The CCNA certification is where it all starts for Cisco training. This teaches you how to handle maintaining and installing routers and switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and large companies that have several locations use them to keep their networks in touch.
Routers connect to networks, so it is vital to have an understanding of the operation of networks, or you’ll have difficulty gaining the program and not be able to follow the work. Find training that features the basics on networks (for example CompTIA) before you start the CCNA.
Should this be your first introduction to routers, then qualifying up to the CCNA level is all you’ll be able to cope with – you’re not yet ready for your CCNP. Once you’ve worked for a few years, you can decide if this next level is for you.
Let’s face it: There’s no such thing as personal job security anymore; there’s only market or business security – any company is likely to remove anyone whenever it suits their commercial needs.
In actuality, security now only emerges through a fast growing marketplace, driven forward by a shortfall of trained staff. These circumstances create the right setting for market-security – a more attractive situation all round.
The most recent British e-Skills analysis demonstrated that 26 percent of all IT positions available are unfilled due to a lack of properly qualified workers. It follows then that for each 4 job positions in existence in computing, businesses can only locate enough qualified individuals for three of the four.
This single truth on its own highlights why the UK desperately needs considerably more people to join the IT industry.
Quite simply, seeking in-depth commercial IT training as you progress through the coming years is most likely the finest career choice you could ever make.
A useful feature that many training companies provide is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is to help you get your first commercial position. The fact of the matter is it isn’t a complex operation to secure a job – as long as you’ve got the necessary skills and qualifications; the shortage of IT personnel in Britain looks after that.
Help with your CV and interview techniques should be offered (if not, see one of our sites for help). Be sure to you work on your old CV straight away – don’t wait until you’ve finished your exams!
Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being regarded at all. Often junior positions are got by students (sometimes when they’ve only just got going.)
You can usually expect better performance from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you will through a training course provider’s recruitment division, because they’ll know the area better.
Many students, apparently, invest a great deal of time on their training course (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when finding their first job. Promote yourself… Make an effort to put yourself out there. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.
Any program that you’re going to undertake really needs to work up to a commercially valid qualification as an end-goal – not some little ‘in-house’ diploma – fit only for filing away and forgetting.
If your certification doesn’t come from a major player like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then chances are it will be commercially useless – because no-one will recognise it.
Usually, a average person doesn’t know where to start with IT, let alone what area they should look at getting trained in.
Because with no solid background in Information Technology, how could any of us understand what any job actually involves?
Arriving at any kind of right conclusion only comes from a detailed examination across many shifting areas:
* Our personalities play a starring part – what gets you ‘up and running’, and what are the things that put a frown on your face.
* Are you hoping to get qualified for a particular motive – for example, is it your goal to work from home (maybe self-employment?)?
* Is your income higher on your wish list than other factors.
* Many students don’t properly consider the amount of work involved to gain all the necessary accreditation.
* Taking a serious look into the effort, commitment and time you can give.
To be honest, you’ll find the only real way to investigate these matters is via a conversation with someone that understands the IT industry (and specifically it’s commercial needs.)
(C) S. Edwards 2010. Hop over to Microsoft Certifications or www.JobsCareerChange.co.uk/ijocach.html.
