So I had an interview yesterday and while I did great on the networking portion, I didnt do so well on the MySQL, APACHE, and Linux questions.
I have already set up CentOS in VMware to start getting more familiar with linux. My plan was to follow the design route as far as my networking career goes. Linux experience seems like a must but do I need to know programs such as SQL, Exchange, APACHE, and so forth? I always thought those were more in the programming field?

they're in the application field, database, mail, web server, etc.
they each have their own fields, i.e. DBA, Mail Administrator, Server Admin, etc.

_________________
"If you're good at anticipating the human mind. It leaves nothing to chance."
-Jigsaw

Yeah, those technologies are in the operational sysadmin area, not really programming or development. It's great to have a familiarity with how those systems work and are designed, especially in regard to their networking and security requirements. I have seen a lot of jobs for SMB or odd-sized shops where they are looking for a multiple-hat-wearer who can do the network admin/design/engineer role, as well as support their server/virtualization and application tiers. It's quite common until you get to larger/enterprise shops that have dedicated teams for network, server, storage, application, security, etc.

Also, Linux plays heavily in the data center networking realm, and experience and knowledge with it is highly recommended. Ditto for MS AD/Exchange/SQL/IIS/SharePoint, etc..

Thanks for the input guys

Also, By design I meant CCDA, CCDP, etc etc.

I have landed my last two jobs based of the broad range of experience I have gained. I wouldn't consider myself a full blow server admin (linux, VMware or windows) but I have enough knowledge to hold my own. You are a ton more marketable when you can take on a flexible role within a company and handle task from different technologies.

_________________
http://blog.movingonesandzeros.net/

It's especially helpful, being a network engineer (whether design, admin or other) to be able to speak the language of the customers you are dealing with, or at least understand their language enough to make working with them easier. Knowing the basics of DB, VM, MS, etc... can go a long way. You'll find that more people are willing to work with you if you can lean a little in their direction, rather then them having to cater to you. A lot of this comes from experience, but a head start messing around with Apache, MySQL, VMWare and MS applications can provide a great foundation.

That being said, IMO that is true for all fields - if you work in IT you should have a familiarity with the basics across the board. Most applications communicate over a network, a lot deal with databases, have some form of programming, interaction with an OS, etc... The more people on the same page, the better the solution that gets implemented.

_________________
I don't have a signature.

Thanks for all the solid advice guys, I appreciate it