The Cisco training is intended for individuals who wish to work with routers and switches. Routers hook up computer networks over the internet or dedicated lines. We'd recommend that you should start with the CCNA. It's not advisable to launch directly into your CCNP for it's full of complexities - and you need to work up to it to have a go at this.
You might end up joining an internet service provider or a big organisation which is located on multiple sites but needs regular secure data communications. This career path is very well paid and quite specialised.
If you're just entering the world of routers, then working up to and including the CCNA is the right level to aim for - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. Once you've worked for a few years, you'll know if it's relevant for you to have this next level up.
Make sure that all your certifications are current and also valid commercially - don't bother with programs that only give in-house certificates.
From the perspective of an employer, only the top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA (for instance) really carry any commercial clout. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard.
Considering the amount of options that are available, does it really shock us that a large majority of trainees get stuck choosing the job they will enjoy.
Working through long lists of different and confusing job titles is a complete waste of time. The majority of us don't even know what our own family members do for a living - so we're in the dark as to the ins and outs of a specific IT job.
To attack this, we need to discuss a number of core topics:
* The sort of individual you are - which things you enjoy doing, and don't forget - what you definitely don't enjoy.
* Do you want to obtain training due to a precise raison d'etre - i.e. are you looking at working from home (self-employment?)?
* The income requirements that guide you?
* Getting to grips with what the normal work types and sectors are - plus how they're different to each other.
* Taking a serious look at the level of commitment, time and effort that you're going to put into it.
In actuality, you'll find the only real way to research these matters tends to be through a good talk with an experienced advisor that has years of experience in the IT industry (and specifically it's commercial needs.)
Have a conversation with a proficient advisor and they'll regale you with many terrible tales of how students have been duped by salespeople. Only deal with an experienced industry advisor who asks some in-depth questions to find out what's appropriate to you - not for their pay-packet! You must establish the right starting point of study for you.
With some real-world experience or qualifications, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is not the same as someone new to the industry.
Working through a basic PC skills module first will sometimes be the most effective way to start into your computer program, depending on your current skill level.
Consider the points below very carefully if you've been persuaded that that over-used sales technique about an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:
Thankfully, today we are a bit more aware of hype - and generally we realise that of course we are actually being charged for it - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away!
The honest truth is that if students pay for each progressive exam, one at a time, the chances are they're going to pass every time - as they are conscious of what they've paid and their application will be greater.
Sit the exam as locally as possible and don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready.
A lot of so-called credible training companies make huge profits because they're getting in the money for exams at the start of the course and cashing in if they're not all taken.
It's worth noting that exam re-takes via training course providers with an 'Exam Guarantee' are tightly controlled. You'll be required to sit pre-tests to make sure they think you're going to pass.
Exams taken at local centres are in the region of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why pay exorbitant 'Exam Guarantee' fees (most often hidden in the package) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.
About the Author:
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Pop over to NewCareerOptions.co.uk or Adult Retraining Courses.
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