Fletcher Joyce, a Senior Engineer and cornerstone of the engineering department of Sierra Systems, has just completed the first step towards achieving the coveted Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification.

CCIE is the highest level of technical networking certification by Cisco, and widely considered the most difficult certification in the IT industry since it began in 1993. In fact, the exam is so difficult that many CCIE certification holders – who number just 33,000 worldwide – consider it one of the greatest accomplishments in their careers. It’s no surprise, then, that CCIE certification holders represent less than 1% of the networking professionals worldwide.

The exam comprises two parts: the written exam (which Fletcher just passed) and the lab exam. The latter exam is the one that poses the greatest challenge to test takers because it tests practical, problem-solving skills in troubleshooting Cisco network equipment.

Despite the fact that most people study over 1,000 hours for the exam, very few of the 8,000 people who sit the exam annually pass the eight-hour test on their first try. Michael Reid, senior manager of CCIE programs for Cisco says, “Over the life of the program, the overall pass rate has usually been 26%. We target the material at an expert level. The pass rate is secondary."

Network engineers holding this prestigious certification are recognised for their mastery of Cisco products and solutions, which is why we’re so chuffed that one of our very own is on his way to becoming a CCIE himself.

“Besides it being a personal and professional challenge, preparing for the lab exam will allow me to continue to improve my skills technically as I grow in my role as Senior Engineer,” Fletcher says. “CCIE certification will allow me to design, propose and manage solutions more efficiently, which will be hugely beneficial for Sierra Systems and its clients.”

Last week, Sierra Systems was proud to have sponsored and competed in the RSL Care WA Classic Golf Day, a charity event that raised over $20,000 to provide a Dementia Garden for the Howes Centre.

Despite the rainy weather, over 20 teams turned out on the day to play the 18-hole tournament.

Representing Sierra Systems was Sales Manager Nigel Barrow, who played alongside Tony Papalia, Bob Hart and Bob Bunney of Baptistcare (not pictured). Undeterred by the weather, the men played a respectable game that landed them in 12th place and proud recipients of Frog Belly wine donated by Warner Glen Estate, from the Southern region of Margaret River.

Nigel Barrow summed up the experience by saying, "Whilst the day wet, it was very worthwhile supporting the RSL in the creation of a new garden for the dementia patients at Menora."

Jonathon Thompson is the newest addition to the Sierra Systems team. Hired back at the start of the year, we thought it was high time we introduce him to the world.

Current role at Sierra Systems:

Network Engineer

Educational background:

• Western Australian Certificate of Education (Rossmoyne Senior High School)
• Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University
• Major in Internetworking and Security
• Major in Cyber Forensics, Information Security and Management

What made you decide to work in the field of network engineering?

After studying programming for one and a half years and realising I was always thinking about / looking forward to my networking classes. I was always fiddling around with all my home network equipment, looking to improve on what I already had.

How do you manage to juggle a part-time uni schedule with your nearly full-time work schedule at Sierra Systems?

Luckily the unit I had last semester was highly relevant to the work I am doing at the office, so it all seemed to fall in place nicely.

What is a typical day like for you at Sierra Systems?

Busy! I am usually installing new phones, adding in new switches. Creating voicemail accounts, changing phone configurations, setting up new customer sites.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned so far?

Trust in your gut, always make time for lunch :)

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