In these days of super efficiency, support workers who can solve problems with networks and PC’s, and offer ongoing help to users, are vital in all areas of the workplace. As we get to grips with the daunting complexities of technological advances, many more competent professionals are being looked for to dedicate themselves to the many areas we need to be sure will work effectively.
Commercial certification is now, most definitely, already replacing the older academic routes into the IT sector – but why is this?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has had to move to the specialised core-skills learning that can only come from the vendors – namely companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. Often this saves time and money for the student.
In essence, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It isn’t quite as lean as that might sound, but the principle objective is to master the precisely demanded skill-sets (along with a certain amount of crucial background) – without overdoing the detail in every other area (as academia often does).
When an employer understands what areas they need covered, then they simply need to advertise for the exact skill-set required to meet that need. Syllabuses are set to meet an exact requirement and aren’t allowed to deviate (as academic syllabuses often do).
Charging for examinations upfront and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is a common method with many training course providers. Consider the facts:
Thankfully, today we’re a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks – and usually we cotton on to the fact that it is actually an additional cost to us (it’s not a freebie because they like us so much!)
Students who take each progressive exam, funding them as they go are far more likely to pass first time. They are conscious of the cost and take the necessary steps to make sure they’re ready.
Hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you’re ready, and save having to find the money early. In addition, it’s then your choice where to take your exam – meaning you can choose a local testing centre.
Considerable numbers of unscrupulous training course providers secure huge profits because they’re charging for all the exam fees up-front and banking on the fact that many won’t be taken.
It’s worth noting, with most ‘Exam Guarantees’ – you are not in control of when you are allowed to have another go. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company’s say so.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is naive – when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will get you through.
Some trainers will only offer support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later; It’s rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover.
Look for training with help available at any time you choose (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You want direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not access to a call-in service which takes messages – so you’re constantly waiting for a call-back during office hours.
The most successful trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres from around the world. Online access provides the interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, help is at hand, with no hassle or contact issues.
If you opt for less than direct-access 24×7 support, you’ll very quickly realise that you’ve made a mistake. You may avoid using the support during late nights, but you may need weekends, evenings and early mornings at some point.
Students eager to get a career in IT generally haven’t a clue what path to consider, let alone which area to get qualified in.
What chances do most of us have of understanding the many facets of a particular career when it’s an alien environment to us? Most likely we don’t even know anybody who does that actual job anyway.
The key to answering this question in the best manner stems from a full conversation around a variety of topics:
* The sort of person you think yourself to be – the tasks that you enjoy doing, and don’t forget – what don’t you like doing.
* Is your focus to obtain training due to a specific reason – for instance, are you pushing to work based at home (working for yourself?)?
* The income needs that are important to you?
* Looking at the many markets that the IT industry encapsulates, it’s a requirement that you can take in how they differ.
* What effort, commitment and time you will put into obtaining your certification.
The bottom line is, the most intelligent way of understanding everything necessary is from a good talk with someone who through years of experience will lead you to the correct decision.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. However sometimes this feature is bigged up too much, as it is actually not that hard for any motivated and trained individual to secure work in the IT industry – because companies everywhere are seeking well trained people.
Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don’t delay till you’ve finished your exams.
Various junior support jobs have been bagged by people who’re still on their course and haven’t got any qualifications yet. This will at least get your CV into the ‘possible’ pile and not the ‘no’ pile.
Generally, a specialist locally based recruitment consultant or service (who will get paid commission to place you) should get better results than any sector of a centralised training facility. It also stands to reason that they’ll be familiar with the area and local employers better.
A slight grievance for various training companies is how hard men and women are prepared to work to pass exams, but how un-prepared that student is to get the job they have acquired skills for. Get out there and hustle – you might find it’s fun.
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