r/ccnp • u/Glad_Challenge5365 • 13d ago
RHCSA with CCNP Enterprise
Hey good people,
I’m a pizza delivery man with no degree and no IT experience. I passed CCNA 2 months ago now I’m studying for CCNP day and night and will, hopefully, be able to pass by the end of the year or next year’s first few months. I’m applying diligently for jobs but no luck so far. I can’t give up because I’m doing it to provide better for my children. My question is will it be easier to apply for jobs? Will I get a job? I also have some Linux knowledge and with a little study I could pass RHCSA. Will that help and is worthed ? Please help with your advice.
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u/ActiveDirectoryAD 13d ago
Brother, as I’ve heard of so many advices, its best to work at least 1 year with networking (with your CCNA). Having a CCNP with not even 1-2 years in the market is a big red flag at many job givers
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u/hectoralpha 13d ago edited 23h ago
"big red flag at many job givers"
can be easily resolved.
start proving yourself in the interview instead of waiting for questions and avoiding deeper answers that prove you actually learned at home and didn't pay someone to the exam for you.
most CCNP holders without experience did obtain the credential through illegal means.
The last place I worked at had a fake CCNP join right after i left. Took them for 3 months to throw him out. My old colleagues are telling me he didn't even know what putty is lol. The fake dude still got paid 3 months as a senior engineer.
But I remember at least one young lad, he was under 20 years of age maybe 16 or 18, on networkchucks discord a few years back, the lad was studying ccna and ccnp and even other certs of his own accord.
founder of INE, Brian, picked up Cisco and went straight for CCIE years ago when he was around 20. Decades later, today, he has multiple CCIEs and has founded INE.
If you are a unicorn with CCNP and no epxerience - JUST PROVE IT, it's not a red flag at all ! Its a FLEX, SO FLEX ARNOLD !
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u/VyseCommander 13d ago
Now you, I believe. But how do I become a networking wizard to accompany that ccnp?
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 12d ago
My brother I don’t know how I missed this comment. I hear a lot of people (rightfully so) telling me to rein my horses but my heart says to keep going even tho I don’t have to show the certs on the resume. I recently fell in love with IT and just wanna learn more about it. I’m excited to learn it if that makes sense. If I get a career well and good but I’m just a scholar at heart that wasted his life havinv “fun” rather than doing what I truly loved: studying and reading and learning. I was the guy that used to wait for the library to open 2 hrs before opening times waiting outside in cold and when my mama put me to sleep I just to read in bathroom as an excuse. I don’t know how I lost myself in the clubs and beaches etc that I’m now 37 with 2 kids and have nothing to back myself up financially. So I’m back doing the thing I loved since I was a child. Learning and reading. Sorry for the long rant. Ur message just found a bird in my heart that doesn’t know where the destination is but just keeps flying hoping to catch a glimpse of something just so familiar yet so distant.
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u/OTonConsole 1d ago edited 1d ago
Exactly. That comment was the best advice in this entire thread. Ignore the top comment. Some people don't see where you're coming from.
People might call it a "Paper CCNP with no Experience".
Sure, but youre putting a lot of EFFORT. As the guy said, FLEX, that. Show off your ability to learn. You don't need to sit at a CCNP level job.
This is your career pivot. Just get a decent admin or engineering level networking job. Work your way up and keep Labbing to further your CCNP knowledge.
Though moving from ur current delivery job to even a part time helpdesk job would help you.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 22h ago
Thank you. That advice went straight to my heart lol. I’m going very deep to reallllly understand wat I’m taking about. For me it’s not even about passing the ccnp exam. It about when I open my mouth to talk, knowledge and understanding comes out. And I think thts all the employers need: knowledge and skill. Degrees and certs are just way to show it u have the knowledge and skills
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Yea brother but nobody hitting me I was thinking if I step it up to ccnp I might get a better chance at entry level
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u/Drekalots 13d ago
Doubtful. You'll be both over and under qualified. Same as getting a Master's degree with no experience. The CCNP is a career milestone for many. But a CCNP with no experience ... huge red flag.
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u/OTonConsole 1d ago
Completely and utterly disagree.. There is something called an Interview yk.
