If you're interested in Cisco training and you haven't worked with routers before, then the course you should go for is CCNA. This training program has been put together to train people with a working knowledge of routers. Large companies that have various regional departments need routers to join up their networks in different buildings to keep in contact with each other. The Internet also is made up of hundreds of thousands of routers.

You must have a good understanding of the operating and functioning of computer networks, because networks are linked to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. Why not look for a course covering the basics in networking (for example Network+, perhaps with A+) prior to starting your CCNA. Look for a training provider that can offer this as a career package.

If routers are a new thing for you, then studying up to CCNA is the right level to aim for - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. With a few years experience behind you, you'll know if this next level is for you.

What is the reason why qualifications from colleges and universities are now falling behind more commercial certificates? Industry is now aware that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, proper accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. In essence, only required knowledge is taught. It's not quite as straightforward as that, but the principle remains that students need to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (including a degree of required background) - without attempting to cover a bit about all sorts of other things (as academia often does).

Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know what they need doing, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they're interviewing applicants who can do the job.

Make sure that all your certifications are what employers want - forget studies which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have widely renowned skills courses. These big-hitters will make sure you're employable.

An all too common mistake that many potential students make is to look for the actual course to take, rather than starting with the desired end-result. Schools are brimming over with unaware students that chose an 'interesting' course - in place of something that could gain them the job they want. You could be training for only a year and end up doing the job for 20 years. Avoid the mistake of opting for what may seem to be a very 'interesting' program only to waste your life away with an unrewarding career!

Get to grips with the income level you aspire to and the level of your ambition. Usually, this will point the way to what precise accreditations will be expected and what you can expect to give industry in return. All students are advised to speak with highly experienced advisors before deciding on their learning programme. This gives some measure of assurance that it contains the relevant skills for the career that is sought.

It can be a nerve-racking task, but finding your first computer related job can be made easier because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance facility. Sometimes, this feature is bigged up too much, because it is genuinely quite straightforward for a well trained and motivated person to find a job in this industry - as employers are keen to find appropriately well trained people.

Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). It's essential that you polish up your CV right away - don't leave it till you pass the exams! Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being known. Many junior support jobs are given to students who are still at an early stage in their studies. If it's important to you to find work near your home, then you may well find that a specialist locally based employment agency might work much better for you than a centralised service, as they're far more likely to have insider knowledge of the jobs that are going locally.

A good number of men and women, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (sometimes for years), and just give up when it comes to trying to get their first job. Market yourself... Make an effort to let employers know about you. Good jobs don't just knock on your door.

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