The CCNA qualification is the way to go for training in Cisco. With it, you\’ll learn how to operate on maintaining and installing routers and network switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and large companies who have several locations need them to allow their networks to keep in touch.
Because routers join up networks, look for a course that features the basics on networks (CompTIA Network+ as an example – maybe with the A+ as well) before getting going with CCNA. You must have an understanding of the basics prior to starting your Cisco training or you\’ll probably struggle. At interview time, companies will expect good networking skills to complement your CCNA.
Getting your Cisco CCNA is all you need at this stage – don\’t be cajoled into attempting your CCNP for now. Once you\’ve worked for a few years you can decide if this next level is for you. If so, you\’ll be much more capable to succeed at that stage – because you\’ll have so much more experience.
Can job security really exist anymore? In the UK for instance, with businesses changing their mind whenever it suits, we\’d question whether it does.
Where there are escalating skills deficits and increasing demand though, we generally discover a fresh type of security in the marketplace; where, fuelled by the constant growth conditions, businesses find it hard to locate the staff required.
Reviewing the Information Technology (IT) business, the 2006 e-Skills analysis brought to light a twenty six percent shortage in trained professionals. Alternatively, you could say, this reveals that the United Kingdom is only able to source three qualified staff for every four jobs that are available now.
Achieving proper commercial IT accreditation is consequently a \’Fast Track\’ to realise a continuing as well as gratifying livelihood.
In reality, retraining in Information Technology over the next year or two is very likely the safest choice of careers you could make.
One feature that many training companies provide is a Job Placement Assistance program. The service is put in place to help you get your first commercial position. With the huge demand for appropriately skilled people in this country even when times are hard, there\’s no need to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It really won\’t be that difficult to land your first job once you\’re properly qualified.
Update your CV at the beginning of your training though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don\’t put it off until you\’ve qualified.
Quite frequently, you will be offered your first role while you\’re still a student (occasionally right at the beginning). If your CV doesn\’t say what you\’re learning (and it hasn\’t been posted on jobsites) then you aren\’t even in the running!
If you\’d like to get employment in your home town, then it\’s quite likely that a local IT focused recruitment consultancy may serve you better than some national concern, due to the fact that they\’re far more likely to know local employment needs.
A big frustration of various course providers is how hard students are prepared to work to pass exams, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the job they have studied for. Have confidence – the IT industry needs YOU.
There is no way of over emphasising this: You have to get round-the-clock 24×7 instructor support. You\’ll definitely experience problems if you don\’t.
Avoid, like the plague, any organisations that use \’out-of-hours\’ messaging systems – with the call-back coming in during typical office hours. This is useless when you\’re stuck and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.
Be on the lookout for providers that use several support centres active in different time-zones. Each one should be integrated to give a single entry point as well as access round-the-clock, when it\’s convenient for you, with no hassle.
Never make do with less than this. Support round-the-clock is the only viable option for technical learning. Perhaps you don\’t intend to study during the evenings; often though, we\’re out at work at the time when most support is available.
Beginning with the idea that it\’s necessary to choose the market that sounds most inviting first and foremost, before we\’re even able to consider what training program fulfils our needs, how do we know the way that suits us?
Consequently, if you don\’t have any know-how of the IT market, how can you expect to know what any qualified IT worker spends their day doing? How can you possibly choose which educational path would be most appropriate for ultimate success.
To get to the bottom of this, a discussion is necessary, covering a variety of core topics:
* Your personal interests and hobbies – these can show the possibilities will give you the most reward.
* Are you hoping to re-train due to a precise raison d\’etre – e.g. do you aim to work based at home (being your own boss?)?
* Is the money you make further up on your list of priorities than other requirements.
* Learning what the main Information technology areas and markets are – and what makes them different.
* You need to understand what differentiates the myriad of training options.
For most people, getting to the bottom of these areas needs a long talk with an advisor who can explain things properly. And not just the certifications – but the commercial requirements and expectations of industry too.
(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for clear career advice. www.ciscoccna4.co.uk or CCNA Training Courses.
