Simply put is learning Linux, specifically Fedora based systems worth learning when I expect to be using iOS more than anything?
Is it worth getting the LPIC cert also in addition to CCNA?
Thanks
Simple answer: No.
Are you still at Uni?
If you're doing an computer science related undergraduate degree, then you will need to keep your grades up and focus on getting into a graduate program. This is the easiest way to move forward in IT.
Otherwise, you'll be competing for jobs with no previous work experience.
I won't hire someone because they have LPIC with zero experience vs someone who doesn't have LPIC but has a year or two sysadmin experience.
Also, you'd be better off sitting the CompTIA Linux+ exam or the "3 in 1 advantage" because you get LPIC-1 and a SUSE cert without sitting more exams. The problem with this though is you are paying for it, when you should be getting an employer to pay for it.
Yes I am still at uni, I am able to still pick the path I want to go, they offer CCNA training but I can get that faster than what uni can teach me.
So you think I should get LPIC after I actually start as like a junior?
Do whats you want. (honestly). The only thing id say is if you do want to go for certifications before you leave uni, get them at the end of uni, because most of them need renewed after a few years. Certifications aren't always needed coming out of uni, if your cv shows you have experience in something that's good enough a lot of the time.
Basically, this really depends on what you would like to do.
The thing with doing an IT degree is that it's not as straightforward as say, if you're studying a humanities based degree - which might allow you alternatives or access to hundreds of different career paths.
If you're focusing on iOS development maybe forget about obtaining entry level net/sysmin certifcates like CCNA/CNE/LPIC etc because they won't really help you in a development role, nor are any entry level certificates regarded highly in the industry without work experience. You'd actually be shooting yourself in the foot going down this path.
If you want to do Network Engineering at Uni, CCNP will almost certainly be a part of the syllabus. Then maybe look at doing linux+ and beyond and become a Python guru so you have a chance at landing a job after Uni. "IF" you go down this route you'll also need some work experience while you're at Uni - just get a job at some small web/dev company as they tend to hire people with very little to no experience.
Landing a iOS development graduate role as a junior will be so much easier than going down the "certificate" path. Any buffoon can get LPIC/CCNA certification but not everyone can go to Uni, so take advantage of that - don't follow the rabbit down the hole and become a "jack of all trades," or you will regret it.
I mean iOS as in Cisco not apple :) and I can do Python and Java at uni via a cs path over networking
I wouldn't worry too much about specialisations, just get the best degree you can, in any subject. A surprising number of people in top IT jobs have never studied Computer Science!
If you really have the time, try and have some fun. Join some extra curricular societies at uni. Anything really, from debating to dance or something sporting. Employers are not just looking for grades and certificates, they need well rounded, confident social people that'll fit into a working team. It's very rare that you'll ever be given a complete task to work on alone. A lot of people I studied with got good grades, but never got a computer related job, simply because they came across as shy and geeky.
lol, right you are then.
So what are you actually studying at Uni?
I am confused from your previous topics;
https://forum.teksyndicate.com/t/how-can-i-start-electrical-engineering/82277
https://forum.teksyndicate.com/t/building-my-degree-for-digital-forensics/67340
https://forum.teksyndicate.com/t/split-between-two-worlds-uni-related/84162
https://forum.teksyndicate.com/t/cs-course-with-scratch/85181
etc...
I guess you just need to try and work out which area of IT interests you the most.
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Whatever OS floats ya boat wont make a scrap of difference in your understanding and learning the cisco curriculum. Linux just has the advantage of a console that telnet/ssh into devices a bit nicer. Windows things like Putty work just fine.
GNS3 v1.3.9 is the go for learning the curriculum, doesnt suffer the limitations of packet tracer and you can run it into a physical network lab as well which is cool. The windows install is easier than the linux install, but both work the same.
Learning your way around Linux certainly wouldnt hurt regardless of your proposed path.
Perhaps ask around and suss out what employers in your area are looking for.
I wanted to do Hardware engineering, specifically networking stuff, but the uni I am at do not teach a specific computer engineering or EE class, it seems to be a very broad overview of what it is, I have been studying Networking and Security for a few years now and settled in Network Engineering as a fallback, plus England does not seem to have too much in terms of EE for computers here.
Anyways so I am looking at Network engineering, and the CS course with scratch was just a point of understanding why they where using that over say python as it does not teach you actual programming.
Which is why I was asking about Network Engineering, As I use Linux as my daily I wanted to know if it was actually useful to get a LPIC or other Linux cert to help me with Network Engineering, as I want to go the CISCO route I was wondering if it would help at all.
About the EE, I spoke to the Uni and they said they do not do micro-controllers in detail (which I would need).
So yeah as it stands, does Linux actually help in Network Engineering (Routing and Switching, Security stuff etc) I can switch the main subject focus of my degree as I wish, currently its at networking but I am thinking of switching it to maybe Sciences so I can understand algorithm stuff
Absolutely. Linux is useful for pretty much everything these days. Think of how many devices are using linux and the great tools you have available - plus if you're good at Python, you can make all the networking tools you'll ever need for auditing/infosec.
In regards to your studies, I think you need to talk with your tutor(s). Perhaps ask them about the qualification descriptors for your units/modules (degree) so you're absolutely certain you're on the right path.
I would also ask about credit accumulation and transfer so that you might go to a local Uni (can't be easy studying online); purely for more choice of electives and support. Networking with other like minded people (students and lecturers) might lead to work experience or a job while you're studying, if not insider graduate programs and such.