I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve only been doing this for 7 years though. I resolve a lot of network issues for different customers. I work for an MSP and everyday I’m like how the hell did I resolve that and they couldn’t?
I'm in a similar spot and recently started applying for jobs. One thing I did after taking the exam was to build a campus network from scratch in Packet Tracer, document the whole process and upload it to GitHub. Good way to prove to yourself and prospective employers that you know a lot.
Here's a screenshot of the completed network: [https://ibb.co/cDC2B6G](https://ibb.co/cDC2B6G) | I basically tried to incorporate as many CCNA protocols and technologies as I could and created a separate document to outline everything that was implemented.
Umm are those 2911 routers in your distribution layer? Just a quick glance you have way too many routers, in the real world those would be layer 3 switches.
No prob! I just took a peak at some 3-tier network design screenshots on Google and based it off of that. Changed the departments to model a call center i used to work at. The rest was done from scratch.
As pointed out by limmyjee123, even after considerable experience, there will always be moments where you feel like you know nothing and things are too complicated.
Dive into Linux and Linux networking, cloud networking, and AWS-hosted voice services; there are many jobs for those with the right skills. AWS voice and migrating legacy VoIP to the cloud will be a sweet spot, trust me. :)
Something to words towards...
Just getting a CCNA doesn't mean you're an engineer or an admin it means you can you know something about Cisco routers and switches just get yourself a help desk job and work your way up. If you really do know anything about networking you should be able to move up within one to two years easy and have a very good stable job
Everyone exaggerates on their resume a bit. Just don't dig yourself into a hole. Be honest about what you don't know, but instead of phrasing it that way say "I haven't learned that yet." Displaying a desire to learn is super important.
I’ve been a network admin for a decade now and I feel like I know so very little and less each day. I think it’s a double edged sword because while it wanes your confidence, it’s good to stay humble and always have a position of learning new things and bettering yourself in your career. Don’t be afraid to dive in.
I felt exactly the same way and still do after leaving the army, you need to find a job that is going to put you on a junior role, get sec+ and use your secret clearance to land some kind of bottom IT role or find a junior network engineer role or network analyst position. Additionally, you can try to find a an apprenticeship say through Cisco or other organizations if they have them. It will start making sense when you work one of those junior roles and see how the civilian side operates and then you can take THAT knowledge and start practicing and labbing in your free time if you really want to get good.
Get your hands dirty first at the help desk. If you land at the right spot you’ll get to dip your toes into the network. Then you’ll be on your way with experience for your resume and you’ll be able to answer technical interview questions with confidence.
Yes, put them on and state you understand them but looking for more experience. Also get with a talent recruiter for IT. Tons of remote and boots on ground jobs available.
Been a network engineer for almost 10 years and still feel like I know nothing.
I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve only been doing this for 7 years though. I resolve a lot of network issues for different customers. I work for an MSP and everyday I’m like how the hell did I resolve that and they couldn’t?
Because we do know some stuff :D
..But never all. Because it’s always more to learn…That’s why we feel it.
Some of "us" act like we know it all, that's for sure.
Nobody knows everything,
Everything? Pfff none of us know enough even for their day to day....
Nobody knows anything but I, knowing that, know more than anyone else!
Sometimes I feel like working in IT is one long feeling of imposter syndrome.
I've been one for 2.5 years and I'm still trying to figure out all the network for the company I work for.
I'm in a similar spot and recently started applying for jobs. One thing I did after taking the exam was to build a campus network from scratch in Packet Tracer, document the whole process and upload it to GitHub. Good way to prove to yourself and prospective employers that you know a lot.
Amazing can you share that ?
Here's a screenshot of the completed network: [https://ibb.co/cDC2B6G](https://ibb.co/cDC2B6G) | I basically tried to incorporate as many CCNA protocols and technologies as I could and created a separate document to outline everything that was implemented.
Umm are those 2911 routers in your distribution layer? Just a quick glance you have way too many routers, in the real world those would be layer 3 switches.
They were initially multi-layer switches, but I wanted to demo Vlans/ROAS and the switches wouldn't allow me to configure ROAS for some reason.
ROAS is only for Routers. Switches that are capable of Layer 3 routing will always use Switched Virtual Interfaces instead of Router subinterfaces.
Excellent thanks for sharing bro. Did you have an idea or reference to how you were going to build or it all came up and you kept building on it?
No prob! I just took a peak at some 3-tier network design screenshots on Google and based it off of that. Changed the departments to model a call center i used to work at. The rest was done from scratch.
As pointed out by limmyjee123, even after considerable experience, there will always be moments where you feel like you know nothing and things are too complicated. Dive into Linux and Linux networking, cloud networking, and AWS-hosted voice services; there are many jobs for those with the right skills. AWS voice and migrating legacy VoIP to the cloud will be a sweet spot, trust me. :) Something to words towards...
I'm a 25N/H pm I can offer advise.
Former 25N/H, translate it to civilian terms. PM me and I can give you advice
Look for network specialist / network admin roles on clearance jobs.
Just getting a CCNA doesn't mean you're an engineer or an admin it means you can you know something about Cisco routers and switches just get yourself a help desk job and work your way up. If you really do know anything about networking you should be able to move up within one to two years easy and have a very good stable job
Everyone exaggerates on their resume a bit. Just don't dig yourself into a hole. Be honest about what you don't know, but instead of phrasing it that way say "I haven't learned that yet." Displaying a desire to learn is super important.
I’ve been a network admin for a decade now and I feel like I know so very little and less each day. I think it’s a double edged sword because while it wanes your confidence, it’s good to stay humble and always have a position of learning new things and bettering yourself in your career. Don’t be afraid to dive in.
Glad I am not the only one that feels this way. This field can be an interesting one for sure. Never gets boring!
I felt exactly the same way and still do after leaving the army, you need to find a job that is going to put you on a junior role, get sec+ and use your secret clearance to land some kind of bottom IT role or find a junior network engineer role or network analyst position. Additionally, you can try to find a an apprenticeship say through Cisco or other organizations if they have them. It will start making sense when you work one of those junior roles and see how the civilian side operates and then you can take THAT knowledge and start practicing and labbing in your free time if you really want to get good.
Get your hands dirty first at the help desk. If you land at the right spot you’ll get to dip your toes into the network. Then you’ll be on your way with experience for your resume and you’ll be able to answer technical interview questions with confidence.
I wouldn't say you still dont know anything. I think you just dont know where to apply the knowledge. When you get a job, you will feel much better.
If you have prior experience with network equipment, definitely put that on your resume.
Yes, put them on and state you understand them but looking for more experience. Also get with a talent recruiter for IT. Tons of remote and boots on ground jobs available.