Is CCNP enough?

[Netraider]

I'm ex REME, and have been contracting for 6 years. If Admin allows, I'll PM you some contact detail, and let you know how I went about starting off.

@Admin - Am I allowed to PM this guy?

[doomage]

Do you want £40k before or after tax? Surely there are permie jobs around for that much (pre-tax)?

The jury would probably be out on whether it would look good on your CV to go perm for a couple years and then go contracting. Certainly from a standing start if you have little or no savings contracting can be quite risky.

It still makes sense to me to start a ltd, get it all ready and then start looking for contracts. If you end up going perm for a bit you can always close or make the company dormant, no biggie. Better to aim high I reckon.


Also, are you <mod snip>

[Scoobos]

Hi

I am currently a serving soldier and I am just about to sign off and give contracting a go. Before I make the leap, I am looking for a little reassurance that I will be able to be employed. I need to earn at least £40000 a year from contracting.

I have the following Qualifications

CCNP
HND Telecommunications
CCNA Voice
CCNA Security

This has been all self taught in a home lab environment. I have around 8 years experience in telecommunications, dealing with Promina and Sat Comms.

Your comments will be of great help.

Thanks

I think your skills are wanted - but usually complemented with others.

My advice, for what its worth - is just apply mate - go for Permanent and Contract and see what develops.

I think you'll struggle for contract with no past experience as such, but there's certainly an element of who you know - and who knows, chance your arm you've got nothing to lose.

[Mammoth]

Scoobos,

Thanks for your reply.

In order to gain the relevant experience is it possible to start contracting at the CCNA level then hopefully progress towards CCNP? At least this way I can start to make the right connections and hopefully demonstrate my worth.

[cojak]

There's load of CV help here:IT Contractor CV Writing: Advice and Guides for UK Contractors with specific layout help here http://www.contractoruk.com/cv/cv_wr..._template.html


Ignore the advice on 2 page CVs although I wouldn't have a CV longer than 4 pages.

[Normie]

I am currently a Corporal in the R Signals age 26. I have been recommended for Sgt for the last few years but still unable to take up a senior role. I have however been in charge of small teams in a military role on Operations and in barracks, but never on a big technical project.

I can ensure my references will be of a high standard, as I am well respected and an important member of my unit.

I am SC Cleared and it will be valid for 12 months from my discharge. I would be willing to work anywhere in the country for at least the first year. Financially, I can probably last 4 months without a contract is this enough time?

My advice - stay on the SC/DV gravy train, these roles are not getting outsourced any time soon. Set up a search on jobserve for SC cleared contracts - usually about 50 or so match my filter each day.

Are you down in MOD Corsham?

[MyUserName]

My brother came out of the army after 22 years with a set of qualifications in fork lift truck instruction and security (setting up CCTV and so on). Once he was on civvy street he found that these qualifications were not recognised and he was unable to enter those inductries :-( Although he has recently done some courses to allow him to work as anti pirate security on British ships which promises a fair amount of money.

My advice is to make absolutely sure that the quals you have are civvy recognised and then see how the market is. You might walk into a contract or there might be nothing. What are you are talking about is possible but you need to do a bit of reccon to find out whether it is likely.

Lastly, thank you for your service.

[Scoobos]

Scoobos,

Thanks for your reply.

In order to gain the relevant experience is it possible to start contracting at the CCNA level then hopefully progress towards CCNP? At least this way I can start to make the right connections and hopefully demonstrate my worth.

I think its possible to start anywhere, but you need the roles to be there.

All I can really add to my previous post , is be confident - don't let doubts get the better of you - apply for perm or contract and jump in - see how you do.

Given that you (will) be ex-forces I think its only going to put you in good stead for the MoD type roles that seem abundant , despite the recession.

As others have said, keep your SC current. I'm ever frustrated by my inability to get it , despite having a military background and working with top security clients (not MoD)

[Mammoth]

Thanks again for all the information posted. I think I will apply for both job types and I will see what happens. If I get a perm position I can use that experience to give contracting a go later down the line.

[BlasterBates]

4 months is not long, especially as you'll be completely new to contracting. I would apply for both contracts and permie jobs. It is a difficult market at the moment and you will probably find it difficult to find a contract straight away with a perfect match. No harm in trying. You can check jobserve for comtracts, and you will know if it's suitable because you'll feel you're perfect for the role, if not go for permie jobs.