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Why getting Cisco-certified is core to a networking career

In the tech world, there’s a major misconception that talent alone can catapult you to a position of success. And, while there are a handful of college dropouts-turned-CEOs and self-taught app success-stories, the reality is that for every Zuckerberg or Jobs out there, there’s a staggering number of professionals who have leveraged every bit of their degrees and hard-earned credentials to make it in the industry.

This is especially true in the realm of information technology, where a whopping 60 percent of employers use certifications to confirm subject matter expertise, and 72 percent require IT certifications for certain job openings.

Now, IT certifications are as numerous and unique as stars in the sky, with each qualifying you for different positions and paygrades. So, it’s in your best interest to choose a provider that’s industry-recognized and offers a solid track for the field you’re interested in.

That’s why Cisco has emerged as a popular pick for most looking to get their IT careers off the ground. A worldwide leader in networking hardware and solutions, Cisco has formed the digital backbone of many major companies, which makes getting Cisco-certified a natural move for those looking to demonstrate their value to potential employers.

The Ultimate Cisco Certification Super Bundle features nine courses geared toward helping you ace a number of Cisco certification exams, and while it normally retails for $3,285, tech deal site StackSocial is offering it on sale for $49.

Here are a few reasons why getting Cisco-certified is core to a networking career:

Cisco certifications lead to many career paths

The world of IT is vast. And, whether you plan to work in cloud computing, security, or network administration, Cisco offers a variety of certifications that prepare you for these positions at every level. Depending on your chosen path, you can start at the entry level with the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification, which validates your understanding of networking fundamentals, like LAN switching technologies and infrastructure maintenance.

Then, you can grow your skills in a number of different directions as you progress through Cisco’s Associate, Professional, Expert, and even Architect-level certifications. With certification paths in design, routing and switching, IoT, and more, an entry-level certification opens the door to a number of different positions and paygrades.

Cisco is a networking leader

As previously mentioned, Cisco has helped create the networks and infrastructure used to connect today’s businesses. And, with the majority of today’s Internet traffic traveling over Cisco-built network pathways, demonstrating that you know how to work with this provider’s solutions makes you increasingly relevant and attractive to potential employers.

Getting Cisco-certfied can boost your salary

While certifications are handy for getting your foot in the door to an IT position, having the right credentials can also dramatically improve your compensation. According to Simplilearn, the average pay hike for receiving the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, one of Cisco’s more popular associate-level credentials, weighs in at 20 percent. And, the Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) placed on Global Knowledge’s 15 Top-Paying IT Certifications for 2018 with a salary of over $99,000.

Of course, reaping these benefits involves passing Cisco’s many certification exams, which are by no means easy. However, the Ultimate Cisco Certification Super Bundle can guide you through the concepts and techniques essential for acing them across nine courses. With courses covering security, networking devices, and a host of other fields, this collection can broaden your knowledge in a host of networking applications while you learn on your time.

Now, lifetime access to this training normally retails for $3,285, but StackSocial, a leading provider of e-learning tools and resources is selling it on sale at a new price drop, lowering its $59 sale price down to only $49.

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