Should you be interested in Cisco training, the chances are you're looking for a CCNA. The Cisco training is intended for individuals who wish to understand and work with network switches and routers. Routers connect networks of computers to different networks of computers via the internet or dedicated lines.

It's important to have an understanding of the operation and function of computer networks, because computer networks are joined to routers. Without this you may encounter problems. Why not find training that also includes basic networking skills (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. Some providers offer this as a career track.

Getting your Cisco CCNA is the right level in this instance - you're not ready for your CCNP straight away. Once you've worked for a few years you will know if CCNP is something you want to do. Should that be the case, you'll have a much better chance of succeeding - as your working knowledge will put everything into perspective.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be proper direct-access 24x7 support via expert mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Never purchase training that only supports students with a message system after office-staff have gone home. Training schools will defend this with all kinds of excuses. Essentially - support is needed when it's needed - not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.

It's possible to find the very best companies that offer direct-access online support at all times - at any time of day or night. Always pick a training provider that offers this level of study support. As only true 24x7 round-the-clock live support truly delivers for technical programs.

Students will sometimes miss checking on something that can make a profound difference to their results - how their company breaks up the courseware sections, and into how many separate packages. Training companies will normally offer some sort of program spread over 1-3 years, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you complete each exam. If you think this sound logical, then consider this: How would they react if you didn't complete each and every module at the proposed pace? Sometimes their preference of study order doesn't work as well as another different route may.

To be honest, the best option is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but make sure you have all of your learning modules right from the beginning. You then have everything should you not complete it as fast as they'd like.

Getting your first commercial position sometimes feels easier to handle with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. Don't get overly impressed with this service - it's quite easy for eager sales people to make too much of it. Ultimately, the need for well trained IT people in the UK is what will enable you to get a job.

Nevertheless, don't procrastinate and wait until you have completed your exams before bringing your CV up to date. As soon as your training commences, list what you're working on and get promoting! It's not uncommon to find that junior support roles have been bagged by people who are in the process of training and haven't got any qualifications yet. At least this will get your CV into the 'possible' pile and not the 'no' pile. Normally you'll get better performance from a specialist independent regional employment service than you will through a training provider's centralised service, as they'll know the area better.

Certainly make sure you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, and then do nothing more and leave it up to everyone else to land you a job. Take responsibility for yourself and start looking for yourself. Put as much time and energy into landing the right position as it took to pass the exams.