"I decided to make a career change when I was twenty-four. I chose to pursue Cisco Certifications because I knew it would put me in the best position to start a career in networking."
How it all began
My dad is a systems administrator, so I grew up around computers. Just watching him tinker with them was cool. However, when I went to college, I earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Next, I got a teaching credential, then taught elementary school for a few years. But when I turned 24, I decided I wanted a career change. So, I picked up a book on TCP/IP networking, started studying it, and realized that I really enjoyed it. My dad wasn’t into networking that much, so I didn’t know much about it, and got into it more organically. I considered pursuing Cisco certifications right away since the idea of learning about networking led straight to these credentials. I took a networking class at a local community college, then obtained my Cisco CCNA certification.
Certifications can improve your ability to do your job
I enjoy system administration, I’ve gained communications skills, and I’ve learned tech skills, in Microsoft active directory systems, administration, and networking virtualization. General troubleshooting is a big part of my job, too. Most importantly, I’ve gained the flexibility to work around difficulties and learn new technologies. Just being able to keep up with the constant change in technologies is incredibly valuable.
Certifications can improve your ability to do your job
About Ben
Certifications
CCNA
Location
Columbus, OH
Hobbies
Reading
Hiking
Learning new tech
What does having a Cisco Certification mean to you?
"I’ve gained more knowledge and different skill sets. I’ve opened myself up for more opportunities. And it’s a validation of me and what I’ve learned."
The biggest challenge was where to start, there where a lot of options. A lot of them involved going back to school or spending a lot of money. CCNA was the most cost-effective, and it would put me in the best position to start a career. Cisco is a leader in that. I took a bootcamp course at the local community college that lasted 8 weeks in total.
I was already in my job in IT in tier 1 support, help desk and the CCNA Certification was a catalyst for my first promotion as a second tier support security.
Ben Harting
What would you tell your younger self?
Definitely try different things and go all in on whatever interests you the most.
What would you tell a friend?
I’d tell them to go for it. It will open up a lot of opportunities for them. They’ll have all the knowledge they need to go forward in their career.
Ben's journey
Career path
Current role
Configuration engineer
Configuration engineers work on systems and network administration.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is the first step toward a career in IT Networking. The CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.
"The guidance I gained from earning the certification helped— in near real time—to determine what was happening on the job, when I became an SOC operator."
"You can do anything. You just need to decide to do it, have the will to do it, and never give up. Be confident in yourself and stop the barriers in your mind."
Has earning a Cisco certification positively changed your life or career, or both? Do you think your Cisco certification story would help encourage other people to earn their Cisco certification? If so, we want to talk to you!
