3 answers
Angelous
Student
Little Rock, Arkansas
5
Questions
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How did you get started in your career?
I am a high school graduate in Jobcorps, wanting to know some information on the happening from anyone in the cisco certified networking profession.
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3 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
I can certainly share some general advice on how individuals typically get started in a career in the Cisco certified networking profession:
1. Education: Many networking professionals begin their journey by pursuing a degree in a related field, such as computer science, information technology, or network engineering. However, it’s not always a strict requirement, and certifications can often substitute for formal education.
2. Cisco Certifications: Cisco offers a range of certifications, from entry-level to expert level. Consider starting with the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, which provides a solid foundation in networking concepts and skills. As you gain experience, you can progress to more advanced certifications like CCNP and CCIE.
3. Self-Study: Many individuals in this field are self-taught or augment their formal education with self-study. There are numerous online resources, books, and courses available to help you prepare for Cisco exams.
4. Hands-On Experience: Practical experience is invaluable. Look for opportunities to work with real networking equipment or practice in virtual lab environments. Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in IT departments can provide hands-on experience.
5. Networking Communities: Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, and attend networking events to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable insights.
6. Soft Skills: Develop strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to work collaboratively. These skills are crucial in the networking profession as you’ll often interact with colleagues and clients.
7. Certification Exams: Prepare thoroughly for Cisco certification exams by using official study materials, practice exams, and study guides. Cisco’s own Learning Network is a valuable resource.
8. Job Search: Start by looking for entry-level positions like network technician, junior network administrator, or IT support roles. These roles will help you gain practical experience and build your resume.
9. Continuous Learning: Networking is an ever-evolving field, so commit to lifelong learning. Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in network security.
10. Career Progression: As you gain experience and certifications, you can explore more specialized roles within networking, such as network architect, security specialist, or cloud networking expert.
Remember, everyone’s path into the Cisco certified networking profession is unique. Some individuals enter directly from high school or through alternative education programs, while others transition from related IT roles. The key is to be persistent, passionate about technology, and committed to acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this dynamic field.
1. Education: Many networking professionals begin their journey by pursuing a degree in a related field, such as computer science, information technology, or network engineering. However, it’s not always a strict requirement, and certifications can often substitute for formal education.
2. Cisco Certifications: Cisco offers a range of certifications, from entry-level to expert level. Consider starting with the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, which provides a solid foundation in networking concepts and skills. As you gain experience, you can progress to more advanced certifications like CCNP and CCIE.
3. Self-Study: Many individuals in this field are self-taught or augment their formal education with self-study. There are numerous online resources, books, and courses available to help you prepare for Cisco exams.
4. Hands-On Experience: Practical experience is invaluable. Look for opportunities to work with real networking equipment or practice in virtual lab environments. Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in IT departments can provide hands-on experience.
5. Networking Communities: Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, and attend networking events to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable insights.
6. Soft Skills: Develop strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to work collaboratively. These skills are crucial in the networking profession as you’ll often interact with colleagues and clients.
7. Certification Exams: Prepare thoroughly for Cisco certification exams by using official study materials, practice exams, and study guides. Cisco’s own Learning Network is a valuable resource.
8. Job Search: Start by looking for entry-level positions like network technician, junior network administrator, or IT support roles. These roles will help you gain practical experience and build your resume.
9. Continuous Learning: Networking is an ever-evolving field, so commit to lifelong learning. Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in network security.
10. Career Progression: As you gain experience and certifications, you can explore more specialized roles within networking, such as network architect, security specialist, or cloud networking expert.
Remember, everyone’s path into the Cisco certified networking profession is unique. Some individuals enter directly from high school or through alternative education programs, while others transition from related IT roles. The key is to be persistent, passionate about technology, and committed to acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this dynamic field.
Umang Patel
Salesforce Engineer
5
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Umang’s Answer
Absolutely! The Cisco Learning Network (https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/communities) is guaranteed to provide you with valuable and pertinent information. This resource is a treasure trove of knowledge just waiting for you to explore!
Tanner Angelo
Digital Strategist
3
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Tanner’s Answer
Hi Angelous! While I'm not a Cisco Certified networking profession, I'd like to offer some advice.
If you are looking to be connected to Cisco Certified professionals, I recommend checking out LinkedIn. LinkedIn can be a great resource to network with people in your similar industry and you are able to search by industry, job title, location, etc. This could be a good start to connect and hear about other people's career journeys, find a mentor and also help open the door for potential referrals for job openings within companies you may be interested in.
Wishing you all the best!
If you are looking to be connected to Cisco Certified professionals, I recommend checking out LinkedIn. LinkedIn can be a great resource to network with people in your similar industry and you are able to search by industry, job title, location, etc. This could be a good start to connect and hear about other people's career journeys, find a mentor and also help open the door for potential referrals for job openings within companies you may be interested in.
Wishing you all the best!