What does it take to pivot from a product management role into a full-time network engineering position?
For Michelle Szklarska, the answer was clear: earn the CCNA. Her journey proves the value of Cisco’s certification ecosystem and shows why the CCNA remains a premier networking credential. Michelle sat down with Learn with Cisco’s Patrick Gargano to tell her CCNA success story.
Pivoting from product owner to network engineer
Before earning her CCNA, Michelle worked as a network and security product owner. She wanted a more hands-on role. After passing her exam, she transitioned into a full-time network engineer position. How?
“Because of the CCNA,” Michelle said simply, when asked what made the difference.
The CCNA did more than validate her technical knowledge—it opened the door to a new career path.
Why the CCNA still matters for network engineers
In a world of cloud platforms and automation tools, you might wonder whether a foundational certification like the CCNA is still worth pursuing. Michelle’s story proves that it absolutely is.
The CCNA provides a comprehensive, structured understanding of networking fundamentals, from IP addressing and routing protocols like OSPF to network security concepts like AAA and access lists, to essential services like DHCP and NAT. These aren’t just exam topics; they are the building blocks of real-world network engineering.
For professionals pivoting their careers like Michelle, the CCNA serves as a credible, industry-recognized signal to employers that you have the foundational knowledge needed to operate effectively. It bridges the gap between understanding what a network does and knowing how to configure, manage, and troubleshoot one.
The challenge: Where to begin
Anyone who has downloaded the official CCNA exam topics knows the feeling Michelle described: “You download the list of requirements, the topics, and you’re like—oh my gosh, where to start?”
The CCNA curriculum is broad. Choosing the right study resources is critical. Michelle didn’t rely on a single source; she built a diverse study toolkit to stay engaged, challenged, and prepared.
Study resource 1: CCNA Prep
One of Michelle’s primary resources was CCNA Prep, a free video series available on the Cisco Learning Network, created by Patrick Gargano and Hank Preston at Learn with Cisco.
CCNA Prep stands out for its practical, lab-focused approach. Instead of just explaining theory, each episode dives into real configuration tasks, walking viewers through hands-on labs covering:
- OSPF
- NAT
- Access lists
- AAA
- DHCP troubleshooting
The learning continues after the video. Every CCNA Prep episode includes:
- A Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) lab file for those using CML.
- A Cisco Packet Tracer version for wider accessibility.
- Review questions to reinforce the material.
- A downloadable PDF lab guide to keep as a reference.
Michelle highlighted the downloadable reference sheets as one of her favorite features. “At the end, you can download a sheet of the information, and that was really useful.”
She also called out the DHCP troubleshooting episode, noting an important networking lesson: you learn more when something breaks.
“You actually learn more when something’s broken. It makes you figure out how it’s supposed to be working.”
This philosophy drives CCNA Prep’s approach: go beyond definitions and dive into the problems you’ll actually encounter on the job.
Study resource 2: Cisco U.
Michelle also used Cisco U., Cisco’s digital learning experience, which offers a complete, structured CCNA Learning Path.
The Cisco U. CCNA Learning Path, Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions, provides:
- Topic-by-topic coverage of the full CCNA curriculum
- Integrated labs to reinforce hands-on skills
- Preparatory practice exams to test your knowledge before exam day
For learners who want a guided environment, Cisco U. offers organized, progressive learning. It builds confidence for exam day with built-in practice tests that simulate the real experience.
Combining the structured curriculum of Cisco U. with the hands-on, scenario-driven content from CCNA Prep is a winning strategy. The two resources complement each other—one provides breadth of knowledge, the other provides depth through application.
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The CCNA as a foundation for CCNP and beyond
Earning the CCNA is a launchpad, not an endpoint. Michelle’s conversation with Patrick Gargano made this clear.
After earning her CCNA, Michelle set her next career goal: the CCNP certification. The CCNP Enterprise track builds directly on CCNA knowledge, diving deeper into advanced topics covered in exams like ENCOR and ENARSI.
This natural progression is why the CCNA is structured the way it is. The foundational concepts you learn—routing protocols, switching, security, automation—are the pillars that CCNP-level certifications expand upon. When you tackle the CCNP, you build on a solid base.
Cisco’s learning community actively invests in the CCNA-to-CCNP journey. Patrick noted that future content from the CCNA Prep team will likely focus on bridging the gap from CCNA to CCNP, helping learners transition with the same practical, lab-driven approach.
“Getting someone from CCNA to CCNP—starting to look at more advanced topics that are covered in ENCOR and ENARSI—that’s probably going to be the focus.”
For Michelle and thousands of networking professionals, this roadmap provides a clear path toward career growth.
Key takeaways from Michelle’s CCNA success story
Whether you are brand new to networking or looking to formalize skills you built on the job, Michelle’s story offers practical lessons:
- Use multiple resources: Combine structured learning (Cisco U.) with practical, scenario-based content (CCNA Prep).
- Embrace troubleshooting: Learn what happens when things break to build real understanding.
- The CCNA opens doors: For Michelle, it catalyzed a career transition into network engineering.
- Think beyond the CCNA: The knowledge you gain prepares you for the CCNP and beyond.
Ready to start your own CCNA journey?
If Michelle’s story inspired you, explore how the resources below can help you prepare for the 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam:
- CCNA Certification Guide: Jumpstart your learning journey with our free guide.
- Stay on track for CCNA success: Explore expert-curated resources, tips, and more to help you reach your CCNA cert goal.
- Enter to win the CCNA Learning Path for free. (Enter the giveaway by August 31, 2026.)
Your CCNA success story is waiting. Take the next step today:
1. Free CCNA Cert Guide | 2. Stay on track for exam success | 3. Enter giveaway
We’d love to hear about your CCNA certification journey. Leave a comment below to let us know when you plan to earn your CCNA certification. And if you’re already a CCNA certification holder, tell us when you first got certified!
CCNA: The foundation that built my IT career (can be yours, too)
