Computer networking deals with planning, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. Computer network engineers are responsible for stability and integrity of voice, data, video and wireless network services.
CCNA is an entry level networking course from Cisco systems. It opens a various path in the field of networking. The career opportunities after passing CCNA are Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Technical Support Engineer, system admin, etc. If you are serious about your career then you should go for CCNP or CCIE for better job and money after getting some experience of networking.
Network engineers should be proficient in both hardware and software aspects of computer networking. So, courses in networking cover topics like operating systems, microprocessors, computer architecture, the configuration of PCs, assembly and disassembly of computer networks and troubleshooting techniques.
To learn computer networking, you can pursue an M.Tech course in the subject. Or, you can opt for certifications like the Cisco certification. While the B.Tech and M.Tech courses in Computer networking provide comprehensive knowledge about computer networks, vendor-specific certifications like the Cisco certification provide skills required to handle vendor-specific networks and devices.
With most of the IT companies using Cisco technology, Cisco certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in the IT job market. Candidates, with or without a background in computer science, are eligible to take the certification. Since you have already completed your B.Tech, the Cisco certification will improve your career prospects significantly, both in India and abroad.
Cisco CCNA Certification:
Cisco certifications are a series of tests that assess your knowledge in different aspects of networking. To begin with, you can take basic entry-level certifications like Certified Network Associate (CCNA). CCNA comes with specialization like Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider Operations, Voice, and Wireless.
Career Prospects:
After attaining your Cisco certification, you will be responsible for tasks like configuring, installing and analysing networks (LAN, WAN, VPN etc.), monitoring network logs, usage, authentication and overall performance, diagnosing and troubleshooting problems, adding new servers, assisting, advising and supporting end-users in evaluating third-party tools, vendor products, system upgrades and security testing. If you are interested in network security, you can take up a short-term course in ethical hacking.As an ethical hacker, you would be expected to safeguard networks, databases and core applications from hackers and viruses.
The career opportunities after CCNA certifications are many, right from small companies to major corporations and even in the public sector. First of all, one can apply to jobs in CISCO itself after successful completion of their certification. One can also apply to other positions such as network administrator, IT support executive, and Network Security Analyst amongst others. If getting a job is your main priority after completing CCNA certification then you should start browsing big job sites like Naukri and Monster weekly right before you complete it. It will give you the perspective of the different kinds of opportunities that this field has. The salaries offered to entry level professionals is around 3.5 lac per month in India Rupees or if you are in a foreign country it could be around $50,000.