I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE, and along the way I've conducted job interviews and casual conversations with dozens of CCNAs and CCNA candidates. Believe me, people who "sneak by" the CCNA exam by braindumps, memorization, and never touching a router or switch are QUICKLY found out in job interviews and on the job.
The field will always need qualified CCNAs. The key word is "qualified". How can you make sure you're truly qualified? It's actually pretty simple.
1. Use routers and switches in your study, not simulators. Simulators are OK to start with, but when you're in the interview room and you're taken to the network room, that simulator's not going to be there. Real routers and switches are. With all due respect to the simulators on the market, they're not routers and switches. Don't fool yourself.
Attend a CCNA class that gets you plenty of time on real Cisco equipment. Used Cisco equipment is cheaper than ever. Look at it this way -- you can put together a true CCNA lab that you can also use for CCNP study for less than $1000. When you choose to sell it, you can get half of that back. A small investment like that pays huge dividends in your future.
2. Know binary math. Some leading CCNA books tell you to just memorize a chart to get by the exam. I wish I had a nickel for every CCNA that hasn't been able to solve a simple subnetting problem in a job interview. Someone who doesn't know binary math is not going to go far. Who's going to remember that chart they memorized for the exam six months ago?
3. Run plenty of "show" and "debug" commands when running labs. These are the commands that show you what's going on "behind the command". You need to know what is really happening when you put in a command when you get asked about it in an interview.
These three simple points separate the real CCNAs from the ones who got lucky or braindumped their way to success. By constructing a solid foundation of Cisco knowledge at the CCNA level, you build the bridgework for a lifetime of career success. You don't have to have a lot of job experience to get a CCNA job, but you do have to really understand the subject matter.
It worked for me. I went from the CCNA to the CCIE in this manner, and the habits I developed at the CCNA level followed me all the way to the top. It can happen for you, too!
Good luck!
About The Author
TheBryantAdvantage.com is owned and operated by Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933. He has worked his way from the CCNA to the CCIE, has interviewed dozens of CCNAs, and knows what makes the difference between someone who knows how to do the job and who doesn't. He teaches these skills to small groups of five students at a time with his custom-written Study Guide and Lab Workbook. By keeping the groups small, every student gets the attention they deserve. For CCNA and CCNP training at its finest, either in-person or over the Internet, visit him at http://www.thebryantadvantage.com today!
cbryant@thebryantadvantage.com
Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
For six years, my Samsung PC 13.8 inch SyncMaster conventional... Read More
This article describes the basic properties of color, what the... Read More
Digital cameras ratings are great tools for deciding which camera... Read More
Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university... Read More
Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own... Read More
Stop Getting LostOne of the greatest uses for a pocket... Read More
Most of the web applications have a lot of images... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
If you use a computer, you need to know more... Read More
As the web has evolved, so have the methods of... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
In my humble opinion nothing makes a long trip easier... Read More
Plasma and LCD TVs are the latest trend in home... Read More
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make... Read More
MP3 players are everywhere! It seems that the number of... Read More
I have a love-hate relationship with my computer.In fact, often... Read More
In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users... Read More
Viruses, software failures, power failures, human errors, hard drive failures... Read More
First and foremost before I begin my ranting it is... Read More
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by... Read More
1. Before sitting down for coding, you must have formal... Read More
Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Work... Read More
JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More
I recently took a good look at what was keeping... Read More
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of... Read More
1. Let your PC boot up completely before opening any... Read More
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
With renting methods such as online DVD rental and pay-per-view,... Read More
A friend told me: "My computer startup seems to be... Read More
If you are a building a website or a forum,... Read More
Tip #1. Do a Google search. Don't be to general... Read More
Microsoft Certifications are one of the most widely acclaimed, pursued,... Read More
Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due... Read More
GOT VIRUS? Your Data is NOT lost forever!In the wake... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
Computer related terminology could sometimes be daunting to newcomers. These... Read More
When you turn on your computer, does it act like... Read More
I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More
Having two operating systems is not as difficult as many... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
This is not your typical lost data story. I was... Read More
We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More
Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More
As the web has evolved, so have the methods of... Read More
Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to... Read More
Cameras: still known for taking pictures but assumed as digital... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
You will need the following:1. 1.44MB FDD (floppy)2. NVFLASH utility... Read More
Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is meant for... Read More
Tip #1 -- Rebates: A rebate is not always a... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
I got my eyes set on a iPod mini, as... Read More
Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More
Understanding digital camera prices makes finding the best camera value... Read More
With a little tweaking and with proper tools, you can... Read More
Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved... Read More
Those small USB drives have so many names, pocket drives,... Read More
Below you will find some useful information and comments about... Read More
Computers are everywhere, and vary in specification, brands, sizes, shaped,... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
System File Checker is a great utility that is typically... Read More
In the first part of this home lab tutorial, CCNA... Read More
A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate;... Read More
Personal Technology |