Many current or future IT people decide to take the plunge and enter the computer networking field. However, this is a very difficult industry to start out in and you have to gain experience before you will be considered for a higher level position.
The first step can be difficult as most companies do not want to let someone that doesn’t already have experience learn using their production networks. These days companies count on their networks too much to risk downtime while a new employee gets up to speed.
In addition to understanding how computer networks and equipment work, you also have to understand how IT in general works. There was a time that there were a group of key individuals that controlled IT completely. If there was a problem with a network, someone fixed it. However, these days there is much more to the process of fixing something.
Often companies require documentation and formal change requests to determine the cause and solution to an issue. To even go further, some organizations even have formal process to determine the root cause of a problem. It is no longer acceptable to simply say – It’s fixed, let’s move on.
For these reason there are two certifications that will help you get into the field as an entry level technician. One is technical in nature and the other one teaches you about processes. Although the process and procedures will often vary from one organization to another, most have something similar in place and you can use your certification to piece together the differences between a company proprietary process and an IT standard.
CCENT Certification
This is the absolute minimum Cisco certification you should obtain before trying to find a job. Even then, you will likely be faced with an uphill battle. This will teach you or confirm you have the basic knowledge of computer networking and Cisco equipment. Without certification or experience, you knowledge isn’t relevant as it cannot be demonstrated until you are given a job.
I strongly recommend the CCNA certification as it is far more in-depth and really teaches you how to manage computer networks properly. However, often you can get a job with the CCENT if you are currently in the process of obtaining your CCNA. If this is your plan, make sure your perspective employer knows it. If they require the CCNA, perhaps they will allow you to start in a few weeks once you had time to obtain the certification. It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask.
ITIL Foundation
You don’t necessarily need this certification in particular, but really anything that is widely known and teaches you the framework of IT processes will be fine. I recommend this one simply because I have the certification and it has come in pretty handy over the years when I have worked with companies that subscribe to the ITIL framework. However, this is pretty far from mandatory and any policy or compliance type certification will be helpful.
You want to convey to your future employee that you are interested in processes not just the technical end of things. Even something like the SOX training that is held specifically for IT people would be helpful if you can get in cheap enough. Often companies are more interested in process knowledge and compliance than technical skills.
Neither one of these certifications is particularly difficult nor should it take you very long at all. The combination will give you the knowledge you need to begin working a low level IT job. From there, the world is your oyster. You can continue improving your certification levels while simultaneously gaining experience to coincide with your certification.
About the author: Kevin Cevich is a Cisco specialist writing about topics ranging from Cisco Careers to real Cisco salary levels.