A Cisco training course is the way to go for those who wish to understand and work with routers and switches. Routers connect computer networks via the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It’s most probable that you should first attempt your CCNA. Don’t be tempted to go straight for a CCNP as it’s a considerable step up - and you need to work up to it to take on this level.
You may end up employed by an internet service provider or a large commercial venture which is spread out geographically but still wants internal communication. Both types of jobs command good salaries.
You’ll need a bespoke training program that takes you on a progressive path to ensure that you’ve mastered the necessary skills and abilities before getting going with Cisco.
A question; why should we consider qualifications from the commercial sector and not more traditional academic qualifications taught at schools and Further Education colleges?
The IT sector now acknowledges that for an understanding of the relevant skills, the right accreditation from the likes of Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field - for much less time and money.
Essentially, only that which is required is learned. Actually, it’s not quite as pared down as that, but the principle remains that students need to cover the precise skills needed (including a degree of required background) - without trying to cram in everything else - in the way that academic establishments often do.
The bottom line is: Authorised IT qualifications give employers exactly what they’re looking for - it says what you do in the title: i.e. I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. Consequently employers can look at their needs and what certifications are required to fulfil that.
Many trainers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; very few go late in the evening or at weekends.
Don’t buy certification programs which can only support trainees through a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training schools will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it - support is required when it’s required - not as-and-when it’s suitable for their staff.
The very best training providers have many support offices from around the world. Online access provides the interactive interface to seamlessly link them all together, at any time you choose, help is at hand, without any problems or delays.
Never make the mistake of compromise when you’re looking for the right support service. The vast majority of would-be IT professionals that drop-out or fail, would have had a different experience if they’d got the right support package in the first place.
It’s quite a normal occurrence for students not to check on a painfully important area - the way the company actually breaks down and delivers the courseware elements, and into how many bits.
Individual deliveries for each training module piece by piece, as you pass each exam is the usual method of releasing your program. This sounds sensible, but you might like to consider this:
Students often discover that the company’s ’standard’ path of training isn’t as suitable as another. Sometimes, a slightly different order suits them better. Could it cause problems if you don’t get everything done at the pace they expect?
Ideally, you’d ask for every single material to be delivered immediately - meaning you’ll have all of them to come back to at any time in the future - whenever it suits you. This also allows you to vary the order in which you move through the program if another more intuitive route presents itself.
It can be a nerve-racking task, but finding your first computer related job is often relieved by training colleges, through a Job Placement Assistance service. It can happen though that this feature is bigged up too much, as it’s really not that difficult for any motivated and trained individual to find work in this industry - as employers are keen to find appropriately well trained people.
Ideally you should have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we’d recommend everybody to work on polishing up their CV as soon as training commences - don’t wait for when you’re ready to start work.
Various junior support roles have been offered to trainees who are still studying and haven’t got any qualifications yet. This will at least get you on your way.
You can usually expect quicker service from a specialist locally based employment agency than you will through a training course provider’s recruitment division, as they’ll know the area better.
Please be sure that you don’t put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, only to stop and leave it in the hands of the gods to find you a job. Take responsibility for yourself and get out there. Channel as much energy and enthusiasm into landing your first job as you did to get trained.
(C) S. Edwards 2009. Browse around Cisco Training or CCNA Training Courses.
Tags: advice, career, computer, education, games, hobbies, home, money, self improvement, shop, software, technology, Uncategorized, web, work