Boot camps are designed to be highly concentrated and focused, and are therefore highly stressful to many students. Preparing yourself both mentally and physically in addition to having a solid knowledge base and adequate experience is vital. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Hard work, work experience, strong organization skills and determination are the secrets to success.
The boot camp experience is different for each student and some crack under the pressure of the high demands and endless hours of practice. I’ve seen students go into total melt down and start to panic about the timing and the errors. And in the third week (of a CCIE 3-week boot camp), when you think they would be in better shape, the pressure gets even more extreme. Students realize they are running out of time, their test date is fast approaching and it’s go time.
Get One-on-One
Regardless of the difficulty, prepared students will thrive in the boot camp environment. When led by a quality drill instructor, students not only get the training they need, but real world insight they can apply to passing their exam and put into practical use on the job. Quality instructors offer counsel and feedback to help students understand their strengths and weaknesses and where they need to be to succeed. When researching training companies, be sure to select one that offers one-on-one interaction with the instructor, allowing for questions and discussion on your personal performance. Group discussions are also invaluable. Students can benefit from shared experiences while learning about alternative problem solving methods that can offer an insightful perspective one may not have considered.
It's All Worth It
The difficulties and challenges of boot camp classes are far outweighed by the benefits students receive. Although the goal is to pass your certification exam, it goes beyond having a document to frame. The IT industry is highly competitive and it’s the knowledge and skills that differentiate a standout professional from the rest of the crowd. Certifications are an important part of your credentials, but they do the most for your career when you compliment them with extensive hands-on experience and proven competence. Students tell me time after time that the most important thing they gain from my boot camps, besides the certification, is the confidence they feel about how they do their jobs.