If you are an aspiring fiber optic technician or you have decided to properly educate yourself in fiber optics networking technology, the first thing you need to do is to investigate your training company. Following are a few questions you need to consider while choosing the company:

• Do they offer a curriculum that is written, maintained and sanctioned by college professors or by experienced fiber optics technicians with years of experience?
• Do they provide a certification that is sanctioned by electronics (ETA) people or by fiber optics (FOA) people?
• Do they intend to support you in the field by email or phone, or do they disappear after they take your money?
• Can they provide you with a list of satisfied students and customers that you can contact for reference?
•  
• Do they attempt to sell you tools, equipment and “training” videos that you do not need?
• Is their program over priced?
• Will you be able to contact the sanctioning entity (FOA or ETA) and talk with someone who is aware of the certification?
• Can you contact your instructor and ask questions about the class or can you contact your instructor after class when you get to the field and ask questions about specific problems?

After you have decided on the fiber optics training company of your choice, the next thing comes, what are you going to do about marketing your new certification once it's obtained? First of all you need to find out which companies in your area are installing fiber. When you see there are companies out there right now that are installing fiber that desperately need qualified fiber optics technicians. Now, you can go to the Yahoo Yellow pages and can follow these easy steps:

• On the right hand, top area of the page, change the location to where ever you want to work.
•  
• On the sub menu that appears click on “Computers and Internet”.
• Another sub menu will appear. You should click on “Communications and Networking”.
•  
• You will then see a list of every Computer Networking Company in and around your area.
• Pick the first 25 and send a brief cover letter along with your resume and copies of your certificates to these companies.
•  
• Be sure you investigate these companies on the Internet to find out who the honcho is so you can personalize your letter by sending it directly to him or her.
• Look at the company website and learn all you can about the company because you might get the opportunity to interview and the first impression is usually the most important. It pleases them when someone is familiar with their company.