[masraum]

The various Cisco certs do help. CCNA is pretty much entry level. what really kick starts things are the P level exams. Still, they are usually just a foot in the door. In my experience interpersonal networking is even more valuable. Making friends/acquaintances and keeping up with them can be much more valuable than any cert. I've gotten a job because of my certs, and I've gotten interviews because of my certs, but it's much, much easier to get a job if you know someone on the inside.

I had CCNA and CCNP and took the CCIE lab once long ago. All have expired. I keep telling myself I'm going to recert, but haven't been able to force myself yet.