Cisco Systems, Inc. and sells a variety of devices for enterprises and telecommunications carriers. Cisco sells everything from Ethernet switches and branch office routers, to network security devices and home networking products. Cisco's tag line is 'The Worldwide Leader in Networking for the Internet'.

Cisco provides a variety of certification opportunities to professionals who work in the computer networking field. These include:

• CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)
• CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional)
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
• CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional)
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional)
• CCVP (Cisco Certified Voice Professional)

People who have obtained a Cisco Certification can work as: networking and design engineers, telecommunications network engineers, or computer repair technicians.

Networking and Design Engineers

Networking and design engineers work with WAN and LAN networks, routers, and switches to design, configure, and install networks. Primary responsibilities often include making improvements or upgrades to current systems. Networking and design engineers typically concentrate on improving security, maximizing performance, and increasing bandwidth. With a Cisco certification, networking and design engineers can obtain employment in a variety of industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment prospects are favorable for networking and design engineers.

Telecommunications Network Engineers

Telecommunications network engineers work with the infrastructure of an organization's telecommunications network. Common responsibilities include working with IP multicast and routings, cable, frame relays, and other computer technologies. With a Cisco certification, telecommunications network engineers can obtain employment in a variety of industries. A vast majority of opportunities exist within the computer systems design and related services industry.

Computer Repair Technicians

Whether you are working for yourself or as the troubleshooter for a corporation, your knowledge of computer systems will give you the ability to handle most repairs or bugs in the system. Careers can be found in a corporate or government setting, but once you gain some work experience, freelancing is a possible and profitable career move.

In this occupation, it is essential that you stay up-to-date, as knowledge is the key to remaining successful in this trade. This can be accomplished through reading and studying news on developments or though upgrade classes and earning new certifications.

The average hourly wage for a computer repair tech is around $14.00 per hour, but you can expect more with experience. Pay can also be dependant on each specific job.