Speaker 1: Okay, so you want to boost your tech career.
Speaker 2: Maybe land a job with a six figure salary.
Speaker 1: Well, that's the kind of power a Cisco Certified Network Associate.
Speaker 2: Or CCNA and give you. And you know what, We're.
Speaker 1: Going deep into the Cisco CCNA Command Guide to give
Speaker 1: you the inside scoop on everything from acing.
Speaker 2: That exam to navigating the world of Cisco.
Speaker 1: It's a pretty fascinating world, it really is. This skybook
Speaker 1: is like a treasure map.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 1: It takes you through Cisco's history. Huh, their incredible range
Speaker 1: of products, and most importantly, the practical skills.
Speaker 2: You need to really succeed.
Speaker 1: In the networking field. Absolutely all right, So picture this, okay.
Speaker 1: Stanford University nineteen eighty four. Two employees, Sandra Lerner and
Speaker 1: Leonard Bosak. They have this crazy idea using.
Speaker 2: Router technology to connect multiple computer systems. Bim this go
Speaker 2: is born. But here's where the story gets juicy.
Speaker 1: I love juicy stories.
Speaker 2: Their first router, nickname the Blue.
Speaker 1: Box, was actually a modified version.
Speaker 2: Of a Spanford router. And get this, they even used
Speaker 2: unlicensed software, leading to some legal drama.
Speaker 1: With the university.
Speaker 2: Talk about a rebellious start.
Speaker 1: Yeah, Cisco definitely has that startup.
Speaker 2: That scrappy startup vibe right even from the beginning.
Speaker 1: But you'd think, I know, right, that would be a
Speaker 1: major setback. Yeah, but they persevered.
Speaker 2: These secured a license from Stanford huh, and went on
Speaker 2: to become a tech titan. A tech titan in fact,
Speaker 2: during the dot com boom, Cisco was the world's most
Speaker 2: valuable company. Wow, even surpassing giants like Apple.
Speaker 1: That's amazing.
Speaker 2: It's a classic store of the.
Speaker 1: Innovation and resilience for sure, and Cisco's early success really
Speaker 1: shows their dominance in networking. But it also shows how quickly,
Speaker 1: how quickly things can change in the tech world. So true,
Speaker 1: things change all the time. Cisco was way more than
Speaker 1: just routers these days. Oh yeah, We're talking collaborate tools
Speaker 1: like WebEx.
Speaker 2: The go to for remote teams everywhere.
Speaker 1: This shows how Cisco's influence reaches far beyond just the.
Speaker 2: Hardware, beyond the server room.
Speaker 1: They're shaping how we work, how we connect on a
Speaker 1: global scale.
Speaker 2: Absolutely, and their reach extends to advanced security features.
Speaker 1: Specialized solutions for different.
Speaker 2: Industries, training and consulting services that you name it. They've
Speaker 2: woven themselves.
Speaker 1: Into the very fabric of our digital lives.
Speaker 2: Without a doubt, it's mind blowing, it really.
Speaker 1: Is to think how much we rely on Cisco technology
Speaker 1: every day.
Speaker 2: Every single day. Let's get down to brass tacks. Let's
Speaker 2: talk about the CCNA exam.
Speaker 1: Chapter three of our guidebook.
Speaker 2: Breaks it all down.
Speaker 1: You'll learn there are actually different levels of accreditation, starting
Speaker 1: with the cc entry level folks, and the cc for
Speaker 1: those who want to dive into the more technical aspects
Speaker 1: and nitty gritty, and for those looking to really make
Speaker 1: a mark, make their mark in networking. The guidebook highlights
Speaker 1: the CCNA Routing and Switching track.
Speaker 2: That's the one.
Speaker 1: It focuses on those core skills every network professional needs.
Speaker 1: That's every single one building, maintaining and troubleshooting the network
Speaker 1: that power our digital world.
Speaker 2: Absolutely so, if you want to be the one, the
Speaker 2: one to everyone called when.
Speaker 1: The Internet goes down, that's you. This is the track
Speaker 1: for you.
Speaker 2: This is it.
Speaker 1: But let's debunk a common myth about the exam. What's
Speaker 1: that that pre exam survey you take? Yeah, supposedly de
Speaker 1: terms how hard your questions are? Our guidebook sets the
Speaker 1: record straight, sets it straight. It doesn't matter how you
Speaker 1: rate your skills.
