A Cisco training course is designed for people who need to know all about routers and switches. Routers join up networks of computers via the internet or dedicated lines. It's a good idea that initially you should go for the CCNA. Avoid jumping straight into your CCNP as it is very advanced - and you really need experience before you take this on.

You must have a good understanding of the operating and functioning of computer networks, because computer networks are joined to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. Better to find a course teaching the basics (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) before getting going with CCNA. Look for a training provider that can offer this as a career package.

Qualifying up to the CCNA level is what you should be aiming for - don't be pushed into attempting your CCNP straight away. Get a couple of years experience behind you first, then you will know if it's relevant for you to have this next level up. If so, you'll have significantly improved your chances of success - because you'll have so much more experience.

Starting from the viewpoint that it's good to choose the market that sounds most inviting first and foremost, before we're even able to ponder what educational program fulfils our needs, how do we know the right path? Working through a list of odd-sounding and meaningless job titles is no use whatsoever. The vast majority of us don't really appreciate what the neighbours do for a living - so we're in the dark as to the intricacies of a new IT role. The key to answering this question properly stems from an in-depth discussion of a number of areas:

* Personality plays a major role - what gives you a 'kick', and what are the things that put a frown on your face.

* What time-frame are you looking at for retraining?

* Have you thought about salary vs the travel required?

* With everything that the IT industry covers, it's important to be able to see what's different.

* You'll also need to think hard about what kind of effort and commitment you're going to give to gaining your certifications.

To completely side-step the industry jargon, and find the best route for you, have a good talk with an industry-experienced advisor; someone that will cover the commercial realities and truth and of course each certification.

Of course: a training program or a qualification is not the ultimate goal; a job you're training for is. A lot of colleges seem to completely prioritise the certificate itself. Don't be one of those unfortunate students who set off on a track that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.

Never let your focus stray from where you want to go, and create a learning-plan from that - not the other way round. Stay focused on the end-goal and study for a job you'll still be enjoying many years from now. Seek out help from a skilled professional that 'gets' the commercial realities of the area you're interested in, and is able to give you 'A typical day in the life of' outline of what duties you'll be performing day-to-day. It's good sense to ensure you're on the right track before the training program is started. After all, what is the reason in kicking off your training only to realise you've made a huge mistake.

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