Table of Contents
Part I: So You Want to Be a Networking Professional
Chapter 1: Working with Networks
Skills and Activities in Networking Jobs
Monitoring antimalware consoles
Configuring communications with business partners
Managing telecommunications services
Setting up VoIP phones and voicemail
Installing network devices in data centers and closets
How Networking Fits in a High-Tech Career Path
The Future Is Bright for Networking Jobs
Chapter 2: Understanding Networking Roles
Performing Essential Tasks in Networking
Navigating Networking Job Titles
Telecommunications manager or specialist
Getting Networking Experience Where You Are Now
Chapter 3: Knowing Your Networking
Recognizing design goals for the network
Appreciating the business objectives of the network
Moving around with wireless LANs
Buying service from LECs and CLECs
Considering the cloud and managed service
Going beyond texting on a cellphone
Cooking with a microwave connection
Circling around satellite communications
Chapter 4: Networking Concepts and Trends
Basic concepts in access control
Emerging issues in access control
Telecommunications and Network Security
Basic concepts in telecommunications and network security
Emerging issues in telecommunications and network security
Basic concepts in cryptography
Emerging issues in cryptography
Computing Architecture and Design
Basic concepts in computing architecture and design
Emerging issues in computing architecture and design
Basic concepts in IT operations
Emerging issues in IT operations
Physical and Environmental Security
Basic concepts in physical and environmental security
Emerging issues in physical and environmental security
Regulations, Investigations, and Compliance
Basic concepts in regulations, investigations, and compliance
Emerging issues in regulations, investigations, and compliance
Factoring Nontechnical IT Issues
Part II: Having the Right Stuff
Chapter 5: Getting the Necessary Education and Training
Viewing prerecorded college courses
Learning through Higher Education
Formal study at an online university
Pursuing a Nontraditional Education
Maintaining Your Networking Knowledge
Chapter 6: Becoming Certifiable
Deciding Which Certifications Are Right for You
Choosing a Vendor-Specific Networking Certification
Other vendor-specific certifications
Winning with a Third-Party Networking Certification
Network Professional Association
Earning a Vendor-Neutral Security Certification
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2
Earning Other Relevant Certifications
Chapter 7: Making Your Own Way
Informal Education in Networking
Part III: Finding a Job with the Right Organization
Chapter 8: Working for a Networking Solutions Provider
Working in Sales as a Pre-Sales Engineer
Rolling Up Your Sleeves as an Implementation Engineer
Helping Customers in Technical Support
Watching the Fort for a Managed Service Provider
Chapter 9: Working as an In-House Networking Professional
Comparing private versus public companies
Supporting company goals and objectives
One Size Doesn't Fit All: Small and Large Businesses
Chaos versus Calm: Growth, Mergers, and Acquisitions
Working for a Nonprofit Organization
Chapter 10: Serving in the Public Sector or Academia
Working for a Federal, State, or Local Agency
Working for a Military or Defense Contractor
Chapter 11: Living on the Edge with a Startup
Building Virtual Infrastructure in the Cloud
Experiencing the Razor-Sharp Edge
Chapter 12: Life as a Consultant
Going It Alone as an Independent Consultant
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Consulting
Chapter 13: Branding Yourself for Your Dream Career
Business Networking with LinkedIn
Setting up your Twitter profile
Using and maintaining your blog
Segregating Your Personal and Professional Lives
Chapter 14: Creating a Winning Resume
What Not to Put in Your Resume
Chapter 15: Getting Attention with Your Cover Letter
Essential Elements of the Cover Letter
Cover letters with applicant-tracking systems
Cover letters for referrals and recruiters
Generic replies to cover letters
Chapter 16: Bringing Your Resume to Life: The Interview
Knowing Why Interviews Are Important
Preparing yourself psychologically
Investigating the corporate culture
Preparing for the first impression
Preparing to say what interviewers want to hear
Preparing to hear what you want to hear
Types of Interviews and Tips for Each
Chapter 17: Becoming a Star Employee
Understanding the IT department
Understanding the rest of your organization
Looking and becoming competent
Moving Forward after the Honeymoon
Developing professional skills
Enhancing your technical skills
Acquiring positive personal attributes
Chapter 18: Ten Great Answers for Your Interviewer
Whacking Softball Question Number 2
Responding to the Tried-and-True Standard
Determining Whether You Are Trouble
Describing Team Leadership Skills
Defusing the Financial Land Mine
Chapter 19: Ten Great Questions to Ask Your Interviewer
How Has Your Department Contributed to the Success of the Company?
What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges Your Department Is Facing?
How Would You Describe the Company's Culture?
What Do You Like About Working Here?
Can You Describe How We Would Be Working Together?
What Is the Makeup of the Team or Organization?
What Are the Key Traits of Your Most Successful Employees?
How Would You Define Success During the First 90 Days?
Do You Have Any Concerns About Me That I Can Address Now?
What Is Your Next Step in the Selection Process?
Chapter 20: Ten Alternatives to a Regular Job
Mentoring Up-and-Coming Networkers
Chapter 21: Ten Networking Books for Your Professional Library
Visualizing the TCP/IP Protocol
Getting Serious with Cisco Routing