Training in Cisco is the way to go for those who wish to work with routers and network switches. Routers are what connect networks of computers via the internet or dedicated lines. The chances are that initially you should go for the CCNA. Don't be tempted to go straight for your CCNP as it's a considerable step up - and you really need experience before you take this on.

Getting this certification will mean it's likely you'll end up working for national or international companies that have several locations, but still need contact. The other possibility is working for internet service providers. Either way, you'll be in demand and can expect a high salary.

If you haven't yet had any experience of routers, then the CCNA course is all you'll be able to cope with - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. Once you've worked for a few years, you will know if CCNP is something you want to do.

A ridiculously large number of organisations only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and completely avoid what it's all actually about - getting yourself a new job or career. You should always begin with the end in mind - too many people focus on the journey. It's possible, in some situations, to obtain tremendous satisfaction from a year of studying only to end up putting 20 long years into a career that does nothing for you, entirely because you stumbled into it without some decent due-diligence at the outset.

Stay focused on what it is you're trying to achieve, and formulate your training based on that - not the other way round. Stay on target and begin studying for a career that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. We'd recommend you seek guidance and advice from a professional advisor before making your final decision on a particular learning course, so you can be sure that the content of a learning package provides the skill-set required for your career choice.

Most trainers typically provide a big box of books. Learning like this is dull and repetitive and not a very good way of taking things in. Learning psychology studies show that much more of what we learn in remembered when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we put into practice what we've been studying.

Top of the range study programs now offer interactive CD and DVD ROM's. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you'll absorb the modules, one by one, by way of the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by utilising the practice lab's and modules. It's wise to view a small selection of training examples before you make your decision. You should expect video tutorials, instructor demo's and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

Avoid training that is purely online. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where obtainable, so that you have access at all times - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on your internet connection always being 'up' and available.

It can be a nerve-racking task, but landing your first IT job is often relieved by some companies, via a Job Placement Assistance facility. With the huge skills shortage in the United Kingdom right now, there isn't a great need to get too caught up in this feature though. It isn't such a complex operation to find your first job once you're trained and certified.

However, avoid waiting until you have passed your final exams before updating your CV. The day you start training, list what you're working on and place it on jobsites! Quite often, you'll land your initial position while you're still a student (even in the early stages). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you don't stand a chance! Generally, you'll receive quicker results from a specialist independent regional employment service than any training company's national service, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

To bottom line it, as long as you put the same commitment into getting your first job as into studying, you won't have any problems. A number of men and women inexplicably conscientiously work through their training course and then call a halt once qualified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

You have to make sure that all your exams are current and what employers are looking for - don't even consider 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, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA have widely approved proficiency courses. Huge conglomerates such as these will ensure your employability.

Microsoft MCSA Computer Courses >>