Speaker 2: Doesn't matter at all in that survey.
Speaker 1: Nope, the exam draws from a massive pool of questions,
Speaker 1: so that survey.
Speaker 2: That survey doesn't change anything.
Speaker 1: No need to stress over it. Go straight focus on
Speaker 1: mastering the material. Master the material, not second guessing yourself.
Speaker 2: Exactly.
Speaker 1: That's a relief, right, I always wondered about that survey,
Speaker 1: me too. Now. Chapter five of our guidebook.
Speaker 2: Opens up a world of possibilities.
Speaker 1: With different CCNA specializations.
Speaker 2: We're talking cloud collaboration, cyber ops, data center, industrial security,
Speaker 2: service provider, and wireless. Wow.
Speaker 1: That's a lot, it is. It's not a one size
Speaker 1: fits all certification. There's a path for everyone, for sure.
Speaker 1: Choosing the rights specialization can feel overwhelming, overwhelming, but think
Speaker 1: of it like choosing your superpower.
Speaker 2: I like that.
Speaker 1: Do you want to be the master of cloud networks
Speaker 1: or maybe drawn to the fast paced world of cybersecurity?
Speaker 2: So many choices.
Speaker 1: The guidebook encourages you to explore each track and figure
Speaker 1: out which one aligns with your skills and aspirations. Absolutely,
Speaker 1: once you found your path, Yeah. The guidebook emphasizes the
Speaker 1: importance of resources the Cisco Learning Network, study.
Speaker 2: Groups and practice exam.
Speaker 1: Think of these resources as your training montage.
Speaker 2: Getting prepped and ready to conquer that exam.
Speaker 1: Practice makes perfect always. Those practice exams are like sparring matches,
Speaker 1: helping you, helping you identify your weak spots. Ah, so
Speaker 1: you can go go into the real exam with confidence.
Speaker 1: Now let's dive deeper into that crucial into that crucial
Speaker 1: CCNA Routing and Switching track chapter seven. Think of this
Speaker 1: specialization as learning.
Speaker 2: The foundational language of networking.
Speaker 1: You'll master those essential.
Speaker 2: Verbs, implementing, designing, configuring, and everyone's favorite troubleshooting networks.
Speaker 1: That's the one. But just like any language, networking is
Speaker 1: constantly evolving. Constantly, the CCNA makes sure you're fluent in
Speaker 1: the latest tech trends like IPv six.
Speaker 2: The next generation of Internet addresses at SDN, giving you
Speaker 2: the power to control.
Speaker 1: Your entire network through software.
Speaker 2: It's like learning slang.
Speaker 1: You need to kilp up with the latest terms and
Speaker 1: then techniques to be a truly.
Speaker 2: Effective network professional. Absolutely, the CCNA make sure you're ready.
Speaker 1: To tackle whatever the future throws.
Speaker 2: Your way, whatever throws at you.
Speaker 1: But here's the cool part. While learning about these new technologies,
Speaker 1: uh huh, you also get a glimpse into the history
Speaker 1: of the EXAM itself.
Speaker 2: Cool.
Speaker 1: The guidebook traces its.
Speaker 2: Evolution, showing how it's adapted to.
Speaker 1: Incorporate the latest advancements and meet the ever growing demands
Speaker 1: of the industry.
Speaker 2: That's fascinating.
Speaker 1: It's like watching a time lapse of the Internet's growth,
Speaker 1: from those early days of simple networks to the complex
Speaker 1: interconnected systems we have today.
Speaker 2: Wow.
Speaker 1: Speaking of history.
Speaker 2: Let's take a trip back in time.
Speaker 1: To the early days of Cisco.
Speaker 2: Back when those blue boxes were making.
Speaker 1: Ways and Cisco was on its way becoming a tech legend.
Speaker 1: Let's rewind and see how.
Speaker 2: Their journey unfolded, and more importantly, let's see how their
Speaker 2: past innovations.
Speaker 1: Have shaped a present and future of networking. Up.
Speaker 2: It's going to be a wild ride, it is. So
Speaker 2: we've explored Cisco's wild beginnings.
Speaker 1: Those early days.
Speaker 2: They're impressive.
