So I took a certification course (8 months) and got my CNA certification Computer Networkk Administration from NAIT. I live in Edmonton Alberta.

I got a lot of hands on microsoft AD microsoft network infrastructure (DHCP DNS NAT) some soft skills for getting out there. Linux, (I was introduced to FreeBSD by a friend of mine and prefer that). than I got some hands on with Cisco. I must say out of that whole course I enjoyed my 3 week headache with cisco switches and routers. I really enjoyed it as a whole made some good friends and I have contacts in the industry.

Now here is the big question I have just completed 8 months of training. I have zero experience other than class as a admin where do I go from here? The whole class was picked up in a limo and taken to Dell and got a 4 hour propaganda sessions about why Dell is so great. I realize I need to start somehwere I am not expecting to be recruited into a organization and make 35 dollars a hour start. But I really do not want to answer phones and answer questions like "Why doesnt my internet work" "Why won't my computer turn on?" all in all I don't want to be a callcenter agent. the benefits are great its a awesome place to work but its not what I want to do and its not where I want to start as I don;t think I will be using my schooling to its potential. most people gave me a bad look when i said CEH or that I wanted to consult network security. The word Hacker is looked down upon thanks to the media. I just wanna know where I can go from here?

not one to brag but I got 100% on my A+ , Windows XP, Server 2003, Active Directory, and Microsoft Exchange practical exams.

Hi,
If you're looking for a foothold in the industry consider looking for a job in an academic institution e.g. a university. They usually pay less that the private sector but they tend to be less demanding and therefore more ready to accept someone without as much experience. Write yourself a good resume and apply for jobs you think are slightly over your head. If you get an interview be prepared to show them that you know your stuff.

Good work on getting your certification. This ought to show an employer that you're keen and have done work on your own time to get where you want to go to. Stand by your certification if it's value is questioned in an interview and know your own worth. If you can appear confident this will help bucket loads in convincing a prospective employer that you have the right stuff.

Good Luck,
Jimbob

hello guys,
i'm newly CCNA certified also and it's my first cert
i'm starting the CEH study to pass it in 2008 and i really want to work in a security related domain.
do you think it's useful to get the CEH for that?
any advise or tips are welcome
thx in advance

hello again,
thanks LK for those avices
i just received by post the exam prep book from Michael C Gregg and i saw in it that i need to provide a paper from my employer to prove that i m working in a security related field.
i am currently working as an helpdesk tekkie but i give training about computing security for the norman antivirus support agent. do you think it will be enough or should i find something else??

thx in advance,

ok i understand
my problem is that i hack for four years now and i already pentested people who asked me so (not in a work-related field) security is a passion for me and i really want to make it my job
i also form the helpdesk agent for the european support of "norman antivirus"
but we have this project in my company for only one year now
think i should find another job lolll