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Value of adding CCNA or EnCe to my Resume?

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Curio
(@curio)
Trusted Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 50
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Hello,

Background -

I've been trying to break into CF for the last two years, but this economy hasn't made things easier. My CCE is due to expire soon, and I still have no industry experience despite offering to work for free for some companies on a part time basis. I've even managed to get someone else a job via networking, but still sit unemployed myself (isn't that nice )-

My background I am a licensed attorney, 55 (look 40"ish") but haven't worked in the field for years and have no interest in doing so; when I did I worked in telecom regulation for the govt. I've always valued my family first, and so never made the "big money," nor felt it that important to do so. I WANT TO DO COMPUTER FORENSICS! I like computers, I like investigation, I like the intellectual puzzle of it all.

I've been teaching "bus law" courses at a community college for the last six years (adj) trying to make ends meet. I wouldn't mind teaching full time, but people never leave where I work except in a box (state college).

Questions -

I have my CCE (although I must "re-certify" really soon, should I even bother ?). I have a pretty good non-academic computer background, and have self taught myself Java and Python (definately not to pro level, but I can write simple apps and carry on tech conversations pretty well). I enjoy buiding my own PCs. I've also developed an interest in "Natural Language Processing" as it may be applied to CF, and just ordered a book called "Natural Language Processing with Python." It's looking like this is going to be another rough winter career wise (thanks Obama and greedy Repubs) so I am trying to figure out how to best use the spare time I have; I live in MA by btw.

Q. Should I consider trying to add a CCNA to my resume? I've looked through the book, and believe I can self study my way to passing the exam. I mention CCNA b/c I have no certification in networking, and that seems to be where a lot of the action is permanently moving to, versus encountering un-networked devices. Wouldn't this make me more "attractive" to an employer?

OR - Should I focus on trying to obtain Encases EnCe? Of course this option is much more expensive b/c they all their materials are proprietary, but I see EnCE wherever I see CF adds.

Q -

Or, should I re-certify and simply "hang my own shingle?" That is, try and create a small consulting business, referring any jobs that I feel will be over my head, or require resources I don't have. I live about 25 miles out of Boston, and for all the lawyers in my area, there is not one computer forensic company around; they all seem to be in the city. I'm thinking, maybe this is a potential opportunity?

Thanks ahead of time to anyone who takes the time to read this and offer their advice; I sure could use some.

Re.
MJ DeYoung, cce, esq.


   
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(@patrick4n6)
Honorable Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 650
 

Not going to make business recommendations for you at all, but imho, CCE is worth more than EnCE or CCNA. If you need validation of my opinion, go look at the CF job ads. I also think that as a vendor neutral cert, CCE, CFCE and GCFA are worth more than EnCE. Frankly though, in the current flooded job market, lack of experience is holding you back the most.


   
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(@twjolson)
Honorable Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 417
 

My two cents. If you are going for a CF position, get some college classes. Recertify with CCE and get the EnCE. Most employers list EnCE in their job postings. I got a job in this tough market with minimal effort (I'm quite lazy) with an AAS, ACE, and CCE.

That said, I would recommend getting the ACE too, if you can get your hand on the software. It's fairly easy. Read all the manuals, did the study guide and practiced. After devoting myself to it for 2 weeks or so, I passed easily.

If you are going corporate CF, the CCNA would be helpful, I guess.


   
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