As you’re considering studying for an MCSE, you’ll fall into one of two camps. You could be about to come into the computer world, as it’s apparent the industry has a great need for people with the right qualifications. Alternatively you possibly are already a professional wanting to consolidate your skill-set with a qualification such as MCSE.
We’d recommend you see evidence that the training company you use is definitely teaching with the latest Microsoft level. Many students get frustrated when they find that they’ve been studying for an out-of-date syllabus which now needs updating.
Training companies should be devoted to finding the right path for their clients. Directing study is as much about helping people to work out which way to go, as it is helping to help them get there.
Many people question why qualifications from colleges and universities are being overtaken by more commercial certificates?
With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has had to move to specific, honed-in training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors – namely companies like CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
Vendor training works through focusing on the skills that are really needed (together with an appropriate level of associated knowledge,) rather than covering masses of the background detail and ‘fluff’ that computer Science Degrees often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).
The bottom line is: Authorised IT qualifications give employers exactly what they’re looking for – it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure’. Consequently companies can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are required to perform the job.
Consider only study programmes that progress to commercially acknowledged qualifications. There are loads of minor schools offering ‘in-house’ certificates which will prove unusable when you start your job-search.
The top IT companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe have globally renowned skills courses. Huge conglomerates such as these will make sure you’re employable.
Make sure you don’t get caught-up, as many people do, on the accreditation program. Training for training’s sake is generally pointless; this is about gaining commercial employment. You need to remain focused on where you want to go.
You could be training for only a year and end up doing the actual job for 10-20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be a very ‘interesting’ program and then spend decades in a job you don’t like!
Prioritise understanding the exact expectations industry will have. What certifications they’ll want you to gain and how you’ll build your experience level. It’s definitely worth spending time considering how far you’d like to go as it will often present a very specific set of certifications.
Seek help from a skilled professional who appreciates the market you’re interested in, and who can offer ‘A typical day in the life of’ synopsis of what kinds of tasks you’ll be undertaking with each working day. It’s sensible to know if this change is right for you before you jump into the study-program. There’s little reason in starting your training only to discover you’re on the wrong course.
Getting into your first IT role is often made easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. It can happen though that there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it is genuinely quite straightforward for a well trained and motivated person to find a job in the IT industry – because there’s a great need for skilled employees.
Help with your CV and interview techniques might be provided (if not, see one of our sites for help). It’s essential that you bring your CV right up to date straight away – not when you’re ready to start work!
Getting onto the ‘maybe’ pile of CV’s is more than not being regarded at all. Often junior support jobs are offered to trainees (who’ve only just left first base.)
You’ll normally experience quicker service from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you’ll experience from any training provider’s national service, as they’ll know the area better.
Do ensure you don’t spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, only to stop and leave it in the hands of the gods to secure your first position. Stand up for yourself and get out there. Channel the same time and energy into securing your new role as it took to pass the exams.
(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Browse around www.MCSECertification4IT.co.uk or HERE.
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