The Cisco training is the way to go for those who wish to work with network switches and routers. Routers connect networks of computers via the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It's most probable that initially you should go for CCNA. Don't be tempted to go straight for the CCNP as it is very advanced - and you really need experience to take on this level.

The kind of jobs requiring this type of qualification mean you'll most probably work for big organisations that have various different locations but need their computer networks to talk to each other. Alternatively, you may find yourself being employed by an internet service provider. Both types of jobs command good salaries.

The correct skill set and knowledge in advance of starting your Cisco CCNA course skills is very important. Therefore, discuss the requirements expected of you with someone who can tell you what else you need to know.

Chat with any proficient consultant and they'll entertain you with many worrying experiences of students who've been sold completely the wrong course for them. Only deal with an experienced industry advisor who asks some in-depth questions to uncover the best thing for you - not for their retirement-fund! It's very important to locate the very best place to start for you. Often, the starting point of study for a student with experience is often vastly different to someone without. If this is going to be your first crack at studying for an IT examination then it may be wise to start out with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.

A lot of trainees assume that the state educational path is still the most effective. So why then is commercial certification beginning to overtake it? With the costs of academic degree's spiralling out of control, together with the industry's recognition that corporate based study is often far more commercially relevant, we have seen a big surge in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA authorised training programmes that educate students at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. This is done by honing in on the skills that are really needed (alongside an appropriate level of related knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background non-specific minutiae that academic courses are prone to get tied up in (because the syllabus is so wide).

Just as the old advertisement said: 'It does what it says on the label'. Companies need only to know what areas need to be serviced, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. Then they're assured that a potential employee can do exactly what's required.

Finding your first job in the industry sometimes feels easier to handle with the help of a Job Placement Assistance program. With the growing need for more IT skills in the UK at the moment, there isn't a great need to get too caught up in this feature though. It really won't be that difficult to land your first job once you're trained and certified.

One important thing though, don't procrastinate and wait until you've completed your exams before polishing up your CV. Right at the beginning of your training, list what you're working on and place it on jobsites! You may not have got to the stage where you've taken your exams when you land your first junior support role; although this is not possible unless you've posted your CV on job sites. The top companies to help get you placed are normally independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they only get paid when they place you, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.

To bottom line it, if you put as much hard work into finding a job as into training, you're not going to hit many challenges. Some men and women inexplicably spend hundreds of hours on their training course and do nothing more once certified and seem to expect employers to find them.

Students who consider this area of study often have a very practical outlook on work, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and slogging through piles of books. If you're thinking this sounds like you, try the newer style of interactive study, where learning is video-based. We see a huge improvement in memory retention with an involvement of all our senses - learning experts have been saying this for as long as we can remember.

Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Video streaming means you can watch instructors demonstrating how to perform the required skill, and then have a go at it yourself - via the interactive virtual lab's. Don't take any chances and look at examples of the courseware provided before you hand over your cheque. You should expect videoed instructor demonstrations and audio-visual elements backed up by interactive lab's.

Avoid training that is purely online. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where obtainable, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - and not be totally reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.