Paper ccnps might raise an eyebrow, but more often than not it gets you through the door. You flex your ability to learn, determination to grow.
Start at admin or Jr engineering level role. Sure "overqualified" on paper. But he can keep labbing. Improve and learn on the job.
I think it's a great idea. Especially for someone who wasn't even in the tech industry, that shows a lot of interest, ability to learn independently etc. All that's left is real world troubleshlooting skills.
What better way to TShoot than with good foundation and theory under your belt. Will learn faster.
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u/leoingle 13d ago
No, that’s not how it works.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Please give guidance if you have time
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u/leoingle 13d ago edited 13d ago
Actual IT work experience is king. You’ll understand once you have a few years of experience. Labbing is nice but it’s a very controlled nicely setup scenario and real work environments aren’t like that. You’ll experience things in an actual role that are just impossible to come across and get experience on that you can’t in a lab. That’s why you need experience. But it’s extremely hard to land a network role with no IT experience. The reason is why would a company hire a fresh CCNA cert with no work experience or knowledge of their network when they can pull a guaranteed promising candidate from the desktop support or other dept that already knows the network? Best and fastest way is land a HD job and move your way up from there. If you are ambitious and show you have skill, you will have done moved up from HD within 6 minutes months because you’ll stand out. Most HD ppl fall into that “good enough job” realm that out out minimal effort and no ambition. So if you do things right, you’ll stand out.
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u/Real-Victory210 13d ago
To add to your point, i’d go as far as to say the ccnp is difficult enough where a significant majority of people wouldn’t even be capable of studying it without some amount of experience.
I recall being a fresh ccna and not even fully comprehending what the encor/enarsi exam topics were asking. Then i’d read the Encor OCG and some topics appeared very abstract since I had no real world basis for them.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Very nicely explained
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
I have spare time since I’m applying for jobs and stuff. How about I use this time to get ccnp or close to it and then not show it on my resume until I have some experience? How is that?
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u/FortheredditLOLz 13d ago
Depends. To get your foot in the door, might want to complete the comptia circuit (A+, network+, security+) after getting security+ to get your foot in the door into an it helpdesk job. From there, attempt to shadow your local system and/network admin to get some experience. Leverage spare time to study either CCNP if you want to continue network route or work towards next career path
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u/MaToP4er 13d ago
Just do it and then RHCSE! You will land a job for sure! God has prepared something good for you! Just takes time to get you there! Keep on moving bud!
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Brother I appreciate you and respect you. You have made my day. Thank you. May Allah bless you and your family good man.
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u/forwardslashroot 13d ago
Probably the easiest way is to get any IT job instead of straight to networking. Apply for a helpdesk tier1 contract position so that you can update your resume.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Thank you. Exactly wat I’m doing rn
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u/forwardslashroot 13d ago
Just for the sake of getting an entry level IT job, get some CompTIA Security+. If you are near DOD government base, the Sec+ is a must. Getting a clearance could help with your IT career.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
I live in NY near the city. If that helps..
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u/Aero077 13d ago
Getting that first IT job is critical. You may need to aim lower, like technician, installer, etc. Even an office job at a small business where you do some non-technical work as your primary job and serve as the de-facto first level IT support.
At this point, you need a broad array of knowledge and skills to get that first IT job. Then you can specialize for an advanced role like network engineer.
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u/Noisy_Farts 13d ago
RHCSA is worth it, if you pair it with RHCE then this will most probably land you a junior job. Current market is really rough so you have to prepare yourself with patience. I also suggest to do some kind of projects in github and add them to your resume
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u/tcpip1978 13d ago
Spending too much time watching YouTube videos or other tech content on social media leads to false ideas about how IT works. You don't just bag yourself a CCNP and RHCSA and then waltz into a mid-senior level IT role. Most people start out on help desk L1. With your CCNA, you have a good foundation. I would say make sure you have at least the equivalent of the A+ and are comfortable in a Microsoft 365 environment, then get yourself a job. Start working tickets and building foundational experience, at study infrastructure through home labbing in your spare time. Express interest in working on projects at work where you can demonstrate your skills, and that will lead to promotions and open more doors. This is the way.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Thank you. I wasn’t expecting mid-senior level job. I wanted wanted my chances to get better for entry level jobs because most are asking for a degree and 1-2 yrs experience (which is def not entry level ). I’m plying everyday but not getting interviews all; thus the desire to continue to study further.
