The CCNA qualification is your entry level for Cisco training. With it, you'll learn how to handle the maintenance and installation of network switches and routers. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and commercial ventures who have several locations rely on them to keep their networks in touch.
You may find yourself employed by an internet service provider or perhaps a national or international corporation that's on many locations but still needs contact. These jobs are well paid and in demand.
It's a good idea to find a tailored route that covers everything you need to know in advance of starting your training in Cisco skills.
An all too common mistake that students everywhere can make is to choose a career based on a course, and take their eye off the desired end-result. Schools are brimming over with direction-less students who took a course because it seemed fun - in place of something that could gain them an enjoyable career or job. It's unfortunate, but a large percentage of students commence training that sounds fabulous in the prospectus, but which gets us a career that is of no interest at all. Talk to many college students to see what we mean.
Be honest with yourself about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This can often control which exams you'll need to attain and what you can expect to give industry in return. As a precursor to beginning a particular training programme, it's good advice to talk through the specific job needs with a skilled professional, to make sure the training course covers all that is required.
People attracted to this sort of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and don't always take well to classrooms, and poring through books and manuals. If this is putting you off studying, try the newer style of interactive study, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. Memory is vastly improved when multiple senses are involved - experts have been clear on this for decades now.
Interactive full motion video utilising video demo's and practice lab's beat books hands-down. And you'll actually enjoy doing them. You must ensure that you see courseware examples from your chosen company. Be sure that they contain video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.
It's folly to go for purely on-line training. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across your average broadband company, ensure that you have access to actual CD or DVD ROM's.
Chat with almost any knowledgeable consultant and we'd be amazed if they couldn't provide you with many horror stories of how students have been duped by salespeople. Stick to a skilled advisor that asks some in-depth questions to uncover the best thing for you - not for their pay-packet! Dig until you find the right starting point of study for you. Don't forget, if you've got any work-experience or certification, then it's not unreasonable to expect to commence studying further along than a trainee with no history to speak of. Opening with a foundation course first is often the best way to get into your IT training, but depends on your skill level.
One of the most important things to insist on has to be proper direct-access 24x7 support through expert mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Email support is too slow, and phone support is often to a call-centre who will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team - who'll call back sometime over the next 1-3 days, at a suitable time to them. This isn't a lot of good if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
Top training companies have many support offices active in different time-zones. They use an online interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, there is always help at hand, avoiding all the delays and problems. Never make do with a lower level of service. Support round-the-clock is really your only option with computer-based training. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for the majority of us however, we're working when traditional support if offered.
Some training providers offer a Job Placement Assistance service, to assist your search for your first position. Don't get caught up in this feature - it isn't unusual for companies marketing departments to make too much of it. Ultimately, the still growing need for IT personnel in the UK is what will enable you to get a job.
Having said that, it's important to have help with your CV and interview techniques though; also we would encourage any student to get their CV updated the day they start training - don't put it off until you've graduated or passed any exams. Being considered a 'maybe' is far better than not even being known about. A decent number of junior positions are offered to trainees who are still at an early stage in their studies. The most reliable organisations to get you a new position are most often specialised and independent recruitment consultants. Because they only get paid when they place you, they're perhaps more focused on results.
A good number of students, it seems, are prepared to study their hearts out (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of trying to get the right position. Introduce yourself... Do everything you can to let employers know about you. Good jobs don't just knock on your door.
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