An Analysis Of CBT PC Career Courses For Cisco Technical Support

Posted by Cappadonna on Sunday, November 14, 2010

By Jason Kendall

A Cisco training course is intended for individuals who want to learn about routers and switches. Routers are what connect networks of computers via the internet or dedicated lines. It's likely that you should first attempt the CCNA. Don't be tempted to go straight for your CCNP for it's full of complexities - and you need to work up to it before you take this on.

Routers connect to networks, so it's essential to have prior knowledge of the operation of networks, or you'll struggle with the course and not be able to understand the work. Seek out a program that includes basic networking skills (such as CompTIA) before you start the CCNA.

Having the skills and correct mind-set prior to starting the CCNA is essential. So talk to someone who will know what you need.

Now, why is it better to gain commercial certification as opposed to more traditional academic qualifications taught at tech' colleges and universities?

With university education costs spiralling out of control, and the IT sector's general opinion that key company training is often far more commercially relevant, there's been a dramatic increase in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA accredited training courses that create knowledgeable employees at a fraction of the cost and time involved.

Essentially, only required knowledge is taught. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the most important function is always to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (alongside some required background) - without attempting to cover a bit about everything else - in the way that academic establishments often do.

It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they're assured that a potential employee can do exactly what's required.

Many training companies have a handy Job Placement Assistance program, designed to steer you into your first job. It can happen though that there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it's really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to land a job in the IT environment - because companies everywhere are seeking skilled employees.

Ideally you should have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; also we would encourage everyone to work on polishing up their CV as soon as they start a course - don't put it off till you've finished your exams.

Being considered a 'maybe' is more than not being regarded at all. A surprising amount of junior support jobs are got by students (sometimes when they've only just got going.)

Generally, you'll receive quicker results from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than you'll experience from any training course provider's national service, as they'll know the area better.

Fundamentally, if you put as much hard work into securing a job as into training, you won't have any problems. Some men and women curiously invest a great deal of time on their learning program and then just stop once qualified and seem to expect employers to find them.

An advisor that doesn't ask many questions - it's more than likely they're really a salesperson. If someone pushes specific products before learning about your history and whether you have any commercial experience, then you know it's true.

Don't forget, if you've got any previous certification, then it's not unreasonable to expect to start at a different point than a student who's starting from scratch.

Working through a user skills program first can be the best way to commence your IT program, depending on your skill level at the moment.

We can guess that you probably enjoy fairly practical work - the 'hands-on' person. Typically, the trial of reading reference books and manuals would be considered as a last resort, but you'd hate it. Consider interactive, multimedia study if books just don't do it for you.

Where we can utilise all of our senses into our learning, then we often see hugely increased memory retention as a result.

Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Through video streaming, you are able to see your instructors showing you how it's all done, and then have a go at it yourself - in a virtual lab environment.

Don't take any chances and look at some of the typical study materials provided before you purchase a course. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

Opt for CD and DVD ROM based physical training media wherever available. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.

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