Cisco training is fundamentally for those who want to learn about
routers and switches. Routers connect networks of computers via
dedicated lines or the internet. It's likely that initially you should
go for CCNA. Steer clear of going immediately onto a CCNP because it is
very complex - and you should gain some working knowledge before you
take this on.
Because routers join up networks, seek out
training that features the basics on networks (CompTIA Network+ as an
example - maybe with the A+ as well) prior to starting your CCNA
course. You must have some knowledge of how networks operate before you
commence any Cisco training or you could find yourself a little lost.
At interview time, employers will be looking for networking skills to
complement your CCNA.
You should get a tailored route that will
systematically go through everything to ensure you've got the
appropriate skills and knowledge before getting going with Cisco.
'Exam
Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - inevitably that
means paying for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course.
However, prior to embracing guaranteed exams, consider this:
Everyone knows they're ultimately paying for it - it's not so hard to
see that it's already been included in the full cost of the package
supplied by the course provider. Certainly, it's not a freebie
(although some people will believe anything the marketing companies
think up these days!) It's well known in the industry that when
trainees fund their own exams, one at a time, they will be much more
likely to pass first time - as they are conscious of the cost and so
will prepare more thoroughly.
Do your exams as locally as
possible and find the best exam deal or offer available then. A lot of
questionable training providers net a great deal of profit by charging
for exam fees early and cashing in if they're not all taken. The
majority of organisations will require you to sit pre-tests and not
allow you to re-take an exam until you've demonstrated an excellent
ability to pass - making an 'exam guarantee' just about worthless.
Prometric and VUE exams are in the region of 112 pounds in Britain at
the time of writing. What's the point of paying huge charges for 'Exam
Guarantees' (most often hidden in the package) - when a quality course,
support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam
preparation tools are actually the key to your success.
Huge
changes are about to hit technology over the next few decades - and it
becomes more and more thrilling each day. Technology, computers and
dialogue on the internet is going to noticeably alter our lifestyles
over future years; overwhelmingly so.
And it's worth
remembering that the average salary in the world of IT across the UK is
noticeably more than average salaries nationally, which means you'll
probably gain significantly more as an IT specialist, than you'd expect
to earn elsewhere. Apparently there is a lot more room for IT industry
development in the UK. The market is continuing to expand rapidly, and
with the skills shortage of over 26 percent that we're experiencing,
it's highly unlikely that there'll be any kind of easing off for a good
while yet.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance
program, to assist your search for your first position. Because of the
huge need for more IT skills in Britain today, there's no need to
become overly impressed with this service however. It isn't so
complicated as you might think to get employment as long as you're
correctly trained and certified.
CV and Interview advice and
support might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Be
sure to you polish up your CV right away - not after you've qualified!
Many junior support jobs are offered to people who are still studying
and have yet to take their exams. This will at least get you on your
way. If you'd like to get employment in your home town, then you may
well find that a specialist locally based employment agency might serve
you better than the trainer's recruitment division, for they are much
more inclined to be familiar with the jobs that are going locally.
A big aggravation for various course providers is how hard trainees are
prepared to study to get top marks in their exams, but how little
effort that student will then put into getting the job they're acquired
skills for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.
Many
companies only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and avoid
focusing on why you're doing this - getting yourself a new job or
career. Always start with the final destination in mind - don't make
the vehicle more important than the destination. It's possible, in many
cases, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study and then
find yourself trapped for decades in a tiresome job role, as an upshot
of not doing some quality research when you should've - at the outset.
You also need to know what your attitude is towards earning potential,
career development, and if you're ambitious or not. It makes sense to
understand what industry expects from you, which qualifications are
needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience. Look for
advice and guidance from a skilled professional, even if you have to
pay a small fee - it's much safer and cheaper to discover early on
whether something is going to suit and interest you, rather than
realise after two full years that you aren't going to enjoy the job
you've chosen and now need to go back to square one.(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for logical information on
Cisco
CCNA Certification and Cisco Training
Course.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
