Everybody is busy these days, and usually should we have cause to improve our career prospects, training at the same time as holding down a job is what we're faced with. Training tracks certified by Microsoft can fill that gap.
It's a good idea to find a training advisor, who could offer counsel on what sort of job would suit you most, and what sort of tasks are a good match for someone with a personality like yours.
Be sure your course is put together to your skills and abilities. A quality company will make sure that your training track is appropriate for the job you want to get.
Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. How many stages do they break the program into? And in what order and do you have a say in when you'll get each part?
You may think it logical (when study may take one to three years to pass all the required exams,) for many training providers to send out one module at a time, as you complete each part. However:
What could you expect if you didn't actually complete each element at the speed they required? Often the prescribed exam order doesn't work as well as another different route may.
In all honesty, the perfect answer is to have their ideal 'order' of training laid out, but to receive all the materials up-front. You then have everything if you don't manage to finish at their required pace.
Some training providers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to help you get your first job. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, as it is actually not that hard for any motivated and trained individual to get work in the IT environment - because companies everywhere are seeking qualified personnel.
Help with your CV and interview techniques may be available (if not, see one of our sites for help). Make sure you update that dusty old CV straight away - not after you've qualified!
A good number of junior support jobs have been bagged by people who are in the process of training and haven't even passed a single exam yet. At least this will get your CV into the 'possible' pile and not the 'no' pile.
If you don't want to travel too far to work, then you'll often find that an independent and specialised local employment service could serve you better than some national concern, as they're going to be familiar with the local job scene.
Essentially, as long as you focus the same level of energy into landing your first IT position as into training, you're not likely to experience problems. Some men and women bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their course materials and do nothing more once they've passed their exams and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
People attracted to this sort of work can be very practical by nature, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and struggling through thick study-volumes. If you identify with this, try the newer style of interactive study, where you can learn everything on-screen.
Studies have always shown that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.
Search for a course where you're provided with an array of DVD-ROM's - you'll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, with the facility to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills.
It would be silly not to view a small selection of training examples before you make your decision. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where available, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on a good broadband connection all the time.
Be on the lookout that any accreditations you're considering doing will be recognised by employers and are the most recent versions. Training companies own certificates are often meaningless.
Only nationally recognised examinations from the major players like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe and CompTIA will open the doors to employers. - 33394
It's a good idea to find a training advisor, who could offer counsel on what sort of job would suit you most, and what sort of tasks are a good match for someone with a personality like yours.
Be sure your course is put together to your skills and abilities. A quality company will make sure that your training track is appropriate for the job you want to get.
Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. How many stages do they break the program into? And in what order and do you have a say in when you'll get each part?
You may think it logical (when study may take one to three years to pass all the required exams,) for many training providers to send out one module at a time, as you complete each part. However:
What could you expect if you didn't actually complete each element at the speed they required? Often the prescribed exam order doesn't work as well as another different route may.
In all honesty, the perfect answer is to have their ideal 'order' of training laid out, but to receive all the materials up-front. You then have everything if you don't manage to finish at their required pace.
Some training providers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to help you get your first job. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, as it is actually not that hard for any motivated and trained individual to get work in the IT environment - because companies everywhere are seeking qualified personnel.
Help with your CV and interview techniques may be available (if not, see one of our sites for help). Make sure you update that dusty old CV straight away - not after you've qualified!
A good number of junior support jobs have been bagged by people who are in the process of training and haven't even passed a single exam yet. At least this will get your CV into the 'possible' pile and not the 'no' pile.
If you don't want to travel too far to work, then you'll often find that an independent and specialised local employment service could serve you better than some national concern, as they're going to be familiar with the local job scene.
Essentially, as long as you focus the same level of energy into landing your first IT position as into training, you're not likely to experience problems. Some men and women bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their course materials and do nothing more once they've passed their exams and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
People attracted to this sort of work can be very practical by nature, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and struggling through thick study-volumes. If you identify with this, try the newer style of interactive study, where you can learn everything on-screen.
Studies have always shown that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.
Search for a course where you're provided with an array of DVD-ROM's - you'll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, with the facility to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills.
It would be silly not to view a small selection of training examples before you make your decision. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where available, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on a good broadband connection all the time.
Be on the lookout that any accreditations you're considering doing will be recognised by employers and are the most recent versions. Training companies own certificates are often meaningless.
Only nationally recognised examinations from the major players like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe and CompTIA will open the doors to employers. - 33394
About the Author:
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Check out CareerQualifications.co.uk/gcarqua.html or PC Repair Course.
