Vikram Parmar
by Eman
It was my pleasure to speak with you today. I know it is not easy to pass the CCIE Lab and your experience so recently doing so is an accomplishment worthy of praise.
Q: Why did you pursue the CCIE track as a career choice?
A: While working for Microsoft (Networking), I did my CCNA. After that i was thinking to continue with CCNP when I got to know of the value CCIE holds. I was under the impression that I need to finish my CCNP before I go for my IE. That was not the case. There was no pre-requisite to give the IE exam. Then I took a big risk. I left my job in March this year and started with my preparation.For the next 8 months it was gruelling hard work but a unique learning experience. But Im happy that the risk has finally paid off. I cleared my exam on the 20th of Nov. I got my number :) 22735.
Q: What training aids did you use to prepare for the CCIE?
A: The first thing I did was that I brushed up my CCNA concepts from Todd Lamle. Then I went through Jeff Doyle (both part 1 and part 2). Along with that I practised some small labs on all the IGP's. Then with Vol 2 I concentrated on BGP and Multicast. That took a good amount of time since these topics were new to me. The labs also took some time. Then I worked on switching the next month but only the basic part (VTP,STP,Etherchannel etc,.) . The rack on which I worked had 6 routers and 4 switches . After revising all the topics one more time I did some more small labs mainly on the IGP's and BGP and multicast. Then in the last month I concentrated on the full labs and practised many scenarios. For the complex questions, the cisco doc was handy.I also covered the advanced switching during this month.
Q: Do you feel that CCIEs in India are paid well?
A: I heard they are paid well before I started my preparation. But that depends on your experience too. But still the value of this certificate is enough to get someone a decent salary even as a fresher.
Q: How challenging did you feel the CCIE Lab was?
A: I found it to be quite challenging simply for the fact that you need an indepth understanding of the concepts to get all the points mainly in routing and multicast.
Q: Are there other IT professionals in your family?
A: No. None.I'm the odd one out :)
Q: What is your next career goal?
Q: I'd like to go for the Voice CCIE after some more experience.
A: Are you looking for work in any particular region of the world? Why?
Q: Well, Tucson in Arizona would be my ideal choice since my fiancee is doing her Phd in neuroscience from there. If not there , then anywhere in the world that can boost up my career prospects.
Q: Tell us a little about your professional history leading up to this great achievement.
A: I started working in May 2003 for Microsoft Enterprise Platforms Support in Convergys Gurgaon. I worked for 2 years there in the Networking team. Then I worked in a small firm for the next 6 months where I got practise on routers for the first time. Then I got through Microsoft Bangalore working for Microsoft Enterprise Platforms again and worked there for some time before I moved back to Convergys working in the same team. This is the time I did my CCNA and got interested in CCIE . I knew it would be a challenge for me . But I really enjoyed the journey.
Do you read the CCIE Flyer? Do you like it?
A: I have read it and I really found it to be one of its kind since it is really helpful for both CCIE aspirants and those who have already cracked the lab.
Q: What do you think is the future for CCIEs in 2009 and beyond?
A: I believe it should retain its value but the Voice CCIE cert will be the one to attain for the aspirants.
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