Interactive Training : Cisco Networking Technical Support
The Cisco training is intended for individuals who want to learn about routers and switches. Routers are what connect networks of computers over the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It’s likely that initially you should go for your CCNA. It’s not advisable to launch directly into a CCNP as it is very advanced – and you need to work up to it before you take this on.
You may end up employed by an internet service provider or possibly a large or international company which is located on multiple sites but needs computer networks that talk to each other. These jobs are well paid and in demand.
Achieving CCNA is where you should be aiming. After gaining experience in the working environment, you can decide whether you need to train up to this level. If so, you’ll have the knowledge you need to tackle the CCNP – because it’s far from a walk in the park – and shouldn’t be looked upon as otherwise.
Many companies have a handy Job Placement Assistance program, to assist your search for your first position. Don’t get overly impressed with this service – it’s quite easy for them to make it sound harder than it is. The fact of the matter is, the need for well trained IT people in the United Kingdom is why employers will be interested in you.
Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don’t put it off until you’ve qualified. You might not even have passed your first exam when you will be offered your first junior support job; although this can’t and won’t happen if interviewers don’t get sight of your CV. Most often, a specialist locally based employment agency (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) will be more pro-active than a recruitment division from a training organisation. In addition, they will no doubt know the area and local employers better.
A common frustration of many course providers is how hard trainees are prepared to study to get top marks in their exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the job they’re trained for. Get out there and hustle – you might find it’s fun.
Many trainers provide a shelf full of reference manuals. Obviously, this isn’t much fun and not ideal for remembering. Recent studies into the way we learn shows that much more of what we learn in remembered when we use all our senses, and we get physically involved with the study process.
Start a study-program in which you’ll get a host of CD or DVD ROM’s – you’ll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, with the facility to hone your abilities through virtual lab’s. Every company that you look at must be pushed to demo some examples of the materials provided for study. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.
Any advisor who doesn’t dig around with lots of question – the likelihood is they’re just a salesperson. If they’re pushing towards a particular product before looking at your personality and current experience level, then it’s definitely the case. With a bit of live experience or qualifications, your starting-point of learning is different from a beginner. If this is your opening effort at an IT exam then you should consider whether to cut your teeth on some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.
Ensure all your accreditations are current and also valid commercially – don’t even consider programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you’d printed it yourself)
