From: Rat \(Formerly Lab Rat #109385382\) (techlist01@gmail.com)
Date: Fri Dec 29 2006 - 17:03:29 ART
Sorry it's taken me so long to write this email...I passed the Security Lab on December 14th. I'm just starting to come out of that euphoric state and back into the real world...
Ibve been on these forums since around 2000, but mostly as a lurker/casual reader until I got more serious about taking the Security lab more recently (thus, my recent flurry of emails).
Ibve been working in IT for over 12 years, and have never had a problem getting a lucrative job anywhere I tried. I attribute it to the fact that I can communicate technical ideas effectively through verbal and written means. For those of you looking for work--don't ever let anyone tell you differently. "Soft Skills" such as communication, teamwork, integrity, and organizational skills are essential to your success in this industry, or in any other industry for that matter.
Though I had most of the CCxP certifications, Ibve always considered myself more well-rounded as an engineer/architect, and later as an IT director, working with everything from applications and operating systems to servers and workstations; this was always alongside routers, switches, firewalls, wireless APs, and many other security appliances. Nevertheless, the CCIE certification was always one or my personal goals, and only recently--with the advent of acquiring a more Cisco-centric job--have I found more time to dedicate to the effort.
This was my 2nd attempt.
My personal thanks to the God of the Holy Bible, through whom I can do all things. My wife is 2nd to thank for all her undying, unconditional support for me, morally as well as with her time and emotion. Next is my family for their support and encouragement over the years leading up to this attempt.
Lastly, I cannot forget to thank this incredible forum. There are a lot of boards and forums on the Internet dedicated to sharing ideas, questions, solutions, and encouragement regarding this certification. None are more effective, focused and helpful than this board. So, thanks to Paul and everyone participating on this list.
To pass, I used the workbooks from IE, IPexpert, and TrinetNT (now CCbootcamp). Not taking anything away from any of the vendors, each had their own benefits and their drawbacks. In that vein, I believe itbs very important to get multiple perspectives on the learning the lab content, so get as much material from as many vendors as you can. Each provides an insight that will be useful for the actual lab. And now that Ibve personally made a plug for all the major Security vendors, I want a CUT! b: b:
I started my lab studies in October of this year, so it's been only 2.5 months for me. That being said, it was 2.5 months of pure hellish suffering. I would say I put in 50-60 hours per week along with a full-time consulting job. Don't let anyone tell you differently...it really does take your having no life.
So stay focused, committed, and most of all (as everyone else has echoed so many times in the past), DONbT EVER GIVE UP. If you want it enough, you will get it.
Good luck to everyone!
Ed
CCIE #17302 (Security)
Formerly "Lab Rat", now just a "Rat"
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