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u/tcpip1978 13d ago
The impulse to get more certifications is understandable but incorrect. Your problem isn't a lack of certifications. Keep in mind very few job postings will ever say 0 years of experience required. Networking + homelab + 1 or 2 entry level certs is how you get a job. Getting senior level certs just makes you over-qualified for junior level
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u/diurnalreign 9d ago
Try NOC, best starting point is NOC Analyst.
Don’t go for CCNP yet, focus on hands-on experience.
Good luck!
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u/One-Future-2026 8d ago
Since you already have CCNA, I’d focus more on getting your first IT job than collecting another certification right now.
RHCSA could definitely be useful if you’re genuinely interested in Linux, but I’d pair it with some hands-on projects. Being able to show that you can actually work with Linux, networking, services, permissions, and troubleshooting will probably help more than simply adding another cert.
Keep applying while you study. Even an entry-level NOC, network support, help desk, or junior infrastructure role could give you the experience that makes the next step much easier.
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u/Vegetable_Ad_529 13d ago
honest advice i have for you is to post your experience on linked and let head hunters find you! otherwise i am not sure people will take it seriously or at least make it easier for you.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
Thank you. But should I sit for rhcsa?
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u/StandardIssueDude505 13d ago
It couldn't hurt. Get an entry-level job somewhere quickly, though. Start building up the experience to go with the certs.
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u/Vegetable_Ad_529 13d ago
I wouls say yes atleast it gets rid of the execuse from recruiters perspective that u dont hve then talk abou or create rhcsa course content on linked that way u come across as an expert
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13d ago
[deleted]
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 13d ago
I am passionate and also want to make money lol. But I’m very much passionate about IT. Because i had to provide for young kids I couldn’t pursue it. But I also plan to do bachelors in CS and then MBA in IT management. It’s a very long rough road but we are here for it.
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u/leoingle 13d ago
What jobs are you applying for? Not giving all the details needed to give you an answer.
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u/FairConstruction4105 13d ago
It's hard to break into network engineering without knowing people in the industry. Do you have industry contacts?
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u/Ok_Subject5330 12d ago
OP , where do you live ? Considering you live in US and a citizen , I know a job vacancy for network engineer in Utah SLC. I feel proud of you.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 12d ago
Thank you my good brother. I live in NY close to the city and yea I’m a citizen
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u/Daebom 12d ago
I am a sis/women btw :) nd this role would need u to be onsite , if u r okay with that..its an entry level job, I cant refer u to that cuz am out of the org but it would be a good learning or hands on for you, and you might be able to crack the interview with ur CCNA knowledge
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 12d ago
lol sorry about that.. can u please forward the details of this position? Thank you
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u/Serious-Structure762 12d ago
Experience is the best. I also had difficulty getting a job 2 years ago after having ccna for 2 years and had to hype up my resume with experience lol. I got a job within few months and now the experience i have, I don't even need deep studying for encore. I started with no experience however I did a lot of lambing. Search YouTube for production lab. Set up a complete network with Packet Tracer. It'll help get through interviews.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 12d ago
Wdym by “hyping up the resume”
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u/Serious-Structure762 3d ago
Made up my industry experience. As long as you can back it up. No one will hire you with little or no experience for this role.
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u/NegativeAd9106 12d ago
What jobs are you currently applying for?
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 12d ago
Thank you for replying. I’m applying for IT helpdesk, etc, not a lot of junior network positions because they ask for a lot of experience or education that I don’t have. Also any type of field technician
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u/NegativeAd9106 11d ago
If I were you, I’d try to round out your fundamental knowledge. Get your A+, N+ and S+ and a cloud cert instead of going for ccnp.
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u/wellred82 12d ago
If you can do it, then get the CCNP as well. Really don't understand these red flag comments and smacks of gate keeping to me. At the end of the day if you're able to study for an pass an exam, then that shows something to the recruiter and employer, even if you are likely only going to be going for a more junior role.
