CCNA is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. This teaches you how to handle maintaining and installing routers. The internet is made up of many routers, and large companies that have various regional departments utilise them to connect their computer networks.
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.
If you haven’t yet had any experience of routers, then working up to and including the CCNA is definitely sufficient – don’t be pushed into attempting your CCNP. When you’ve become more familiar with the work, you’ll know if it’s appropriate for you to go to the level of CCNP.
A service offered by some training providers is job placement assistance. This is designed to assist your search for your first position. With the great need for more IT skills in this country today, it’s not necessary to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It isn’t so complicated as you might think to land a job once you’re properly qualified.
Update your CV at the beginning of your training though – you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don’t procrastinate and leave it until you’ve graduated or passed any exams.
You’ll often find that you’ll secure your first position whilst you’re still studying (even in the early stages). If your CV doesn’t say what you’re learning (and it’s not being looked at by employers) then you don’t stand a chance!
Normally you’ll get better results from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than you will through a course provider’s employment division, as they’ll know the area better.
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.
What is the reason why traditional academic studies are now falling behind more commercially accredited qualifications?
With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has moved to specific, honed-in training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors – in other words companies like Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA. This often comes in at a fraction of the cost and time.
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.
Put yourself in the employer’s position – and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. What should you do: Wade your way through a mass of different academic qualifications from hopeful applicants, having to ask what each has covered and which commercial skills they have, or choose a specific set of 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 establishing whether they can do a specific task.
Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are crucial – and must be obtained from your training company.
Often students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that don’t come from official boards. Often, the way questions are phrased can be quite different and it’s important to prepare yourself for this.
Ensure that you ask for testing modules so you can test your understanding whenever you need to. Simulations of exams will help to boost your attitude – then you won’t be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
An important area that is sometimes not even considered by potential students considering a training program is that of ‘training segmentation’. This is essentially how the program is broken down into parts for delivery to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up.
Students often think it makes sense (when study may take one to three years to achieve full certification,) for many training providers to send out a single section at a time, until you’ve passed all the exams. But:
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.
To be in the best situation you would have all your study materials sent to your home before you even start; the whole caboodle! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect your capacity to get everything done.
Author: Scott Edwards. Visit www.CCNACertificationInfo.co.uk or CLICK HERE.