I write a lot about cutting costs, budgeting and saving, but these subjects all focus on making the most of what you have. This is the expense side of the financial equation. Today, I’d like to focus a little on the income side.
One of the best ways you can boost your income for the long haul is through education and training. I’m a software Engineer by day, and I can tell you that the technology field is still a hot and growing job sector.
In the tech industry, 3 things matter when it comes to success (and income):
- Experience.
- Formal education.
- Continuing education.
Experience is a big factor in determining your income regardless of the field you enter. Formal education may or may not be, but I can attest to the importance of having a degree in the tech field. Continuing education is a must in a field that changes almost daily, as the technology industry does.
One way to accomplish the continuing education piece of the puzzle is through certification. In many specialized segments of the tech field, being certified can even make up for a lack of college degree when it comes to earning a good salary.
Networking is a huge growth segment of the technology industry.
As more and more computers and websites come online, and more people adopt Internet phone (VOIP) technologies like those offered by Vonage and Time Warner, there will be a big need for qualified and certified network engineers to implement and maintain these networks.
Another growth segment is network security. Corporations spend billions on securing their networks and data, and with access to information growing daily this segment will continue to grow.
So where do you start?
If you’re known to your fiends as being a geek, and you love learning how things like wireless networking and the Internet work, then you should look into a Cisco certification.
Cisco is synonymous with networks. They offer 23 different certificates from entry level all the way through specialist in the following career paths:
- Routing & Switching
- Design
- Security
- Service Provider
- Storage Networking
- Voice
- Wireless
Not just for career hoppers.
While certification is a great way to gain an entry level job in this hot market for those looking to change careers, it’s doesn’t stop there. Higher level certification is a great way to continue to learn new skills and focus your career. It’s also a great way to stay fresh and relevant, thus increasing your appeal in the job market.
I have seen certificate programs like these literally change people’s lives. I’m not saying that it’s easy and anyone can do it – you have to have an interest and put the effort into it – but if you do, you will reap the rewards. One of the finest professionals I have had the pleasure to work with in the past 5 years was a truck driver just 3 years before I met him. He went through numerous certificate programs and put many of our college recruits to shame.
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