The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods N4N020: To Cert Or Not To Cert?
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Apr 3, 2025 Holly and Ethan dive deep into the debate over whether certifications are essential for a networking career. They weigh the pros and cons, noting that while certs can enhance job prospects, real-world experience is invaluable. The conversation shifts to the challenges of obtaining certifications, including the stress of exams and the differences between in-person and remote testing experiences. Anecdotes reveal the pitfalls of online assessments, including technical glitches. Ultimately, they advocate for a balance of credentials and hands-on skills.
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Vendor Influence
- Ethan Banks worked for Cisco partners and primarily used Cisco solutions.
- His Cisco certifications influenced his familiarity and comfort with their products.
Certification as Marketing
- Vendor certifications promote their products; practitioners become part of their "army".
- Certifications focus on vendor-specific solutions, increasing vendor lock-in.
Certification Respectability
- Expert-level certifications (CCIE, JNCIE) open doors due to their difficulty.
- Research certifications' respectability within the community before pursuing them.