And there I used to be. A fly on the wall, captured by this internet of knowledge—captivated by their tales of CCIE certification success. It had been three lengthy years since Cisco Stay’s final occasion in Europe, and I used to be lucky sufficient to be in Amsterdam to expertise it in individual. It was a lot to soak up.
I scanned the Studying and Certifications area, from the Certification Lounge to the screens animated by demos of Cisco Modeling Labs, to the Cisco U. Theater—after I noticed them. My gaze had turned to the nook of the theater, the place I observed three ladies talking with Par Merat, the vice chairman of Cisco Studying & Certifications.
Regardless of the excitement of energetic chatter and shuffling footsteps that surrounded them, Par was dialed into their dialog. I watched as she leaned in, listening intently as one of many ladies spoke. I couldn’t get there quick sufficient. As I approached, lastly inside earshot, I might hear Par’s phrases as she addressed the ladies.
“It is onerous. I’ve such admiration for you.”
Beside Par was Snezana Mitrovic, Marisol Palmero, and Elena Pudge, sharing their private Cisco certification experiences. And of all Cisco certifications—all three have been CCIE certification holders. Incomes a CCIE certification is such a precious asset for IT networking professionals. It’s additionally a reminder of the onerous work and dedication that goes into acquiring it. Whereas listening to those three ladies inform their tales, I used to be awed by them and the work they put into their CCIE certification journeys.
Contained in the circle of CCIE certification success
Par turned to the group and requested how the CCIE certification has impacted their IT careers. A hands-on chief, Par is continually motivated by the urge for food for studying within the tech business. Par upholds the significance of group and is impressed by the incredible success tales she has seen firsthand.
“They actually don’t count on a girl to have this certification,” Snezana mentioned, referring to the final response she’d skilled over her 13 years as a CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification holder. “Having a CCIE certification brings respect from individuals,” she continued, including that it’s particularly gratifying as a girl in IT. “To not carry gender into the image!” she laughed as she turned to Marisol, her colleague, mentor, and 23-year energetic CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (previously CCIE Routing and Switching) certification holder.
Marisol took her cue. “However, we are bringing gender into the image,” Marisol mentioned, noting the various instances she had heard the response, ‘Oh, she actually does know what she is speaking about,’ from others upon studying of her Skilled-level Cisco certification.
‘Oh, she actually does know what she’s speaking about.’
If you’re questioning why this specific situation captured my consideration within the first place, it’s unlucky however simple. Tech is understood for its fast innovation and cutting-edge options. It’s not recognized for its overwhelming inhabitants of girls, nevertheless. Quite the opposite, ladies make up lower than a 3rd of the worldwide tech workforce.* (That sort of illustration carries over to Cisco Stay, therefore, my curiosity.)
Girls at the moment make up about 28% of the tech workforce. That may be a important enchancment from the early 2000s when solely 9 % comprised ladies. There may be nonetheless work to be performed, although; one other estimated 133 years to shut the financial gender hole, to be particular.**
Elena agreed with Marisol concerning the respect the CCIE certification instructions within the business. “As a girl within the IT world, having this qualification provides a kind of gravitas to the expertise and years you set within the business.”
Par requested Elena if she felt her CCIE certification had been useful for her profession. “Positively—which is sweet to see,” Elena replied. “It’s acknowledged; it’s revered.”
Elena believes within the energy of IT certifications. She had began working towards CCNA and CCNP certifications earlier than her IT networking profession really started. Quickly sufficient, she earned the CCIE Collaboration certification.
Changing into a CCIE success story
In my expertise, few CCIE certification holders go the lab examination on their first try. In an ideal world, it’s a humbling expertise that motivates CCIE candidates to work even tougher on their second try. Once we face challenges, how we reply to them determines what we’re made from. CCIE certifications don’t simply ‘occur.’ Getting Cisco Licensed on the Skilled stage means it’s essential to go an 8-hour lab examination, a day many replicate on as probably the most difficult of their profession.
If at first, you don’t succeed…
“I didn’t go my CCIE lab on the primary go,” Elena mentioned. “It took me two makes an attempt. In my case, I went again as quickly as I might.” Elena mentioned she didn’t take into account this transfer as failing; as an alternative, she was choosing up and getting on with it. She added that having expertise implementing the expertise she was thinking about helped her go the examination. “I couldn’t have realized all of it off paper,” she mentioned.
“I additionally didn’t go the lab my first time; it took me three makes an attempt,” Snezana mentioned. “Each single time I failed, it was like, ‘I’m nearly there.’” I might really feel the strain in her voice between nearly and there. However she resolved that rigidity with, “Simply take time. Settle for it, breathe, after which observe. Giving up will not be an possibility.”
Giving up will not be an possibility
Snezana’s final remark resonated. Giving up will not be an possibility. It doesn’t matter who you might be or the place you wish to go. You will have the ability to dictate your future—with onerous work and dedication. Cisco certification exams don’t care what you appear to be, the place you might be from, or which gender you determine with. Your skill to show your abilities and information on an examination is all that issues on the earth of Cisco certifications. So, in case you are working in direction of a CCIE certification (or any certification for that matter), by no means quit. Not till you get there. And whenever you do, don’t let it go.
Thanks for letting me share this glorious reminiscence with you. I’d love to listen to your ideas and experiences as effectively. Please be part of me within the Girls in Networking Group on the Cisco Studying Community, or publish your remark under.
Watch the inspiring dialog under:
They did it, now it’s your flip.
Sources
· Be a part of me at Cisco Stay Las Vegas, June 4–8, 2023. Register by Might 9, 2023, to avoid wasting in your attendee bundle. Be taught extra
· Uncover the best way to preserve energetic Cisco certification standing by doing what you already do through the Persevering with Training Program.
· Discover how one can distinguish your self as the very best of the very best with Cisco Skilled-level certifications.
· Put together on your lab examination with CCIE Apply Labs, obtainable in 4-hour blocks for US$50 per session.
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*The World Financial institution, 2023
**Girls Tech Community, 2023
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