The demand is continuously rising for professionals with core networking skills to help businesses run the rapidly growing and most sophisticated system networks. Networking can be highly complicated but is one of the top careers with staggering growth figures every year. Instead of focusing more on the years of active experience, managers are interested in hiring employees with more focused education in the field. Experts believe that candidates with up to date skills and latest networking training can help them lower costs, raise efficiency, and drive competitive advantage. And if you are considering Cisco training and certification to give your career a boost, you are on the right track.
Cisco is globally recognized as one of the most reliable institutions to gain latest networking knowledge. Cisco certifications do not only open lucrative job opportunities in the field, but also rewards you by simplifying the competitive process for you. Even if you are looking for your first ever job with Cisco certifications under your belt, you will be welcomed to a number of organizations waiting to utilize the knowledge and skills you are bringing in. Cisco certification training is also the best way to validate your capabilities in the networking field, ensuring nothing but the world-class networking techniques and best use of Cisco devices and other tools for the organization. With training and certification, you can instantly improve your understanding of IT and in-depth networking beyond the Cisco products.
In addition to the growing demand, Cisco certifications are also evolving at an impressive pace, offering more compatible computer networking skills and knowledge that are suitable to deal with more frequent activities. An individual looking for great career opportunities in networking must consider Cisco certification, as that helps them quickly acquire the skills and credentials to prove their expertise in the field.
Why a Career in Networking?
Keeping in mind the current and modern ways in which businesses are operating these day, it is only natural that they majorly rely on computer networking to keep their business emanating and sustain balance and communication between employees. The Graphical User Interfaces today are jam-packed as more and more people are trying to try their luck in the industry. In a industry that's constantly growing, there's also growth in the demand for constant support. This is the major reason why there are so many opportunities and types of networking jobs available for individuals with Cisco certification.
The most common types of job titles that networking professionals can have, include:
- Network Engineer
- Network Specialist
- Sr. Network Engineer
- Network security engineer
- Information Technology (IT) consultants
- Technical Subject Matter Export
- Senior Technical Consultant
Job Opportunities for Cisco Certified IT Professionals
To guarantee that IT professionals have the updated knowledge and skills required to solve the technology-related problems of the customers as well as support Cisco products. As far as the career opportunities are concerned, the options vary based on your certification and education level as well.
Some job options are more suitable for individuals with entry level certification while others can capture bigger and more lucrative opportunities as they have an advanced level of associate, professional, or expert level certifications. Every level is associated with one or more credentials. The most popular Cisco certification programs include Cisco Certified Technician (CCT), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Architect (CCAR). There are a number of paths and certifications one can choose from. The following are the type of networking jobs one can gain based on the level of expertise and certifications they have.
Entry-Level Jobs: Networking Technician and Certified Technicians
Individuals with entry-level credentials from Cisco can target such jobs in the market. Such opportunities do not come with lengthy prerequisites; however, every individual must clear one exam to earn credentials for these certifications. An entry-level networking technician is a certified professional trained for maintaining, installing, and troubleshooting an enterprise network. They are also responsible for taking care of basic security measures in the network. On the other hand, an entry-level certified technician is responsible for more on-site customer locations to help with replacing or fixing tools and equipment after diagnosing issues.
Associate-Level Jobs: Network Associate and Certified Design Associate
To achieve Cisco certifications for the mentioned career opportunities, one must clear 1-2 certification exams to earn the credentials and become eligible. For certified network associate, the individual is trained for basic skills for installation, troubleshooting, and supporting of wired and wireless networks. This includes multiple tracks including data center, cyber ops, cloud, routing and switching, and more.
Professional-Level Jobs: Network Professional and Certified Design Professional
The certification requires the candidate to pass three crucial exams and also hold both CCNA and CCDA credentials for added benefits. For certified network professional, the training is about planning, troubleshooting and deploying wide area networks and local networks. CCDP on the other hand, focuses more on the design aspect and works with multilayer and scalable switched networks.
Expert-Level Jobs: Certified Internetwork Expert and Certified Design Expert
Despite the fact that these fall under expert-level, none impose any prerequisites to become more valuable and meaningful. To attain these certifications, the individual has to pass both written and a practical exam to earn the credentials and skills. The role of a Certified Internetwork Expert is to combine the technical knowledge and skills to find solutions for customers using Cisco products. The key is to keep tracks based on wireless, security service provider, switching and routing, data center, and collaboration. For certified design expert, the role is to craft infrastructure solutions for massive enterprise environments keeping in mind the operational, technological, budget, and business aspect of every given project.
Cisco training is globally recognized, giving a bigger chance to IT professionals to validate their improved and up to date skills and knowledge in the field. Some of the entry level certifications are a prerequisite for advanced level certifications. Therefore, it is very important to plan and decide based on the type of career boost you are looking for. Check out the Learning Network at Cisco to access exam topics, IT training videos, live seminars and much more and get in touch with us once you have made your mind.
Get in touch with one of our Cisco experts today, to learn more.