From: Brad Ellis (brad@ccbootcamp.com)
Date: Fri Dec 29 2006 - 17:12:38 ART
Congrats Ed! You made it just before the big upgrade.
thanks,
Brad Ellis
CCIE#5796 (R&S / Security)
CCSI#30482
Network Learning Inc - A Cisco Sponsored Organization (SO)
YES! We take Cisco Learning credits!
brad@ccbootcamp.com
www.ccbootcamp.com (Cisco Training and Advanced Technology Rental Racks)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rat (Formerly Lab Rat #109385382)" <techlist01@gmail.com>
To: <ccielab@groupstudy.com>; <security@groupstudy.com>
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 12:03 PM
Subject: Passed...CCIE #17302
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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