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.

You should get a bespoke training program that will take you through a specific training path to make sure you have the correct skill set and knowledge prior to getting going with Cisco.

One thing you must always insist on is 24×7 round-the-clock support with trained professional instructors and mentors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they’re in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends.

Never buy certification programs which can only support trainees through a message system after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Trainers will give you every excuse in the book why you don’t need this. The bottom line is – support is required when it’s required – not when it’s convenient for them.

The very best programs opt for a web-based round-the-clock system utilising a variety of support centres over many time-zones. You will have an environment which switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres any time of the day or night: Support when it’s needed.

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.

Because without any solid background in computing, how should we possibly understand what someone in a particular job does?

To get through to the essence of this, we need to discuss a variety of definitive areas:

* The sort of individual you are – what kind of jobs you enjoy, and on the other side of the coin – what don’t you like doing.

* Do you want to get certified due to a specific motive – for instance, is it your goal to work at home (maybe self-employment?)?

* 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.

* You’ll also need to think hard about what kind of effort and commitment you’re going to give to your education.

To be honest, it’s obvious that the only real way to investigate these matters tends to be through a good talk with an advisor or professional who has years of experience in IT (as well as it’s commercial requirements.)

A lot of students presume that the traditional school, college or university path is the way they should go. Why then are commercially accredited qualifications beginning to overtake it?

The IT sector is now aware that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, official accreditation from the likes of CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised – for much less time and money.

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.

Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the label’. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.

Consider only training paths which will grow into commercially acknowledged exams. There are way too many trainers proposing minor ‘in-house’ certificates which aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on in the real world.

If your certification doesn’t come from a big-hitter like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then it’s likely it won’t be commercially viable – as no-one will have heard of it.

(C) Scott Edwards 2009. Pop to HTML Classes or PHP Training.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.