Scheme (yuck) and patience (yuck), I learned everything on that list long before I graduated high school. I understand many others didn't have the opportunities or interests I did, but it's hardly necessary to major in CS to understand basic data structures, logical processes, and a few useful Unix skills. A CS degree (or other BS) may be useful to some who have no other means of learning. However, I can't agree that it's the best way of obtaining that knowledge, or that it gives you any immediate way to apply that knowledge. Likewise, a cert doesn't demonstrate knowledge, it demonstrates a particular skill. Obviously, the best engineer will be one with knowledge and skills.
Plus, when you are in the labs, and if you have the slightest bit of geek curiosity, the mind wanders and you inevitably have to find out how everything is connected. Luckily the curiosity blossomed from there.
I was a unix hack until I got to college; I made the mistake of mouthing off to the network guru (hi cvk!) about the school's network, and got a rapid and thorough education about all the useful stuff that my professors weren't teaching. I was hooked. S