CCNA questions

kyazh · 06-05-2006, 03:19 PM

Hey all, I just joined the forums. I had a few questions about Cisco Certification and this was the best forum that google brought up imo. Ive taken the CCNA acadamy course in high school, all 4 semesters. I picked up a few things. This summer im going to study the material and go for the certification. I am also in college, first year, planning to get a degree in Electrical Engineering. I was wondering if any of you experianced folks have any advice. Does Electrical Engineering and IT go together? Or should I be doing something like Computer Sciences? I know CS is more closely related to IT (DUH), but with Electrical Engr. I have a wider scope of field.

office politics · 06-05-2006, 04:34 PM

I assume a double E major will have a more focused knowledge on the way a computer physically operates. A minor or concentration in CS may give you some programming knowledge to be able to use the machine you built for a specific purpose.

I also assume CS majors are more focused on programming for modern day machines. This would prolly include learning how a computer works, how to write code, how to write more efficent code, project management, etc.

M4A1 · 06-05-2006, 08:39 PM

With EE, you're focusing not ONLY on computers, but other electrical equipment. If you do Computer Engineering, then you're going to focus on computers more often.

I know a few EE's that have a CS degree. It won't hurt, especially if you're interested in both. I personally don't see EE and IT coming together. As you said, CS and IT would, though I doubt the EE will. If you want to do something (something advanced) in IT, get a CS degree, not an EE degree. An EE degree will have you working with hardware, and lots of it. You'll be designing circuit chips, working on telecommunications, etc. (depends on what type of job you get). That is far from an IT field.

Think about what you want to major in, before you do something you regret.

(I am also an EE student, btw)

kyazh · 06-05-2006, 09:45 PM

Yea sounds logical. To tell you the truth I first started out as an Aerospace engr, then thought about Mechanical and then Landed on EE. I have a short background in CCNA and I dont want it to go to waste, also it could get me a job that pays more than what Im getting now. Aside from that, I chose EE because it such a broad field and I actually like it. So I'll probably end up getting CS as a minor, which will still help out. But for the short run, I have my heart set on getting CCNA this summer because I have a few connections here and there and can easily get a job. One of my friends has the CCIE and a bunch of other stuff, so he knows alot of pple. From what I know, CCNA certified students majoring in a related field get about $20-30 /hr. I like to think in the long run also, where a CS degree might be obsolete within 10-15 years, whereas a EE degree is pretty solid. Any Thoughts on this?

M4A1 · 06-05-2006, 09:48 PM

Good choice with EE, we have to stic k together

But yes, it is a broad field. Get a Masters and specialize

The minor in CS is also another popular path that EE majors do. My friend is actually doing it. He's got an internship at Lockeed Martin as a software engineering intern. It won't hurt to have a minor in CS, or even a major, if you're that daring

kyazh · 06-05-2006, 09:56 PM

Yea. I dont think I'll go for a double major. I dont think its worth the extra effort. I mean, once your up the ladder, your pretty well off. I haven't look at the options for Masters in Electrical Engineering. What are you planning on specializing in?

M4A1 · 06-05-2006, 10:11 PM

Probably in Electronics. Though, it's hard to say yet, I still need to finish my BS.

Another route I wanted to take was going to law school. Who knows?

But if I do decide, hopefully something with electronics.

kyazh · 06-05-2006, 10:15 PM

Aha, I see. I know its too soon to decide on this stuff. One step at a time. I just completed my first yr in college, and I'm not too proud of myself. I screwed up in a few of my classes, mostly due to teenage lazyness. I decided to take the summer off and start fresh next year. I wish you luck with your goals.

M4A1 · 06-05-2006, 10:17 PM

Hey, it happens to everyone, not only you. Same thing happened with me, I got a B in Calculus I, and I was like WTF. So, 2nd semester, I stepped it up a noch and got an A in Calculus II. Just work hard, get that GPA up. Also, get involved in the IEEE organization in college. Its pretty cool.

kyazh · 06-05-2006, 10:49 PM

Yea I'll look into it.\

06-05-2006, 03:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
kyazh Newb Techie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5	CCNA questions Hey all, I just joined the forums. I had a few questions about Cisco Certification and this was the best forum that google brought up imo. Ive taken the CCNA acadamy course in high school, all 4 semesters. I picked up a few things. This summer im going to study the material and go for the certification. I am also in college, first year, planning to get a degree in Electrical Engineering. I was wondering if any of you experianced folks have any advice. Does Electrical Engineering and IT go together? Or should I be doing something like Computer Sciences? I know CS is more closely related to IT (DUH), but with Electrical Engr. I have a wider scope of field.

