Training in Cisco is designed for people who want to learn about routers and switches. Routers connect networks of computers over the internet or dedicated lines. It’s a good idea that you should start with your CCNA. Don’t be tempted to go straight for a CCNP as it’s a considerable step up - and you really need experience to have a go at this.
It’s vital that you already know a good deal about how computer networks operate and function, as networks are built with routers. Otherwise, you’ll probably struggle. You might look for a course covering the basics in networking - perhaps Network+ and A+, and then do a CCNA course. Some providers offer this as a career track.
Getting your Cisco CCNA is perfectly sufficient to start with; don’t be cajoled into attempting your CCNP. Once you’ve got a few years experience behind you, you will have a feel for whether you need to train up to this level. If so, your experience will serve as the background you require to take on your CCNP - which is quite a hard qualification to acquire - and mustn’t be entered into casually.
Proper support is incredibly important - ensure you track down something that provides 24×7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also impede your ability to learn.
Look for training where you can access help at all hours of the day and night (irrespective of whether it’s the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get 24×7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not a message system as this will slow you down - parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back at a convenient time for them.
The best trainers utilise several support facilities around the globe in several time-zones. An online system provides an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all together, irrespective of the time you login, help is at hand, with no hassle or contact issues.
Always choose a training company that gives this level of learning support. As only round-the-clock 24×7 support gives you the confidence to make it.
Considering the amount of options that are available, there’s no surprise that nearly all newcomers to the industry get stuck choosing the job they will follow.
After all, without any know-how of IT in the workplace, how could you possibly know what a particular IT employee spends their day doing? How can you possibly choose what certification program is the most likely for your success.
To get through to the essence of this, we need to discuss a variety of definitive areas:
* Personalities play an important part - what things get your juices flowing, and what are the areas that put a frown on your face.
* Is it your desire to achieve an important dream - like becoming self-employed someday?
* How highly do you rate salary - is it the most important thing, or is job satisfaction higher up on your priority-list?
* Understanding what the main IT roles and markets are - and what makes them different.
* Taking a cold, hard look at the level of commitment, time and effort you can give.
When all is said and done, the only real way of understanding everything necessary is by means of a long chat with an experienced advisor that has enough background to give you the information required.
A question; why should we consider commercial qualifications as opposed to traditional academic qualifications gained through schools, colleges or universities?
Corporate based study (to use industry-speak) is far more specialised and product-specific. Industry has realised that this level of specialised understanding is essential to meet the requirements of an increasingly more technical marketplace. Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA are the dominant players.
Many degrees, for example, become confusing because of a lot of background study - with much too broad a syllabus. Students are then prevented from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.
What if you were an employer - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. What is easier: Trawl through loads of academic qualifications from several applicants, trying to establish what they know and which vocational skills they’ve acquired, or choose particular accreditations that specifically match what you’re looking for, and make your short-list from that. Your interviews are then about personal suitability - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.
Be alert that all exams you’re studying for are recognised by industry and are up-to-date. Training companies own certificates are not normally useful in gaining employment.
Only nationally recognised certification from the likes of Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will be useful to a future employer.
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