What's the best way to gain computer-networking experience?

TheDruidWizard

I work full-time in content management, but wish to leave as it's not going anyway as a career (only took the job because I was out of work anyway).

I'm currently studying the CCNA, but wish to gain more practical experience.

I tried posting a few ads on gumtree but it didn't help. I thought about doing volunteer work, but there are really any networking jobs needed.

I've thought about maybe applying for unpaid work-experience at a few telecommunication companies, but I don't want to come across as spaming people.

Any suggestions?

Wabbit Ears

Is there any particular reason you have chosen the small niche of IT which is Networking?

Most people I work with have the CCNA, myself included and never go near switches in your day Job but the coursework in getting the exam is invaluable in understanding how networking works and extends to most other areas of IT as solid base info.

Most telecomunication companies have no need for people dipping their toes into networking as a possible career change, The support centers and similar roles are already full of people who are more suitable for those positions.

TheDruidWizard

"Is there any particular reason you have chosen the small niche of IT which is Networking?"

I have a BSc in Computer Science and I have worked in QA testing in a few different jobs, just before and during the start recession.

I was then out of work for a long while and then did a certification in Web development at NCI.

While there I heard about the jobbridge scheme from a fellow student. Which in fairness seemed like a good idea at the time. I applied for several different I.T roles and managed to get one with a small company doing 'content management' .

Initially it was supposed to be for nine mouths through the scheme, but the company decided to hire me on as a regular staff member. At the time I was delighted as the unemployment was quite high.

However I've been here two and half years now and I'm not really learning anything, nor am I progressing onto anything else.


So I decided to upskill myself with doing the CCNA.

I find programming really hard to do and don't have a niche for it.

With Web-development, most companies can simply hire professionals or use open source materials to develop their own sites with any skills. So there isn't that much need to junior web-developers.


At least with networking, it's something everyone uses and with improved technology and faster traffic, there'll always be a demand for.

So that's why I'm choosing networking.

Kinet1c

You're very unlikely going to land a networking job without having done helpdesk work. Help desk > noc > networking, it you're extremely lucky you might get to skip step 1 or 2. Keep studying for your CCNA, it's well worth having and will show you have an interest in networking.