As routers are connected to networks, it is necessary to understand the operation of networks, or you’ll have difficulty gaining the program and be unable to understand the work. Find a training programme that teaches the basics (CompTIA is a good one) before you start the CCNA.
The CCNA qualification is what you should be aiming for – at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP straight away. Get a couple of years experience behind you first, then you will have a feel for if you need to train up to this level. If it is, you’ll be in a better position to pass then – as your working knowledge will put everything into perspective.
You should look for authorised exam simulation and preparation programs included in your course.
Don’t go for training programs relying on unauthorised exam papers and questions. Their phraseology is often somewhat different – and sometimes this can be a real headache when it comes to taking the real exam.
Clearly, it is really important to ensure that you’re absolutely ready for your commercial exam prior to going for it. Going over ‘mock’ tests will help to boost your attitude and helps to avoid thwarted exam entries.
Finding your first job in the industry is often made easier if you’re supported with a Job Placement Assistance facility. Sometimes, people are too impressed with this facility, for it’s relatively easy for any motivated and trained individual to secure a job in the IT environment – as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.
One important thing though, don’t leave it until you have finished your training before getting your CV updated. As soon as you start studying, enter details of your study programme and get it out there!
You’ll often find that you will be offered your initial role whilst still on the course (sometimes when you’ve only just got going). If you haven’t updated your CV to say what you’re studying (and it hasn’t been posted on jobsites) then you won’t even be considered!
The most reliable organisations to help you land that job are generally independent and specialised local recruitment services. As they will get paid by the employer when they’ve placed you, they have more incentive to get on with it.
A slight frustration of many course providers is how much people are prepared to work to pass exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the role they’ve trained for. Don’t falter at the last fence.
Only consider learning programs which progress to industry acknowledged certifications. There’s an endless list of small colleges offering unknown ‘in-house’ certificates which will prove unusable in today’s commercial market.
If the accreditation doesn’t feature a conglomerate such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA, then you’ll probably find it will be commercially useless – because it won’t give an employer any directly-useable skills.
An area that’s often missed by new students weighing up a particular programme is that of ‘training segmentation’. This basically means the breakdown of the materials for delivery to you, which makes a huge difference to where you end up.
Often, you will purchase a course requiring 1-3 years study and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. While this may sound logical on one level, consider this:
What if there are reasons why you can’t finish each and every exam? And what if you find the order of the modules counter-intuitive? Because of nothing that’s your fault, you mightn’t complete everything fast enough and therefore not end up with all the modules.
To be honest, the very best answer is to get an idea of what they recommend as an ideal study order, but to receive all the materials up-front. It’s then all yours in the event you don’t complete everything within their ideal time-table.
A so-called advisor who doesn’t ask you a lot of questions – it’s more than likely they’re just a salesperson. If they push a particular product before understanding your background and whether you have any commercial experience, then you know it’s true.
An important point to note is that, if you’ve had any relevant accreditation or direct-experience, then it’s not unreasonable to expect to start at a different point than a trainee with no history to speak of.
Starting with a basic PC skills course first may be the ideal way to get up and running on your IT program, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.
(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for in-depth career tips on Cisco CCNA Courses and Cisco Training Courses.
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