Try getting on the Cisco graduate recruitment programme if you can. You will be fully supported internally to get your CCIE. Here is one profile..
I integrated Cisco through the graduates recruitment program. The program is developped around training (softskills and technical skills) and exposure (TAC rotation and technology specialization).
The program technical goals were :
- Take CCNP
- Achieve CCIE written
I achieved full CCIE (#2395

, CCNP, CCDP and CCIP in a 8 months timeframe.
Softskills included presentation, negotiation, customer relation building and joining the Toastmasters international club to practice every 2 weeks