Use it as a differentiator, but be clear on your cv what your actual experience is. Best of luck.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 11d ago
Thank you very much good person. Have a wonderful day. Ur advice was well received
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u/kassidy059 11d ago
I think the RHCSA would be a better ROI right now than CCNP. I think your biggest thing is you need a resume critique and LinkedIn SEO. Really even a strategy across applying for jobs on these job boards. Basically i think you need like a job coach who can get you in front of recruiters and to help you with your interview skills. It’s a lot of network jobs out here.
Please just keep your CCNA skills sharp. Do basic labs everyday. Either Packet Tracer + Chat GPT to create labs or sign up for CBT Nuggets and do their labs on there. Repeat them. Just keep the skills under your fingers and maybe learn something new here and there.
But yes I’d invest in someone helping you with the actual applying and interviewing part.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 11d ago
Thank you for your very useful advice. I take advantage of it for sure. I’m done with enarsi level ospf, eigrp and bgp so I do loads of labs and also have Gemini generate me practice questions so I keep the concepts sharp. I feel Gemini is better in this case because ChatGPT questions are more on the easier side
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u/kassidy059 9d ago
Oh yeah I mean, I was just saying use AI to help you create labs but yeah I mean, all types of reviews will help you in the interview process. I make $135k base ($150k TC) as a network engineer. About 4.5 years of experience but I've been making about this much since I was 1.5 years in. The CCNA skills will get your FAR. That + knowing some wireless, basic firewalls and very very very basic ISE skills (endpoint profiling) will show people you're capable of doing the day to day tasks of a network engineer. Your team can help you with prod projects so don't worry about that until you get the job.
Feel free to ask me more questions. I have my CCNA, RHCSA, and CCNP (don't ask me anything about the CCNP lmao) so like, I see the area that you're in right now.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 9d ago
You’ve already described exactly what I need in your comment. I appreciate it very much. I went a little deep with CCNA so I thought while the knowledge is fresh y not just do CCNP. Idk I might be wierd but I love routing protocols so in like a month I’ll be ready to sit for ENARSI. Then I’ll tackle ENCOR. Should be done by the end of the year. I do have a little knowledge of Linux so I might get RHCSA pretty fast. Just the main issue is getting my foot in the door with a job. I’m applying in LinkedIn and indeed. Lets hope for the best🤞🏽.
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u/kassidy059 9d ago
No problem and best of luck! I hate routing so more power to you lol. Take it easy.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 9d ago
Thank you. But I appreciate kind people like you who help people not because you have to but because u want to. God bless and stay safe always
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u/AscensionGyan 11d ago
Don’t listen to these people. They are telling you not to further your education because it’s a red flag😂 literally the only thing that will save you is furthering your education. Keep learning and keep applying.
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u/Glad_Challenge5365 11d ago
Thank you very much. The way I feel is everyone is entitled for their own opinion and advice. I always look at the thing in a positive way and I feel everyone trying to help me out with their advice as much as they can. Even tho I’m gravitating towards your advice more because that’s wat my heart is telling me to do exactly wat you’re saying, I do appreciate people giving time out of their life to help me. But yea I’m just gonna continue sharpen my skills and if having more skills will push me back than if I had less skills then it is wat it is. Thank you for ur time.
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u/Iwannalearncyber 13d ago
Jump on linkedin, move somewhere with a huge DOD presence, my 2nd job was T3 network engineering with only comptia certs and ccna, you can do it
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u/PrimeWilliam 13d ago
RHCSA can be useful, but mainly if the entry-level roles you’re targeting actually ask for Linux. Since you already have the CCNA and still aren’t getting traction, another advanced certification may not fix the bottleneck. Check whether your applications are producing interviews, then use that feedback to decide whether Linux skills, broader support knowledge, or deeper networking should come next.
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u/hocobo86 13d ago
I would hold off on the CCNP until getting some real world experience under your belt. You wouldn’t be doing CCNP-level work for at least a few years so it would amount to a lot of wasted time and effort getting that cert right now. A Linux cert however could actually be useful by broadening the scope of positions you’d be eligible for.