When I first heard about Cisco certifications, I thought nothing of it. At the time, I was a programming student at Fayetteville Technical Community College.  The reason I was in programming was so I could eventually slide off in to video game development. After a few courses, I realized that I needed something more hands-on. That’s when my instructor suggested that I transfer into the Networking Technology program. I didn’t know what I was getting into until I took that first course in the Cisco Networking Academy. It was so challenging! I remember wondering if I was ever going to come out alive. The challenges of the hands-on labs and the experience of building a network from scratch with live routers and switches were intriguing. These experiences made me want to work even harder to fully understand the importance of networking and master the skills that would make me competitive for the positions in today’s IT job market. After that first CCNA course, I was determined that I was going to pursue my CCNA certification, because I realized the importance that any Cisco certification carries. The Cisco Networking Academy taught me perseverance and dedication in a world of ever-changing technology. The CCNA courses through the Cisco Networking Academy were my favorite classes and the only classes that truly challenged me and made me work really hard.

I fully understand that learning in the IT industry is a life-long process. Since obtaining my CCNA certification in June 2007, I continued to pursue other important certifications: MCP and A+ so far. I currently work at a website hosting company in Fayetteville, NC. I serve as Customer Service Technician. Although this position is not totally in the networking field, having my CCNA helped me get hired at a higher salary since there are only of handful of employees working here that actually have their CCNA, or any other IT certification for that matter. My certifications and my degree give me an edge above those without.

In the six months since June I received over 30 offers (contract-to-hires) for networking and helpdesk positions in places like Raleigh, Charlotte, and a few out-of-state offers from companies like IBM, Bandwidth.com, and Verizon. Within six months, I feel I will be ready to relocate to one of these areas to begin my career putting to use the skills learned through the Cisco Networking Academy.

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