CCNA is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. This will enable you to work on maintaining and installing routers and network switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and big organisations that have various regional departments rely on them to keep their networks in touch.
Gaining this type of certification will mean it’s likely you’ll end up working for big organisations who have many locations, but who still want secure internal data communication. On the other hand, you might end up joining an internet service provider. Both types of jobs command good salaries.
Qualifying up to the CCNA level is all you need at this stage – don’t be cajoled into attempting your CCNP yet. Once you’ve got a few years experience behind you, you will have a feel for if CCNP is something you want to do. Should that be the case, you’ll have a much better chance of succeeding – because you’ll have so much more experience.
With so much choice, does it really shock us that a large majority of career changers get stuck choosing the job they could be successful with.
What chances do most of us have of understanding what is involved in a particular job when we haven’t done that before? We normally haven’t met someone who works in that sector anyway.
Consideration of the following issues is imperative when you want to dig down the right solution that will work for you:
* The kind of individual you consider yourself to be – what kind of jobs you get enjoyment from, plus of course – what you hate to do.
* What time-frame are you looking at for the retraining?
* Have you thought about salary vs the travel required?
* With many, many different sectors to gain certifications for in computing – you’ll need to achieve a solid grounding on what makes them different.
* Our advice is to think deeply about any sacrifices you’ll need to make, as well as what commitment and time you’re going to invest in your training.
To be honest, the only way to research these matters tends to be through a good talk with a professional who has a background in Information Technology (and specifically it’s commercial needs.)
Accredited exam simulation and preparation packages are a must – and should definitely be offered by your training provider.
Don’t fall foul of depending on unauthorised preparation materials for exams. The way they’re phrased is sometimes startlingly different – and this leads to huge confusion when it comes to taking the real exam.
For many reasons, it is vital to make sure you’re absolutely ready for your actual certification exam prior to going for it. Rehearsing ‘mock’ exams helps build your confidence and helps to avoid unsuccessful attempts at exams.
Have you recently questioned how safe your job is? Normally, this isn’t an issue until something dramatic happens to shake us. However, the reality is that true job security has gone the way of the dodo, for nearly everyone now.
Security only exists now via a quickly increasing market, fuelled by work-skills shortages. It’s this shortage that creates the correct environment for a secure marketplace – a much more desirable situation.
The Information Technology (IT) skills shortfall around the country currently stands at approx twenty six percent, as shown by the 2006 e-Skills investigation. This shows that for every 4 jobs that are available in IT, there are only 3 trained people to fulfil that role.
Properly trained and commercially accredited new staff are consequently at a resounding premium, and in all likelihood it will stay that way for many years to come.
It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market circumstances could exist for obtaining certification in this hugely increasing and evolving industry.
One useful service offered by some training providers is a Job Placement Assistance program. The service is put in place to help you find your first job in the industry. At the end of the day it’s not as hard as some people make out to land your first job – assuming you’re well trained and qualified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.
However, what is relevant is to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; additionally, we would recommend everybody to bring their CV up to date the day they start training – don’t put it off until you’ve graduated or passed any exams.
Being considered a ‘maybe’ is more than not being regarded at all. Often junior support roles are given to students in the early stages of their course.
Generally, you’ll receive better performance from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than any course provider’s recruitment division, as they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.
Do make sure you don’t put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, and then do nothing more and expect somebody else to secure your first position. Get off your backside and make your own enquiries. Channel the same energy and enthusiasm into finding your new role as it took to pass the exams.
Many people question why academic qualifications are now falling behind more commercial qualifications?
With fees and living expenses for university students spiralling out of control, alongside the industry’s recognition that accreditation-based training is often far more commercially relevant, we’ve seen a big surge in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA accredited training routes that educate students at a fraction of the cost and time involved.
Obviously, a necessary portion of background information has to be learned, but focused specialisation in the particular job function gives a vendor educated person a distinct advantage.
If an employer is aware what they’re looking for, then all it takes is an advert for the exact skill-set required to meet that need. Commercial syllabuses are set to exacting standards and don’t change between schools (in the way that degree courses can).
(C) Jason Kendall. Pop to LearningLolly.com for smart ideas on Adult Retraining and Cisco CCNA Course.