A Cisco training course is intended for individuals who want to learn about routers and switches. Routers are what connect networks of computers via the internet or dedicated lines. It’s likely that you should first attempt the CCNA. Don’t be tempted to go straight for your CCNP for it’s full of complexities – and you need to work up to it before you take this on.
Successfully achieving this certification means you’ll probably end up working for large companies that are spread out geographically, but need to keep in touch. Other usual roles could be with an internet service provider. Both types of jobs command good salaries.
Having the skills and correct mind-set prior to starting the CCNA is essential. So talk to someone who will know what you need.
Now, why is it better to gain commercial certification as opposed to more traditional academic qualifications taught at tech’ colleges and universities?
With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has been required to move to the specialised training that the vendors themselves supply – in other words companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA. This frequently provides reductions in both cost and time.
Clearly, a certain quantity of closely linked detail needs to be taught, but precise specialisation in the particular job function gives a commercially trained person a massive advantage.
It’s rather like the advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.
Searching for your first position in IT sometimes feels easier to handle with the help of a Job Placement Assistance program. The honest truth is that it isn’t so complicated as you might think to get a job – once you’re trained and certified; because there’s still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.
Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however – you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don’t put it off until you’ve qualified.
Being considered a ‘maybe’ is more than not being regarded at all. A surprising amount of junior support jobs are got by students (sometimes when they’ve only just got going.)
If you’d like to get employment in your home town, then you may well find that a specialist locally based employment agency might be of more use than some national concern, due to the fact that they are much more inclined to have insider knowledge of what’s available near you.
Fundamentally, if you put as much hard work into securing a job as into training, you won’t have any problems. Some men and women curiously invest a great deal of time on their learning program and then just stop once qualified and seem to expect employers to find them.
Ask any knowledgeable consultant and they’ll entertain you with many worrying experiences of how students have been duped by salespeople. Make sure you deal with a professional advisor who asks lots of questions to find out what’s appropriate to you – not for their bank-account! Dig until you find the right starting point of study for you.
Don’t forget, if you’ve got any previous certification, then it’s not unreasonable to expect to start at a different point than a student who’s starting from scratch.
For those students beginning IT exams and training as a new venture, you might like to ease in gradually, by working on some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This is often offered with most types of training.
Many trainers provide a big box of books. It’s not a very interesting way to learn and not a very good way of remembering.
Studies in learning psychology have shown that memory is aided when we involve as many senses as possible, and we get physically involved with the study process.
The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you’ll find things easier to remember via their teaching and demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by utilising the practice lab’s and modules.
All companies should willingly take you through some examples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and a wide selection of interactive elements.
Opt for CD and DVD ROM based physical training media wherever available. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with broadband ‘downtime’ or slow-speeds.
(C) 2010 – S. Edwards. Visit MCSA 2008 or www.ComptiaNetworkPlus-2U.co.uk.
