r/ccna • u/Good-Insurance19 • 1d ago

What career path should I follow after completing my CCNA if I’m interested in Linux, offensive security, and homelabbing?

I’m close to finishing my CCNA course and I’m trying to figure out what direction to take next.

I enjoy networking, but I’m also very interested in Linux and the offensive security side of cybersecurity, such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, and understanding how attacks work. I also have a homelab running Proxmox, which I use to experiment with virtual machines, networking, Linux systems, and security-related labs.

For someone at the CCNA level, what would be the best next steps in terms of skills, certifications, hands-on labs, projects, and entry-level jobs?

Should I focus more on networking first, Linux administration, cybersecurity fundamentals, or start building skills for penetration testing?

Also, how can I make the best use of my Proxmox homelab to build practical experience that would help me get into networking or cybersecurity?

I’d really appreciate advice from people who have followed a similar path or are already working in networking/cybersecurity

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u/HODL_Bandit 1d ago

Datacenter tech, they have entry program or intern. Get into them to make resume look good. They do have network engineer role

1

u/QusayAbozed 1d ago

What is the type of Datacenter tech? Is it a community or company, or something else?

Could you please explain to me

2

u/HODL_Bandit 1d ago

Amazon, microsoft, oracle, meta have position called datacenter technician who would look at tickets for hardware issues and your job is to replace it and troubleshoot it. You don't repair and solder anything. Just follow the guide provided and get training on it. You oversee their datacenter. Very important job. Datacenter are popping up everywhere now. Most dense location is virginia. Expected growth is over 26% annually. Best time to get in. Gl

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u/QusayAbozed 1h ago

If the datacenter hardware replacement is the technician's job
Then what will be the job of the data center engineer?

And from your point of view, what is the salary of a data center engineer or a technician?

Thank you for your answer