Certification is a step in the right direction
By Dermot Corrigan
When 26-year-old Dubliner Owen Mulcahy was laid off last summer after five years working in different sales roles, he decided that technical sales was what he wanted to do next, and set off down the Cisco networking certification track.
“I love sales, and computers are a fascination of mine so I am trying to break into the area,’’ said Mulcahy.” I know I need more skills to break into the marketplace at present. Networking and Cisco technology offers a great opportunity.”
Before Christmas, Mulcahy completed both the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and the Cisco Systems Network Associate (CCNA) certifications for a grounding in the latest ‘smart’ networking and telephony technologies.
“I thought it made sense to get into the voice over IP [VoIP] area, as there are such massive savings involved for both the telcos and their customers,” he said.” Over the next few years, all the telcos will have this technology and perhaps half of all businesses will migrate to VoIP.
So it is a massively useful skillset to have right now.” Mulcahy is now studying for his Cisco Sales Expert (CSE) exam, as well as the CCNAVoIP module.
“The CSE is designed for those going into the sales side of businesses,” he said.” It gives a brief overview of switching and routing, there is a major focus on IP telephony and unified communications, as well as security elements. A more in-depth knowledge of the VoIP subject should make it easier for me to sell systems to potential customers.”
Mulcahy said that he expected his new technical skills to give him an edge when looking for his next job.
“I would see myself working for Eircom, BT or another telco,” he said. “Quite a lot of people who are working in sales at the moment do not have a technical background. I will be able to discuss with anyone, from any background, why these particular products will suit your business perfectly.”
