Cisco training is intended for individuals who wish to understand and work with network switches and routers. Routers join up computer networks via the internet or dedicated lines. It’s a good idea that you should start with the CCNA. It’s not advisable to launch directly into a CCNP because it is very complex – and you really need experience before you take this on.
Routers are linked to networks, so seek out training that includes basic networking skills (maybe the CompTIA Network+, possibly with A+ as well) before you start a CCNA. You must have a basic grasp of networks before getting going with Cisco or you may encounter problems. In the commercial environment, you’ll benefit from having a good knowledge of networks to complement your CCNA.
Find a bespoke training program that will systematically go through everything to make sure that you’ve mastered the necessary skills and knowledge prior to embarking on the Cisco skills.
It can be a nerve-racking task, but finding your first job is often relieved because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance service. Sometimes, people are too impressed with this facility, for it’s relatively easy for any focused and well taught person to get a job in the IT environment – as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.
However, don’t wait till you have qualified before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start a course, mark down what you’re doing and place it on jobsites!
It’s possible that you won’t have even passed your first exam when you will be offered your first junior support role; however this won’t be the case unless your CV is with employers.
If you’d like to get employment in your home town, then you’ll probably find that a specialist locally based employment agency could be more appropriate than some national concern, because they’re far more likely to have insider knowledge of local employment needs.
A good number of people, apparently, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (sometimes for years), only to do nothing special when attempting to secure a good job. Market yourself… Work hard to put yourself out there. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.
Commercially accredited qualifications are now, undoubtedly, taking over from the older academic routes into the IT industry – so why is this?
The IT sector is of the opinion that for an understanding of the relevant skills, the right accreditation supplied for example by Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance – for much less time and money.
Of course, an appropriate portion of relevant additional detail must be learned, but focused specialisation in the required areas gives a commercially trained student a distinct advantage.
Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Companies need only to know what they’re looking for, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. They’ll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
An effective training program will also offer fully authorised exam simulation and preparation packages.
Because a lot of examination boards in IT are American, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It isn’t good enough just understanding random questions – it’s essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format.
A way to build self-confidence is if you check your depth of understanding through tests and practice in simulated exam environments to prepare you for taking the real deal.
Many students come unstuck over a single training area which is often not even considered: How the training is broken down and packaged off through the post.
Most companies will sell you some sort of program spread over 1-3 years, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you complete each section or exam. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following:
What if for some reason you don’t get to the end of every single section? What if you don’t find their order of learning is ideal for you? Because of nothing that’s your fault, you may go a little slower and consequently not get all your materials.
Put simply, the best solution is to get an idea of what they recommend as an ideal study order, but to receive all the materials up-front. Meaning you’ve got it all if you don’t manage to finish inside of their required time-scales.
Copyright 2009 S. Edwards. Look at HERE or CCNACertificationInfo.co.uk.
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