Are you interested in learning CCNA topics? Are you unsure about where to start on your networking certification journey? Okay, do I have a series for you!
My Cisco networking origin story
I got my Cisco networking certification over ten years ago. It was the key to getting my foot in the door, allowing me to transition roles from an IT analyst in Cisco IT to a network engineer.
Getting certified provided me with the skills, learning path, and credibility to transition from a mostly non-technical role, where I was primarily working with pivot tables and metrics in Microsoft Excel, to kick-starting my career in networking. As a result, I am now a senior technical advocate for Learn with Cisco.
Even though I have an undergraduate degree in computer science, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do when I graduated from school, just that I wanted to work for Cisco Systems. My best friend was a few years ahead of me, worked at Cisco, and told me about the company values and how much he enjoyed working there under the inspirational leadership of John Chambers. My friend helped me get my foot in the door with an interview, but after that, it became my own passion.
I started my career at Cisco as an IT Analyst intern and was converted to a full-time hire upon my graduation. Coming from college, I didn’t know the first thing about corporate life and big company dynamics. Starting slowly by building my business and communication skills helped me understand what I wanted to do, while I connected with fellow college new hires at Cisco. One of the fellow new hires, a friend named Alben, was in the networking team. He introduced me to the team and helped me get connected in a shadowing program.
I was fascinated by the way in which networking was technical enough to satisfy my curiosity about engaging with technology, but not so complex that I got overwhelmed (like when I was dealing with hardcore programming in my undergraduate program). Networking hit that sweet spot for me, and I made a plan to obtain my CCNA certification and eventually transition to a new team internally.
Connecting my hero’s journey to today
Long story short, I earned my CCNA certification after a significant amount of studying, hands-on practice, and multiple attempts. I built many lifelong friends on the networking team, and the context I learned from those experiences built the foundation for my career in network automation and teaching.
Now, fast-forwarding to today, it has been a long time since I have had to solve a network issue daily. Many of the skills I’ve kept current are focused on network automation. This touches on networking concepts, but there is a whole world of ideas in their own right. I still possess enough knowledge to be conversational and relevant as a decision-maker in my role as a technical advocate. However, many of the specifics of the protocols are skills that I have not kept current, even though I still create CCNA content to help others get started. I can’t remember everything if I am not constantly learning.
I recently passed the DEVCOR DevNet Exam, and going through the exam preparation process again was a great way to strengthen my skills. I am now using that same learning-by-doing approach with the CCNA.
Cert Skills Chat with Belkie: CCNA Prep
I know many people don’t have the privilege of a friend in networking to help them get started, so I created a video series called Cert Skill Chats with Belkie. Each video is only 45 seconds long and is packed with tips on how to prepare for the CCNA. These videos will help get you started with the right resources and motivation locked in for your first networking certification.
Suppose you’re looking for a deeper dive into free resources on the CCNA. In that case, I highly recommend checking out the CCNA Prep series with Hank Preston and Patrick Gargano, where they delve into technical topics from CCNA exam topics and demonstrate them with clear explanations.
Finally, pursuing a certification is a goal that is much easier when done in a community for both encouragement and accountability. The Cisco Learning Network’s CCNA Community is a platform where you can connect with both fellow learners who are just getting started and experienced individuals who have already completed the certification process and can offer valuable advice along the way. Whether you are just getting started in IT or looking to certify existing skills, you have a ton of resources at your fingertips; you just need to take that next step. You got this!
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