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 Live’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 Learning and Certifications house, from the Certification Lounge to the displays animated by demos of Cisco Modeling Labs, to the Cisco U. Theater—once I noticed them. My gaze had turned to the nook of the theater, the place I observed three ladies talking with Par Merat, the vp of Cisco Learning & Certifications.
Despite the thrill 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 hard. I have 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. Earning a CCIE certification is such a worthwhile asset for IT networking professionals. It’s additionally a reminder of the onerous work and dedication that goes into acquiring it. While 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.
Inside 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 consistently motivated by the urge for food for studying within the tech business. Par upholds the significance of neighborhood and is impressed by the incredible success tales she has seen firsthand.
“They really don’t expect a woman to have this certification,” Snezana mentioned, referring to the overall response she’d skilled over her 13 years as a CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification holder. “Having a CCIE certification brings respect from people,” she continued, including that it’s particularly gratifying as a girl in IT. “Not to bring gender into the picture!” she laughed as she turned to Marisol, her colleague, mentor, and 23-year lively CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (previously CCIE Routing and Switching) certification holder.
Marisol took her cue. “But, we are bringing gender into the picture,” Marisol mentioned, noting the various instances she had heard the response, ‘Oh, she really does know what she is talking about,’ from others upon studying of her Expert-level Cisco certification.
‘Oh, she really 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 easy. Tech is thought for its speedy innovation and cutting-edge options. It is not identified for its overwhelming inhabitants of ladies, nevertheless. On the opposite, ladies make up lower than a 3rd of the worldwide tech workforce.* (That sort of illustration carries over to Cisco Live, therefore, my curiosity.)
Women at the moment make up about 28% of the tech workforce. That is a big enchancment from the early 2000s when solely 9 % comprised ladies. There remains to be work to be achieved, 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 woman in the IT world, having this qualification adds a sort of gravitas to the experience and years you put in the industry.”
Par requested Elena if she felt her CCIE certification had been useful for her profession. “Definitely—which is nice to see,” Elena replied. “It’s recognized; it’s respected.”
Elena believes within the energy of IT certifications. She had began working towards CCNA and CCNP certifications earlier than her IT networking profession actually started. Soon sufficient, she earned the CCIE Collaboration certification.
Becoming a CCIE success story
In my expertise, few CCIE certification holders move the lab examination on their first try. In an ideal world, it’s a humbling expertise that motivates CCIE candidates to work even more durable on their second try. When we face challenges, how we reply to them determines what we’re fabricated from. CCIE certifications don’t simply ‘happen.’ Getting Cisco Certified on the Expert stage means you could move 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 pass my CCIE lab on the first go,” Elena mentioned. “It took me two attempts. In my case, I went back as soon as I could.” Elena mentioned she didn’t contemplate this transfer as failing; as a substitute, she was selecting up and getting on with it. She added that having expertise implementing the expertise she was inquisitive about helped her move the examination. “I couldn’t have learned it all off paper,” she mentioned.
“I also didn’t pass the lab my first time; it took me three attempts,” Snezana mentioned. “Every single time I failed, it was like, ‘I’m almost there.’” I might really feel the strain in her voice between virtually and there. But she resolved that stress with, “Just take time. Accept it, breathe, and then practice. Giving up is not an option.”
Giving up shouldn’t be an choice
Snezana’s final remark resonated. Giving up shouldn’t be an choice. It doesn’t matter who you’re or the place you need to go. You have the ability to dictate your future—with onerous work and dedication. Cisco certification exams don’t care what you seem like, the place you’re from, or which gender you determine with. Your capability to show your abilities and data on an examination is all that issues on this planet of Cisco certifications. So, if you’re working in direction of a CCIE certification (or any certification for that matter), by no means quit. Not till you get there. And while you do, don’t let it go.
Thank you 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 Women in Networking Community on the Cisco Learning Network, or put up your remark beneath.
Watch the inspiring dialog beneath:
They did it, now it’s your flip.
Resources
· Join me at Cisco Live Las Vegas, June 4–8, 2023. Register by May 9, 2023, to avoid wasting in your attendee bundle. Learn extra
· Discover tips on how to keep lively Cisco certification standing by doing what you already do by way of the Continuing Education Program.
· Explore how one can distinguish your self as the perfect of the perfect with Cisco Expert-level certifications.
· Prepare in your lab examination with CCIE Practice Labs, out there in 4-hour blocks for US$50 per session.
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*The World Bank, 2023
**Women Tech Network, 2023
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