Speaker 1: Product lineup, it's impressive.
Speaker 2: We even debunked some EXAM myths. But let's get real here.
Speaker 1: Okay, why should you, the listener you listening right now.
Speaker 2: Care about Cisco, this whole CCNA thing.
Speaker 1: Yeah, what's in it for you? What's in it for you?
Speaker 1: We'll think about it, Okay, I'm thinking about it. We
Speaker 1: live in a hyper connected world. We do everything from
Speaker 1: apps on your phone.
Speaker 2: To the global flow of information.
Speaker 1: All depends on networks need skilled professionals.
Speaker 2: To keep them humming, to keep them going. That's where
Speaker 2: the CCNA comes in.
Speaker 1: It's like being a doctor for the Internet. You're keeping
Speaker 1: the digital world healthy, healthy and connected.
Speaker 2: With more businesses going.
Speaker 1: Digital every day, the demand for network pros CCNA is skyrocketing.
Speaker 2: It really is.
Speaker 1: And it's not just your typical IT department jobs, not
Speaker 1: at all. A CCNA can open doors to cybersecurity, cloud computing,
Speaker 1: even data analytics. Yeah, it's a versatile certification to stand
Speaker 1: out in a job market that's becoming more tech driven
Speaker 1: by the day for sure. Plus, with remote work on
Speaker 1: the rise, so.
Speaker 2: Many people working remotely.
Speaker 1: A CCNA can equip you to work from anywhere, anywhere
Speaker 1: in the world. Imagine troubleshooting a network issue from.
Speaker 2: A beach and BALI. Not bad, right, not bad at all.
Speaker 1: It's not just about getting a job. It's about expanding
Speaker 1: your horizons.
Speaker 2: And creating a career that fits your lifestyle. And of
Speaker 2: course about the potential.
Speaker 1: Or a hefty salary increase and some serious career advancement.
Speaker 2: Who doesn't love a bigger paycheck, right, But beyond.
Speaker 1: Those practical benefits.
Speaker 2: What really struck me about this guidebook. What's that is
Speaker 2: the emphasis.
Speaker 1: On the human side of networking.
Speaker 2: The human side.
Speaker 1: It's not just about the tech, it's.
Speaker 2: About how that tech impacts people's lives. Absolutely, networking is all.
Speaker 1: About connecting people and enabling communication.
Speaker 2: So strong communication skills, teamwork, a.
Speaker 1: Passion for solving real world problems.
Speaker 2: These are all just as important as technical know how.
Speaker 2: It's like being a detective.
Speaker 1: Yeah, you gather clues, you analyze the situation, and then
Speaker 1: you come up with a solution to help people stay connected.
Speaker 2: I like that analogy.
Speaker 1: But you know what, right, the guidebook doesn't really dive
Speaker 1: into into.
Speaker 2: The mindset, the mindset needed to thrive in this field.
Speaker 1: Because technical skills are essential, yes, but without the right attitude,
Speaker 1: it's easy to get lost in this ever changing world
Speaker 1: of tech. So true, So what kind of mindset are
Speaker 1: we talking about here? We'll quality. I think you're essential
Speaker 1: for someone who wants to conquer the world of networking.
Speaker 2: Well, curiosity is number one.
Speaker 1: Curiosity.
Speaker 2: You have to be genuinely interested.
Speaker 1: In figuring out how things.
Speaker 2: Work, exploring new technologies, always learning because the tech world
Speaker 2: never stands still.
Speaker 1: It's like having a thirst for knowledge, the thirst that
Speaker 1: never quite gets quenched.
Speaker 2: Yeah, and you have to be okay.
Speaker 1: With not knowing everything.
Speaker 2: Because there's always something new to discover. Resilience is key.
Speaker 1: Resilience.
Speaker 2: Things won't always go smoothly.
Speaker 1: You'll hit roadblocks, you'll make mistakes.
Speaker 2: But it's about getting back up, learning from those.
Speaker 1: Mistakes, and pushing forward, just.
Speaker 2: Like learning to ride a bike.
Speaker 1: You're going to fall a few times, but you get
Speaker 1: back on and keep peddling until you master it.
Speaker 2: Persistence is definitely key. Yeah, don't underestimate the power of
Speaker 2: collaboration because network is rarely a solo mission.
