If you're thinking about a future in network support then the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator course is an ideal qualification for you. Whether you're about to join the IT industry or have previous knowledge but no certificate, there's a variety of options to suit your requirements. Each category should have a different training track, so pay attention to check you're being offered the best one prior to getting going. Look for a training provider that talks with you so they get to know what you'd like to do, and will work with you to sort out what you'll be doing, before they start talking about courses.
Wouldn't it be great to know for sure that our careers are secure and our future is protected, however, the truth for the majority of jobs throughout England currently seems to be that there is no security anymore. It's possible though to hit upon security at the market sector level, by digging for areas of high demand, together with shortages of trained staff.
Taking the computing market for example, the 2006 e-Skills study brought to light a national skills shortage in the United Kingdom of around 26 percent. To explain it in a different way, this highlights that Great Britain can only find three properly accredited workers for every 4 jobs in existence now. This single idea in itself highlights why the UK requires many more people to get into the Information Technology market. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market conditions will exist for getting certified in this quickly growing and blossoming market.
If the IT industry provides such an array of tremendous job opportunities for us - what sort of questions should we be raising and which aspects carry the most importance?
An advisor that doesn't ask you a lot of questions - the likelihood is they're just trying to sell you something. If they wade straight in with a specific product before getting to know your background and whether you have any commercial experience, then it's very likely to be the case. Where you have a strong background, or sometimes a little work-based experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then obviously the level you'll need to start at will be different from a student that is completely new to the industry. It's wise to consider user-skills and software training first. This can often make the transition to higher-level learning a much more gentle.
Full support is of the utmost importance - look for a package that includes 24x7 access, as anything less will frustrate you and could impede your ability to learn. Look for training where you can access help at any time of day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You want access directly to professional tutors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.
Keep looking and you'll come across the top providers who give students direct-access support 24x7 - even in the middle of the night. You can't afford to accept a lower level of service. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only viable option with computer-based study. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; often though, we're working while the support is live.
We'd hazard a guess that you've always enjoyed practical work - a 'hands-on' person. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it doesn't suit your way of doing things. You should use video and multimedia based materials if learning from books is not your thing. If we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Through video streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, and then have a go at it yourself - in a virtual lab environment. Any company that you're considering must be able to demonstrate samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.
Go for disc based courseware (On CD or DVD) whenever you can. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.
We're often asked why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certifications? Industry now acknowledges that for an understanding of the relevant skills, proper accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - for considerably less. They do this by honing in on the skill-sets required (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) as opposed to trawling through all the background 'extras' that computer Science Degrees often do - to fill a three or four year course.
Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are a must - and must be supplied by your training supplier. Due to the fact that a lot of examining boards for IT are from the USA, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It isn't good enough merely understanding random questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. Simulations and practice exams can be very useful as a resource to you - so when it comes to taking the real deal, you will be much more relaxed.
Getting your first commercial position can be a little easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance program. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, as it's really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to get work in this industry - because there's a great need for qualified personnel.
However, don't leave it until you've qualified before bringing your CV up to date. The day you start training, mark down what you're doing and tell people about it! It can happen that you haven't even got to the exam time when you'll secure your initial junior support position; but this can't and won't happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. Generally, you'll receive quicker service from a specialist locally based employment agency than you'll get from a training provider's centralised service, as they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
A regular frustration of various training course providers is how much students are prepared to study to become certified, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the position they've qualified for. Don't falter at the last fence.
Wouldn't it be great to know for sure that our careers are secure and our future is protected, however, the truth for the majority of jobs throughout England currently seems to be that there is no security anymore. It's possible though to hit upon security at the market sector level, by digging for areas of high demand, together with shortages of trained staff.
Taking the computing market for example, the 2006 e-Skills study brought to light a national skills shortage in the United Kingdom of around 26 percent. To explain it in a different way, this highlights that Great Britain can only find three properly accredited workers for every 4 jobs in existence now. This single idea in itself highlights why the UK requires many more people to get into the Information Technology market. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market conditions will exist for getting certified in this quickly growing and blossoming market.
If the IT industry provides such an array of tremendous job opportunities for us - what sort of questions should we be raising and which aspects carry the most importance?
An advisor that doesn't ask you a lot of questions - the likelihood is they're just trying to sell you something. If they wade straight in with a specific product before getting to know your background and whether you have any commercial experience, then it's very likely to be the case. Where you have a strong background, or sometimes a little work-based experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then obviously the level you'll need to start at will be different from a student that is completely new to the industry. It's wise to consider user-skills and software training first. This can often make the transition to higher-level learning a much more gentle.
Full support is of the utmost importance - look for a package that includes 24x7 access, as anything less will frustrate you and could impede your ability to learn. Look for training where you can access help at any time of day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You want access directly to professional tutors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.
Keep looking and you'll come across the top providers who give students direct-access support 24x7 - even in the middle of the night. You can't afford to accept a lower level of service. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only viable option with computer-based study. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; often though, we're working while the support is live.
We'd hazard a guess that you've always enjoyed practical work - a 'hands-on' person. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it doesn't suit your way of doing things. You should use video and multimedia based materials if learning from books is not your thing. If we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Through video streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, and then have a go at it yourself - in a virtual lab environment. Any company that you're considering must be able to demonstrate samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.
Go for disc based courseware (On CD or DVD) whenever you can. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.
We're often asked why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certifications? Industry now acknowledges that for an understanding of the relevant skills, proper accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - for considerably less. They do this by honing in on the skill-sets required (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) as opposed to trawling through all the background 'extras' that computer Science Degrees often do - to fill a three or four year course.
Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are a must - and must be supplied by your training supplier. Due to the fact that a lot of examining boards for IT are from the USA, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It isn't good enough merely understanding random questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. Simulations and practice exams can be very useful as a resource to you - so when it comes to taking the real deal, you will be much more relaxed.
Getting your first commercial position can be a little easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance program. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, as it's really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to get work in this industry - because there's a great need for qualified personnel.
However, don't leave it until you've qualified before bringing your CV up to date. The day you start training, mark down what you're doing and tell people about it! It can happen that you haven't even got to the exam time when you'll secure your initial junior support position; but this can't and won't happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. Generally, you'll receive quicker service from a specialist locally based employment agency than you'll get from a training provider's centralised service, as they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
A regular frustration of various training course providers is how much students are prepared to study to become certified, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the position they've qualified for. Don't falter at the last fence.
About the Author:
Jason Kendall has worked in the IT industry for 20 yrs. He thinks he knows what he's doing by now. For advice on MCSA Training, visit LearningLolly MCSA Courses.
