The CCNA is where it all starts for Cisco training. With it, you’ll learn how to handle maintaining and installing routers and switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and big organisations that have various regional departments use them to allow their networks to keep in touch.
Usual roles with this qualification could be with an internet service provider or possibly a large or international company which is located on multiple sites but still wants internal communication. These jobs are well paid and in demand.
Having the skills and correct mind-set before getting going on the Cisco CCNA is very important. So talk to someone who will know what you need.
Many trainers provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. Learning like this is dull and repetitive and not ideal for remembering. Where we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
Interactive audio-visual materials involving demonstration and virtual lab’s will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And they’re a lot more fun to do. It makes sense to see examples of the courseware provided before you sign the purchase order. What you want are video tutorials, instructor demo’s and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where possible, enabling them to be used at your convenience – it’s not wise to be held hostage to your broadband being ‘up’ 100 percent of the time.
A proficient and professional consultant (vs a salesman) will want to thoroughly discuss your abilities and experience. This is vital for working out your starting level of study. An important point to note is that, if you have some relevant previous certification, then you may be able to begin at a different level to a trainee with no history to speak of. For those students commencing IT study anew, you might like to ease in gradually, beginning with some basic user skills first. This can easily be incorporated into most training packages.
Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are essential – and really must be obtained from your training company. Avoid depending on unofficial exam papers and questions. The type of questions asked can be quite different – and often this creates real issues when it comes to taking the real exam. ‘Mock’ or practice exams are enormously valuable as a resource to you – so that when you come to take your actual exams, you don’t get uptight.
There are a plethora of professional positions up for grabs in IT. Arriving at the correct choice for yourself is generally problematic. After all, if you’ve got no know-how of the IT market, what chance is there for you to know what a particular IT employee actually does day-to-day? Let alone decide on which training route is the most likely for you to get there. Reflection on these issues is essential if you need to reveal the right answer for you:
* Which type of individual you think yourself to be – which things you get enjoyment from, plus of course – what you hate to do.
* Why it seems right stepping into IT – it could be you’re looking to achieve a life-long goal like being your own boss for example.
* What priority do you place on salary vs the travel required?
* Getting to grips with what the normal career areas and markets are – and what differentiates them.
* What effort, commitment and time you’re prepared to set aside for the training program.
When all is said and done, your only chance of covering these is by means of a meeting with an advisor who through years of experience will be able to guide you.
At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be full 24×7 support via trained professional instructors and mentors. Far too often we see trainers who only seem to want to help while they’re in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. You’ll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team – who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you’re there), at a time suitable for them. This is all next to useless if you’re sitting there confused over an issue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
If you look properly, you’ll find the top providers who offer online support at all times – no matter what time of day it is. Never make the mistake of compromise when you’re looking for the right support service. The majority of IT hopefuls that can’t get going properly, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).