Speaker 1: You'll be working with teams relying on the expertise of others.
Speaker 2: So being able to communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and.
Speaker 1: Work together towards a common.
Speaker 2: Goal is super important.
Speaker 1: Again, let's not forget about.
Speaker 2: The importance of attention.
Speaker 1: To detail, because in networking, even small errors you can
Speaker 1: have major consequences. Like being a surgeon, precision is key.
Speaker 2: Every configuration, every command has to be carefully considered.
Speaker 1: To ensure the network runs smoothly.
Speaker 2: Speaking of support systems.
Speaker 1: The guidebook mentions the Cisco Learning Network, but don't forget
Speaker 1: about the vibrant online communities.
Speaker 2: Forums, study groups, networking events are gold mines of information
Speaker 2: and support.
Speaker 1: It's like having a global study buddy system. You can
Speaker 1: bounce ideas off each other, get your questions answered.
Speaker 2: And learn from people who have walked the same It's
Speaker 2: a reminder that you don't have to go it alone
Speaker 2: on this journey. And if you're looking for more structured guidance.
Speaker 1: Cisco offers a variety of training programs.
Speaker 2: Both online and in person.
Speaker 1: Think of them as boot camps.
Speaker 2: For aspiring network professionals.
Speaker 1: You'll get hands on experience, expert advice, and a chance
Speaker 1: to connect with other students and professionals. It's like having
Speaker 1: a personal trainer for your networking skills. They'll push you
Speaker 1: to be your best and help you reach your full potential. Now,
Speaker 1: while the guidebook dives deep.
Speaker 2: Into those technical aspects.
Speaker 1: And there's one section that I think.
Speaker 2: Deserves extra attention, extra attention mastering interview skills.
Speaker 1: The art of showcasing.
Speaker 2: Not just your technical prowess, but.
Speaker 1: Also those all important soft skills communication, problem solving, teamwork.
Speaker 2: Because remember You're not just working with machines, You're working
Speaker 2: with people. It's about telling your story in a way
Speaker 2: that highlights your experience, your passion, and your unique value proposition.
Speaker 1: Think of it like crafting.
Speaker 2: Your superhero origin story.
Speaker 1: You want to captivate the interviewer and leave them thinking
Speaker 1: this is the network hero we need exactly, and remember,
Speaker 1: preparation is key.
Speaker 2: Research the company, understand their values, and.
Speaker 1: Be prepared to connect your skills and.
Speaker 2: Experience to their specific needs. It shows you've done your
Speaker 2: homework and you're genuinely interested. It's like showing up for
Speaker 2: a date having actually read their.
Speaker 1: Profile and knowing what they're into.
Speaker 2: Makes a good impression.
Speaker 1: It does, and don't forget about asking thoughtful questions.
Speaker 2: It shows you're engaged, curious, eager to learn more about
Speaker 2: the company and the role.
Speaker 1: It's a two way street, after all, you interviewing them
Speaker 1: just as much as they're interviewing you.
Speaker 2: You want to make sure it's a good fit both sides,
Speaker 2: and even if you don't land the job. Yeah, the
Speaker 2: interview itself is a valuable learning experience.
Speaker 1: It helps you refine your skills, identify areas for improvement,
Speaker 1: and gain insights into what employers are looking for.
Speaker 2: It's like leveling up your character in a game. Each
Speaker 2: interview gives you experience points that make you.
Speaker 1: Stronger, more prepared for the next challenge. But even with
Speaker 1: all the preparation, interviews can be nerve wracking.
Speaker 2: Absolutely, But the key is to practice your responses.
Speaker 1: Be confident in your abilities, and.
Speaker 2: Remember that the interview is.
Speaker 1: An opportunity to showcase your best self, have a conversation,
Speaker 1: don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Speaker 2: Let it shine.
Speaker 1: You want to make sure your passion.
Speaker 2: For networking is contagious. Enthusiasm goes a long way.
Speaker 1: Now. We've talked a lot about the CCNA as a
Speaker 1: stepping stone to a successful career.
Speaker 2: But let's not forget about the bigger picture.
Speaker 1: The ever changing landscape of technology.
Speaker 2: It's like trying to hit a moving target.
Speaker 1: How do you stay ahead of the curve.
Speaker 2: When new technologies are emerging all the time. That's where
Speaker 2: continuous learning comes in.
