Back to Basics: Start Your Networking Career with Cisco U.

[ad_1] Specialists weigh in: Why does “Again to Fundamentals” matter in your profession? In case you might return to the start of your profession, what would you do in a different way? It’s a thought-provoking query that many seasoned professionals typically mirror on. For these simply beginning out within the tech world—or these seeking to refresh their data—this query holds the important thing to constructing a powerful profession basis.

This month, Cisco U. is embracing the theme of “Again to Fundamentals” by specializing in important coaching paths just like the CCNA Studying Path. These assets are designed to assist learners construct the abilities they should succeed, whether or not they’re getting into the tech business for the primary time or strengthening their foundational data.

On this weblog, you’ll hear from Cisco specialists who share their insights into which studying paths they’d prioritize in the event that they had been beginning their careers at the moment—and why these foundational steps are so essential.

Who're the Cisco specialists? To convey you the perfect recommendation, we’ve gathered insights from three skilled Topic Matter Specialists (SMEs) at Cisco who've constructed profitable careers within the tech business.

Meet Kyle Winters <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="lazy lazy-hidden wp-image-475581 size-medium" data-lazy-type="image" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-300x225.jpeg" alt="A tall man with light skin wearing a Cisco polo shirt stands next to a TV screen that contains text about DevNet" width="300" height="225" srcset="" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-475581 size-medium" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-300x225.jpeg" alt="A tall man with light skin wearing a Cisco polo shirt stands next to a TV screen that contains text about DevNet" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_0944-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Kyle Winters at Cisco Stay 2019

Position: Technical Advocate, Cisco Background: Kyle has over a decade of expertise spanning community safety, enterprise growth, and technical advertising and marketing. He’s earned a number of Cisco certifications and has been acknowledged with prestigious awards just like the Cisco Stay Distinguished Speaker Award.

Kyle’s profession has taken him from startups to enterprise roles, giving him a complete view of the tech panorama.

Meet Francois Caen <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-475584 size-medium" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_3006-300x225.jpg" alt="A light-skinned man with a brown goatee wearing a red polo shirt holds a bunch of cords" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_3006-300x225.jpg 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_3006-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_3006-768x576.jpg 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_3006-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/07/IMG_3006-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Francois Caen within the early days of his networking profession

Position: Technical Product Supervisor, Be taught with Cisco Background: With 20 plus years of community engineering expertise, Francois is a printed writer and an professional in programmability and automation. He now focuses on creating cutting-edge coaching for Cisco prospects and companions.

Francois has a ardour for educating and enjoys serving to learners break down advanced matters into manageable steps.

Meet Chuck Stickney

Studying Engineering Chief, Cisco Background: Chuck has greater than 20 years of expertise, 18 at Cisco, in networking and enterprise growth.

With a college-aged baby who’s now contemplating the cybersecurity area as a profession, Chuck has a private curiosity in what newcomers ought to deal with.

What do Cisco specialists advocate for beginning a networking profession? Kyle’s suggestions: The place to start out with networking

Why it issues: This 14-hour studying path offers foundational data of key ideas, protocols, administration methods, and safety that underpin community techniques. It’s excellent for these with common IT abilities seeking to concentrate on networking.

Kyle’s recommendation: “Begin small, however keep constant. Construct a powerful basis, don’t rush by way of materials simply to earn a cert, and at all times search for methods to use what you’re studying by way of labs, tasks, or volunteer work. Even small wins stack up.” Extra suggestion for rookies: Kyle recommends the Networking Fundamentals course on Cisco Networking Academy for a extra holistic introduction to networking ideas.

Francois’s advice: Deal with subnetting first

Key course: Introducing the TCP/IP Web Layer, IPv4 Addressing, and Subnets, a part of the Cisco U. CCNA Studying Path.

Why subnetting is necessary in networking: Subnetting is a foundational talent essential for any networking skilled. Although Francois concedes it will not be essentially the most thrilling matter, it’s important for understanding IP addressing and community design.

Francois’s recommendation: “Eat the greens first, save the steak for later. Subnetting will not be enjoyable, but it surely’s completely mandatory.” Profession perception: Francois encourages learners to pursue networking if they're naturally curious. “In case you’re the kind of one who opened your toys with a screwdriver to see how they labored, networking will probably be a rewarding area. Curiosity is essential to staying motivated on this ever-evolving business.”

Chuck’s advice: Begin with Cisco Licensed Assist Technician (CCST) content material

A strong understanding of community fundamentals and hands-on abilities is important, starting with incomes the CCST certification, then continuing to earn the Cisco Licensed Community Affiliate (CCNA) certification.

“CCNA has been the minimal baseline for many years,” Chuck notes, “and we maintain the content material related to at the moment. From there you'll be able to proceed deeper into community infrastructure matters or if infrastructure is just not your factor—department out into associated areas like automation and cyber safety. We've (free) NetAcad content material in these areas and in addition Affiliate coaching and certifications in these disciplines.” Profession perception: “Constructing a cyber or automation skillset on high of a powerful community basis will set you aside in your area!”

What do specialists say about tech studying? All three specialists emphasize the significance of specializing in the basics when beginning your profession. Listed here are the important thing takeaways from their insights:

Perceive the fundamentals first: Foundational data of networking ideas like subnetting, protocols, and safety is essential for long-term success. Begin with CCST content material, then proceed into CCNA. From the CCNA, proceed into community infrastructure matters or department out into automation or cybersecurity. Be curious and adaptable: Networking is continually evolving, and a curious mindset will show you how to keep engaged and motivated as you proceed to be taught. Certifications open doorways: Whereas understanding the fabric is extra necessary than dashing to earn certifications, having certifications just like the CCNA might help you show your experience and advance your profession.

What ultimate recommendation do the Cisco U. specialists have? To shut, right here’s some parting knowledge from our SMEs:

Kyle: “Don’t simply deal with incomes certifications—deal with actually understanding the fabric. Employers worth adaptability and the flexibility to be taught over memorization.” Francois: “Keep curious. Networking requires steady studying, and your curiosity will maintain you engaged and motivated as you develop in your profession.” Chuck: “The sphere could be very wide-open now, with no one-size-fits-all; nevertheless, all the pieces is constructed on the community.”

By specializing in the appropriate foundational abilities, you’ll set your self up for long-term success within the tech business.

Prepared to start your networking coaching? Cisco U. is right here to assist you each step of the best way. Discover all of our “Again to Fundamentals” content material at the moment and begin constructing the muse for a profitable profession in networking.