06-05-2006, 04:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
office politics Dope Tech Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,714	I assume a double E major will have a more focused knowledge on the way a computer physically operates. A minor or concentration in CS may give you some programming knowledge to be able to use the machine you built for a specific purpose. I also assume CS majors are more focused on programming for modern day machines. This would prolly include learning how a computer works, how to write code, how to write more efficent code, project management, etc. __________________ Tech IMO.com \| ExtremeTech.com \| ASP Free.com \| SysOpt.com \| Tech Support Guy.org DB Forums.com \| Cyber Tech Help.com \| Lazy Forums.com \| Warrior Nation.net 'If you don't stand for somethin you'll fall for anything' - Dr. Dre Been there, done that

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06-05-2006, 08:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
M4A1 Ultra Techie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 897	With EE, you're focusing not ONLY on computers, but other electrical equipment. If you do Computer Engineering, then you're going to focus on computers more often. I know a few EE's that have a CS degree. It won't hurt, especially if you're interested in both. I personally don't see EE and IT coming together. As you said, CS and IT would, though I doubt the EE will. If you want to do something (something advanced) in IT, get a CS degree, not an EE degree. An EE degree will have you working with hardware, and lots of it. You'll be designing circuit chips, working on telecommunications, etc. (depends on what type of job you get). That is far from an IT field. Think about what you want to major in, before you do something you regret. (I am also an EE student, btw)

06-05-2006, 09:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
kyazh Newb Techie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5	Yea sounds logical. To tell you the truth I first started out as an Aerospace engr, then thought about Mechanical and then Landed on EE. I have a short background in CCNA and I dont want it to go to waste, also it could get me a job that pays more than what Im getting now. Aside from that, I chose EE because it such a broad field and I actually like it. So I'll probably end up getting CS as a minor, which will still help out. But for the short run, I have my heart set on getting CCNA this summer because I have a few connections here and there and can easily get a job. One of my friends has the CCIE and a bunch of other stuff, so he knows alot of pple. From what I know, CCNA certified students majoring in a related field get about $20-30 /hr. I like to think in the long run also, where a CS degree might be obsolete within 10-15 years, whereas a EE degree is pretty solid. Any Thoughts on this?

06-05-2006, 09:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
M4A1 Ultra Techie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 897	Good choice with EE, we have to stic k together But yes, it is a broad field. Get a Masters and specialize The minor in CS is also another popular path that EE majors do. My friend is actually doing it. He's got an internship at Lockeed Martin as a software engineering intern. It won't hurt to have a minor in CS, or even a major, if you're that daring

06-05-2006, 09:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
kyazh Newb Techie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5	Yea. I dont think I'll go for a double major. I dont think its worth the extra effort. I mean, once your up the ladder, your pretty well off. I haven't look at the options for Masters in Electrical Engineering. What are you planning on specializing in?

06-05-2006, 10:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
M4A1 Ultra Techie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 897	Probably in Electronics. Though, it's hard to say yet, I still need to finish my BS. Another route I wanted to take was going to law school. Who knows? But if I do decide, hopefully something with electronics.

06-05-2006, 10:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
kyazh Newb Techie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5	Aha, I see. I know its too soon to decide on this stuff. One step at a time. I just completed my first yr in college, and I'm not too proud of myself. I screwed up in a few of my classes, mostly due to teenage lazyness. I decided to take the summer off and start fresh next year. I wish you luck with your goals.

06-05-2006, 10:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
M4A1 Ultra Techie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 897	Hey, it happens to everyone, not only you. Same thing happened with me, I got a B in Calculus I, and I was like WTF. So, 2nd semester, I stepped it up a noch and got an A in Calculus II. Just work hard, get that GPA up. Also, get involved in the IEEE organization in college. Its pretty cool.

06-05-2006, 10:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
kyazh Newb Techie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5	Yea I'll look into it.\