If you want Cisco training, it’s most likely that the CCNA is what you’ll need. Cisco training is fundamentally for those who want to learn about network switches and routers. Routers hook up networks of computers to another collection of computer networks via dedicated lines or the internet.
Routers connect to networks, so it’s important to have prior knowledge of how networks function, or you will be out of your depth with the course and be unable to understand the work. Seek out a program that features the basics on networks (CompTIA is ideal) and then move onto CCNA.
The correct skill set and comprehension ahead of starting the CCNA is crucial. Therefore, it’s probably necessary to speak to an advisor who will know what you need.
A typical blunder that potential students often succumb to is to concentrate on the course itself, and take their eye off where they want to get to. Schools are brimming over with students that chose an ‘interesting’ course – instead of what would yield the job they want.
Never let yourself become one of those unfortunate people who choose a training program that seems ‘fun’ or ‘interesting’ – and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they’ll never really get any satisfaction from.
It’s well worth a long chat to see the expectations of your industry. What particular qualifications you’ll need and in what way you can gain some industry experience. It’s definitely worth spending time thinking about how far you’d like to progress your career as it will often control your selection of certifications.
Long before starting a study programme, it’s good advice to discuss individual career requirements with an experienced advisor, in order to be sure the study path covers all the necessary elements.
The somewhat scary thought of landing your first computer related job is often eased by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. The honest truth is that it isn’t a complex operation to find the right work – assuming you’re well trained and qualified; employers in this country need your skills.
Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews might be provided (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). Be sure to you bring your CV right up to date right away – don’t wait until you’ve finished your exams!
You’ll often find that you will be offered your first role whilst still on the course (even when you’ve just left first base). If your course details aren’t on your CV – or it’s not getting in front of interviewers, then you aren’t even in the running!
The best services to help get you placed are most often independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they’re perhaps more focused on results.
Do make sure you don’t put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, and then do nothing more and expect somebody else to land you a job. Get off your backside and start looking for yourself. Channel the same focus into securing a good job as it took to pass the exams.
Students often end up having issues because of a single training area very rarely considered: How the training is broken down and packaged off through the post.
Many companies enrol you into a program spread over 1-3 years, and courier the materials in pieces as you complete each exam. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following:
What if there are reasons why you can’t finish all the sections or exams? What if you don’t find their order of learning is ideal for you? Due to no fault of yours, you may go a little slower and not receive all the modules you’ve paid for.
Put simply, the best solution is to have their ideal ‘order’ of training laid out, but to receive all the materials up-front. Everything is then in your possession should you not complete it at their required pace.
Have a conversation with a professional consultant and they’ll entertain you with many worrying experiences of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Make sure you deal with an experienced industry advisor that asks lots of questions to discover the most appropriate thing for you – not for their bank-account! You must establish a starting-point that will suit you.
With a little commercial experience or base qualifications, your starting-point of learning is now at a different level to a new student.
Consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can set the scene for your on-going studies and make the transition to higher-level learning a less steep.
Written by Scott Edwards. Hop over to Click HERE or Cisco Training.
