And there I used to be. A fly on the wall, captured by this net of knowledge—captivated by their tales of CCIE certification success. It had been three lengthy years since Cisco Dwell’s final occasion in Europe, and I used to be lucky sufficient to be in Amsterdam to expertise it in particular person. It was a lot to absorb.
I scanned the Studying and Certifications house, from the Certification Lounge to the displays 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 girls talking with Par Merat, the vp 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 girls spoke. I couldn’t get there quick sufficient. As I approached, lastly inside earshot, I may hear Par’s phrases as she addressed the ladies.
“It is arduous. 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 had been CCIE certification holders. Incomes a CCIE certification is such a priceless asset for IT networking professionals. It’s additionally a reminder of the arduous work and dedication that goes into acquiring it. Whereas listening to those three girls 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 trade. Par upholds the significance of group and is impressed by the unbelievable success tales she has seen firsthand.
“They actually don’t anticipate a girl to have this certification,” Snezana stated, 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 folks,” 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 certification (previously CCIE Routing and Switching).
Marisol took her cue. “However, we are bringing gender into the image,” Marisol stated, noting the various occasions she had heard the response, ‘Oh, she actually does know what she is speaking about,’ from others upon studying of her Knowledgeable-level Cisco certification.
‘Oh, she actually does know what she’s speaking about.’
If you’re questioning why this explicit situation captured my consideration within the first place, it’s unlucky however simple. Tech is thought for its fast innovation and cutting-edge options. It’s not recognized for its overwhelming inhabitants of ladies, nonetheless. Quite the opposite, girls make up lower than a 3rd of the worldwide tech workforce.* (That form of illustration carries over to Cisco Dwell, therefore, my curiosity.)
Ladies at the moment make up about 28% of the tech workforce. That could be a vital enchancment from the early 2000s when solely 9 % comprised girls. There’s nonetheless work to be completed, although; one other estimated 133 years to shut the financial gender hole, to be particular.**
Elena agreed with Marisol relating to the respect the CCIE certification instructions within the trade. “As a girl within the IT world, having this qualification provides a form of gravitas to the expertise and years you place within the trade.”
Par requested Elena if she felt her CCIE certification had been useful for her profession. “Undoubtedly—which is good 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. After we face challenges, how we reply to them determines what we’re product of. CCIE certifications don’t simply ‘occur.’ Getting Cisco Licensed on the Knowledgeable stage means you should go an 8-hour lab examination, a day many mirror 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 stated. “It took me two makes an attempt. In my case, I went again as quickly as I may.” Elena stated she didn’t think about this transfer as failing; as an alternative, she was selecting up and getting on with it. She added that having expertise implementing the know-how she was eager about helped her go the examination. “I couldn’t have realized all of it off paper,” she stated.
“I additionally didn’t go the lab my first time; it took me three makes an attempt,” Snezana stated. “Each single time I failed, it was like, ‘I’m virtually there.’” I may really feel the stress in her voice between virtually and there. However she resolved that pressure with, “Simply take time. Settle for it, breathe, after which apply. Giving up just isn’t an possibility.”
Giving up just isn’t an possibility
Snezana’s final remark resonated. Giving up just isn’t an possibility. It doesn’t matter who you’re or the place you need to go. You have got the facility to dictate your future—with arduous work and dedication. Cisco certification exams don’t care what you appear to be, the place you’re from, or which gender you determine with. Your means to show your expertise and information on an examination is all that issues on the planet 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 if 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 properly. Please be part of me within the Ladies in Networking Neighborhood on the Cisco Studying Community, or submit your remark under.
Watch the inspiring dialog under:
They did it, now it’s your flip.
Sources
· Be part of me at Cisco Dwell Las Vegas, June 4–8, 2023. Register by Might 9, 2023, to avoid wasting in your attendee package deal. Study extra
· Uncover preserve energetic Cisco certification standing by doing what you already do through the Persevering with Schooling Program.
· Discover how one can distinguish your self as the very best of the very best with Cisco Knowledgeable-level certifications.
· Put together on your lab examination with CCIE Follow Labs, out there in 4-hour blocks for US$50 per session.
Be part of the Cisco Studying Community at this time at no cost.
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*The World Financial institution, 2023
**Ladies Tech Community, 2023
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