* Cisco collaborates with the IET to encourage engineers to broaden their skills - but is it worthwhile for U.S. IT folks?
In a move to encourage Cisco certified individuals to broaden their skills and to get access to a range of engineering educational and training materials, Cisco has teamed up with the Institute of Engineering and Technology organization to “fast track” Cisco certified folks to become IET members.
Instead of requiring a sponsor when applying for IET membership, Cisco certification holders can skip that process because the certification is verified by Cisco, explains the IET on its Web site. “This makes the application process easier for you to complete as your Cisco certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, provides independent verification of your qualifications and displays that you are actively engaged in work at a relevant level in the industry,” reads the site. Cisco certification holders would still need to pay the membership fee, which currently stands at 97GBP (about $194).
Based in the United Kingdom, the IET was formed in March 2006 by the Institute of Electronical Engineers and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers. According to information on its Web site, the IET counts 150,000 members in 37 countries. It runs 120 global conferences and events and publishes a range of magazines, books and journals. In the United States, the IET has “local networks” that hold meetings and provide social networking opportunities. The local networks cover New England, Northern California, USA East and USA West.
The IET also offers the professional qualifications, Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer and Engineering Technician, but Cisco certified pros will need to apply separately for those titles.
It’s good to see Cisco getting together with industry associations and making it easier for its certification holders to get access to a wider range of training materials. But unless you live in the United Kingdom or Europe, I’m not sure what the IET could offer U.S.-based engineers for the near-$200 membership price. Judging by the IET’s Web site, the organization appears to be very U.K.-centric. For example, the IET does public affairs lobbying, but it’s mostly to Parliament and the EU. Also, a quick search of its upcoming events and training Web pages didn’t return a whole lot of options for U.S. techies, aside from e-learning opportunities.
Cisco says it expects to announce similar collaborations with other industry associations. Let’s hope the next one has a more global feel.
