What are the best certifications for an assistant network administrator with ambitions for their future career?
Question: I am an assistant network administrator working in a large telecoms company. I want to start studying for certifications, but I’m wondering what would be best in terms of my future career and salary prospects?
John D, Dublin
Answer: Whether you are an experienced network professional or considering a career in technology, Cisco certifications open up new IT networking career opportunities in exciting industries.
As countries and industries continue to transform and adopt networking technology and infrastructures, the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to rise. With the introduction of the new Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) and the newly revised CCNA certifications, the Cisco Career Certification programme gives you the skills you need to enter and become successful in today’s IT job market.
As one of the global leaders of networking products, Cisco has created certificates to validate the knowledge and skills of network administrators and other network support personnel who work with its products. Cisco networks are the most commonly used networks in the industry so these certifications are quite valuable when looking for a job.
Most network job postings specify that a Cisco certification is either required or strongly desired. And you can gradually start with the entry-level certificate and build on it over your career to Cisco Certified Architect depending on your ambitions!
Starting salaries for good Cisco network administrators can be around €40,000 to €45,000.
Gráinne Bagnall is manager at Verkom, Premier Group’s IT recruitment business.
