Navigating Career Challenges: How Can I Overcome My Educational Gap and Secure a Job in Networking?

I need your valuable guidance to help shape my career. Please guide me. I have a 59% aggregate in BE Computer Science, graduating in 2013. I never had any backlogs in any semester. However, I have a 4-year educational gap after completing my 12th grade in 2005. I worked in a Fortune 500 listed MNC in Mumbai, which provides consulting, outsourcing, and procurement services with headquarters in New Jersey during the period 2007-09. Unfortunately, I left the job without obtaining a written experience certificate. I do have some salary slips and an appraisal letter.

Impact of Educational Gap on Job Prospects

How much will my educational gap affect my job prospects? With a 59% in BE, will I be able to secure a good job? Should I invest my time in further studies like an M.Tech? Will I be able to land a job in good companies based on Cisco, Microsoft networking, or server certificates?

I am highly interested in Data Centre and Network Infrastructure jobs. Could anyone provide guidance in this regard?

Please provide me with guidance. Thank you.

Best regards.

A gap in education will not affect your future prospects for your job, so relax. In fact, your work experience is an added value that will be considered a strength. Now, if you are interested in Data Center and Networking jobs, yes, you would need the required certification. All MNCs and even small to mid-size companies will not entertain any CV without the necessary certification. Infrastructure is the backbone of business, and no company with sound judgment will compromise on the quality of candidates in this department.

Since you don't have the requisite experience, I suggest you try to get in as a trainee or fresher. Many MNCs do take fresh graduates, and you will need to compete vigorously in the market. There is intense competition in this job sector. Just to provide an example, I have come across a diploma holder with relevant skills much more suitable to head an IT department than a BE. Qualifications are an entry card but not the sole factor in securing a good job. Your skills, innovation, aptitude for your work, and attitude to provide economical and effective solutions to businesses within the given time frame will be more crucial.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Ukmitra