You just said the everybody dilema. " I want to be this and this and this" after that I want to be a pentest, etc, etc. The problem is that only those fields cover a lot/time/knowledge.

This is my way, maybe I am wrong but I've been moving around and I never get anything done. So I did my plan in writing:

1.   Linux Skills (selfstudy) – Done – Took 1 month and 20 days (10/20/11)
2.   Python skills (selfstudy) - Process
3.   Wireshark skills (monitoring) (selfstudy)
4.   Wireless certification from Offensive Security (Online training)
5.   Web pen tester certification from Elearnsecurity (online training)
6.   OSCP certification from Offensive Security (online training)
7.   CEH (selfstudy)
8.   GPEN (selfstudy)

I am working on that plan and sometimes I want to change it. Yes I will do it (the order) but no the subjects. When I begin to read specially this forum I want to begin to do this and that again, then I open my plan and see where I am and keep going.

I am more interested in Network part of Security. For now most of my learning part is going on self pace, thanks to my college library for having awesome books.
One major reason that I aint going for any certs now is not having $$  
I can be pretty stingy on things   but I really don't mind spending money on two things:
- Hardware
- Good Documentation

My path is some thing like:
- Linux Skills (Self pace) - there is a huge amount of material online.
- Protocols (TCP/IP...) - some good books like TCP/IP Illustrated
- nmap - lucky to have Fyodor's book at library
- Wireshark Skills - Wireshark has really nice user guide and wiki.(and lots n lots of practice)
- Higher concepts like Firewall's and IDS
- Python Skills - there are plenty of good books(some are free), this is something I have been focusing mostly on because at some point you feel like you can't turn your ideas into code. So my focus is more on coding.
 
This list and some others  will keep me busy for quite some time.

My certification path would be something like:
CWNA - To get started with wireless things.
OSWP - getting deeper into wireless security
OSCP  - Once I am comfortable with the above skill (and some other skills) I am going for OSCP. I am not in for eCPPT, as it covers almost the same stuff like OSCP except it focuses more on Web App's security.

Coming to your point,
"Linux +" skills will be pretty much fine for going further into security. if you have time & bucks, you can consider RH certs.

In the wireless portion, I would rather suggest to focus on CWNP certs because they are vendor neutral certifications.
After CWNP certs, as your focus is wireless you can go for OSWP, that course is pretty nicely laid out. SANS certs are good but they come with a big $$, I feel like Offensive Security certs come with a good learning curve and are not too pricey for what they offer. GPEN would be a nice place to start with.

eCPPT is good with the Web Apps security modules and you can also take a look at "So You Want To Be A Web App Pentester" by Joe McCray.

Hi !
here is my way :

Right now i'm passing my degree in networking so i have started with TCP/IP Protocol, Linux skills, C Language, SQL, Java.
In my free times i study on Python skills and wireless. I plan to go to OSWP when i'll be comfortable and have the money.

After i'll probably go to OCSP and CEH as CEH is most important for the french companies...

i don't know 
but in my degree we have a C course and introduction to others languages, so SQL and Java. I didn't choose 

I don t know. I have been working hard on wireless pentest and my virtual wireless lab.
But I have no idea if I m ready for OSWP.

Great. Remember one thing, it is not the certification when you compare with other people, it is skills and knowledge

impelse,

In no way do I think certs will put me in elite status, but they do help my learning and hopefully point me in the right direction.

idr0p,

Thanks for the input. Right now I'm hoping to take a SANS course next april/may with my tax returns =) lol but then again..maybe I should hold off until I actually get a security job (since you have to renew them every 4 years).

I have a few questions for you...
How long after college did it take for you to land a info sec job?
Which of the SANS courses did you like the most so far?


thanks