HELP!! a strayed cat---ccna beginner 2

[shalun]

hi, guys, i have a really serious problem facing right now
i'm a freshman in college with Computer science major..unfortunately my college doesn't provide any course related to cisco certification exam except some internet programming course(probably i can take that couple semesters later)

Currently, i'm studying ccna by myself using books and simulator software, however i can only squeeze about 2 hours out of my daily schedule to work on this,,tired,desperate,lack of confidence..i begin to wonder which way i should really follow with..even though i pass ccna/ccnp luckily, more than 50% that i can't take advantage of others in this competitive society because i study by myself..

Maybe i should work hard to graduate. But here comes a new question:a B.S degree from ComputerScience or a cisco certificate, which one weight more?
i really want to pursuit my cisco dream...plz give me some advices~thx so much

(btw if i plan to goto training center in summer, does anyone know where is best choice in NewYork City??)

 

[maczen]

Shalun,
I believe that most here would agree with me in regard to obtaining your degree first and foremost. If you can work on your certifications during this time then all the better but the degree really is the first step for most.

In regard to a location just google for Cisco network academy locator... Obtain a list of Academy Connection Providers and call them.. Ask if the instructor has his CCNA and/or CCAI (Cisco Certified Authorized Instructor)... This is important.. The school I went to did not and the instructor was not very knowledgeable about Cisco although he did have some networking knowledge... This is important!

B Haines
CCNA R&S, ETA FOI

 

[CiscoGuy33]

shalun,

I agree with maczen, get your BS or BA out of the way, take as many different computer classes as your degree will allow, even consider working part-time for the college in the IT area, but GET YOUR DEGREE!!! In this day and age the degree will go much farther then any cert short of CCIE but that is a different animal and I even think most CCIEs would tell you to get your degree first!!

Most colleges have several networking classes - check with your advisor and as maczen suggested look for a Cisco Network Academy in your area - they are all over the world !!!

Don't be in a rush - Cisco and CCNA will be there when you are ready

Good luck and welcome to tek-Tips !!!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +