Cisco training is intended for individuals who wish to work with network switches and routers. Routers join up computer networks over the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It's a good idea that initially you should go for the CCNA. Steer clear of going immediately onto the CCNP because it is very complex - and you should gain some working knowledge before you take this on.

Successfully achieving this certification will most likely see you working for large commercial ventures that are spread out geographically, but who still want secure internal data communication. Alternatively, you may find yourself employed by internet service providers. These jobs are well paid and in demand.

Achieving CCNA is perfectly sufficient to start with; don't be pushed into attempting your CCNP. Once you've worked for a few years, you'll know whether CCNP is something you want to do. Should that be the case, your experience will serve as the background you require to take on your CCNP - as it's a very complex course - and ought not to be underestimated.

We're regularly asked to explain why traditional academic studies are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications? With the costs of academic degree's spiralling out of control, together with the industry's recognition that accreditation-based training is often far more commercially relevant, there has been a large rise in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training programmes that create knowledgeable employees for considerably less. This is done by honing in on the particular skills that are needed (along with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) instead of covering masses of the background 'extras' that computer Science Degrees can often find themselves doing (to fill up a syllabus or course).

What if you were an employer - and you needed to take on someone with a very particular skill-set. What's the simplest way to find the right person: Go through loads of academic qualifications from graduate applicants, struggling to grasp what they've learned and which workplace skills they've acquired, or choose particular accreditations that specifically match what you're looking for, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. The interview is then more about the person and how they'll fit in - instead of long discussions on technical suitability.

We can't make a big enough deal out of this point: You absolutely must have proper 24x7 professional support from mentors and instructors. You'll definitely experience problems if you don't. Always avoid training that only supports students via a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Colleges will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. Essentially - support is required when it's required - not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.

Be on the lookout for study programmes that incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface and also round-the-clock access, when it suits you, with the minimum of hassle. Unless you insist on support round-the-clock, you'll regret it. You might not want to use the service in the middle of the night, but what about weekends, evenings and early mornings at some point.

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