The IT field is evolving quickly, and trends suggest that it will continue to change in the years to come. The sad part, however, is that even with the high demand for employees, there is a serious skills gap in the field. In a recent survey, 67 per cent of participating employers said they have difficulty filling the high-skill positions in their organizations.
IT Certifications: An Easy Way to Surpass Competition in the Job Market
With millions of students graduating every year, the competition in the job market is quite high, affecting the relevance of traditional degrees. Bachelor’s degrees and high grade-point averages are no longer enough to impress recruiters; you need to gain a competitive edge over applicants for the same position. Today, IT certifications have become the best way to do just that.
Cisco Certifications
Cisco certifications are the most recognized and highly sought-after IT certifications. This is no surprise, really; Cisco is one of the leading multinational IT companies in the world.
A Cisco certification on your résumé will catch the attention of your potential employer and help you get one step closer to locking down a job in the IT field. Cisco Certified Professionals are among the highest-paid in the industry.
How to Choose a Cisco Career Certification
Cisco certifications are divided into five levels to suit your individual needs and career goals: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect. Each level comprises multiple certifications that cover different aspects of technology.
Here are the most popular Cisco certifications and their average salaries:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification: An associate-level certification for aspiring networking professionals. It covers networking fundamentals, security, automation, and IP services; salary: $82,923.
- Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate Certification: This certification proves your expertise in essential cybersecurity skills, concepts, and technologies, including security monitoring, analysis, and response; salary: $92,430.
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise: A professional-level certification validating your skills in enterprise networking, including advanced routing, switching, SD-WAN, and wireless; salary: $100,000.
- Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) Certification: One of the highest-level certifications, CCDE proves your ability to design complex, scalable, and secure infrastructure solutions. It’s ideal for senior network architects and technical leaders; salary: $125,000+.
With a high demand for skilled employees in the IT industry, a Cisco certification will make you more marketable and increase your salary potential. Whether you are a recent graduate or a working professional, you can enhance your career with Cisco certifications.