Speaker 1: The CCNA isn't the finish.
Speaker 2: Line, it's just the starting point.
Speaker 1: It gives you a solid foundation that's up to you
Speaker 1: to keep building your knowledge and expanding skills.
Speaker 2: It's like building a house.
Speaker 1: The CCNA is your sturdy foundation, but you.
Speaker 2: Need to keep adding rooms, upgrading appliances.
Speaker 1: And making sure everything stays up to code as technology evolves,
Speaker 1: and that means embracing the challenges that come with working
Speaker 1: in a dynamic field.
Speaker 2: Be adaptable, be curious.
Speaker 1: Be open to new ways of doing things.
Speaker 2: Think of it like learning a new dance move.
Speaker 1: You might feel awkward at first, but the more you practice,
Speaker 1: the smoother you become, and eventually you'll be leading the
Speaker 1: dance floor. So we've talked about building the house and
Speaker 1: learning the dance moves. Yeah, what other analogies can.
Speaker 2: We come up with to stay ahead in the tech world?
Speaker 1: So many good ones.
Speaker 2: Well, think of it like being a surfer. Okay, you
Speaker 2: have to constantly adjust to the waves to stay on top,
Speaker 2: To stay on top of that board.
Speaker 1: I like that. You need balance, agility, and.
Speaker 2: The ability to anticipate your next exactly.
Speaker 1: And that brings up a really interesting question. As technology advancing,
Speaker 1: especially with things like automation, artificial intelligence.
Speaker 2: The Internet of Things.
Speaker 1: All those things, how will the role.
Speaker 2: Of network professionals change?
Speaker 1: Oh that's a big one, I know, right, What new
Speaker 1: skills do you think will be essential.
Speaker 2: For success in the future of networking. Well, that's something
Speaker 2: that's something we all need to think about.
Speaker 1: Well. Network pros need to become super specialized in certain
Speaker 1: areas where they need a broader understanding.
Speaker 2: Of how all these different technologies we're together. It's like
Speaker 2: we're shifting from building the roads.
Speaker 1: To actually on those roads.
Speaker 2: That's a good one.
Speaker 1: It's about optimizing performance.
Speaker 2: Making sure everything is secure and.
Speaker 1: Reliable, anticipating potential issues.
Speaker 2: Before they even happen exactly. So it's not just about
Speaker 2: keeping the lights on anymore.
Speaker 1: It's about shaping the future.
Speaker 2: Of how we connect and communicate, absolutely, and that's what
Speaker 2: makes the CCNA and Continuous Learning. They give you the.
Speaker 1: Foundation to understand those coreporatecis of networking, which will always
Speaker 1: be relevant even as technologies come and go.
Speaker 2: It's like learning the alphabet.
Speaker 1: Once you know the letters, you can build any words,
Speaker 1: even ones you've never seen before.
Speaker 2: And that brings us to our call to action and
Speaker 2: you're the listener. If you're intrigued by the world of
Speaker 2: Cisco and all.
Speaker 1: The possibilities a CCNA certification can unlock.
Speaker 2: It's time to take that first step.
Speaker 1: Head over to the Cisco Learning Network.
Speaker 2: And start exploring.
Speaker 1: They have everything from free introductory courses.
Speaker 2: To detailed study guides, practice.
Speaker 1: Exams, even virtual labs where you can get hands on
Speaker 1: experience and like a buffet for your brain, you.
Speaker 2: Can sample a little bit of everything.
Speaker 1: Find the perfect specialization.
Speaker 2: That fits your interests and career goals absolutely.
Speaker 1: And remember, yeah, this deep dive is just the beginning.
Speaker 2: The journey of learning.
Speaker 1: And discovery in the world of networking.
Speaker 2: Never truly ends.
Speaker 1: That's the beauty of it.
Speaker 2: By staying curious, embracing challenges.
Speaker 1: And connecting with other passionate people in.
Speaker 2: This field, you'll be well whip to ride the waves
Speaker 2: of technological change.
Speaker 1: So go out there, explore, experiment, and never stop learning.
Speaker 2: You have the power to shape the future of networking.
Speaker 1: It's time to take that power and run with it.
Speaker 1: Until next time, keep diving deep and keep those networks
Speaker 1: running smoothly.