In the fast-paced world we live in, support workers who can solve problems with computers and networks, along with giving constant assistance to users, are vital in all sections of the economy. With the increasingly multifaceted levels of technology, greater numbers of trained staff are being sought to look after the various different areas we rely on.
One of the most important things to insist on has to be 24×7 round-the-clock support with professional mentors and instructors. Too many companies only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support.
Find a good quality service where you can access help at any time of day or night (no matter if it’s in the middle of the night on a weekend!) You want direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you’re parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.
We recommend that you search for training schools that utilise many support facilities from around the world. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to provide a single interface and 24×7 access, when you want it, with the minimum of hassle.
You can’t afford to accept anything less. 24×7 support is the only viable option for computer-based courses. Perhaps you don’t intend to study during the evenings; often though, we’re out at work at the time when most support is available.
One fatal mistake that potential students often succumb to is to concentrate on the course itself, and not focus on where they want to get to. Training academies are brimming over with students that chose an ‘interesting’ course – instead of the program that would surely get them an enjoyable career or job.
Students often train for a single year but end up doing the actual job for 10-20 years. Don’t make the error of opting for what may seem to be an ‘interesting’ course and then spend decades in a job you don’t like!
It’s well worth a long chat to see what industry will expect from you. Which qualifications you’ll need and how to gain experience. It’s also worth spending time setting guidelines as to how far you reckon you’re going to want to progress your career as it will force you to choose a particular set of qualifications.
Talk to someone that understands the work you’re contemplating, and who can give you a detailed description of what you’re going to be doing in that job. Contemplating this well before you start on any learning course will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
So, why is it better to gain commercial certification as opposed to traditional academic qualifications gained through schools, colleges or universities?
As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, the IT sector has been required to move to the specialised training only available through the vendors themselves – that is companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This frequently provides reductions in both cost and time.
This is done through honing in on the actual skills required (along with a proportionate degree of background knowledge,) instead of covering masses of the background detail and ‘fluff’ that computer Science Degrees can often find themselves doing – to pad out the syllabus.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Recognised IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs – everything they need to know is in the title: as an example – I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Windows XP Administration and Configuration’. Therefore an employer can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are required to perform the job.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it’s relatively easy for a well trained and motivated person to get work in the IT environment – because companies everywhere are seeking trained staff.
Get your CV updated straight-away though – look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don’t procrastinate and leave it for when you’re ready to start work.
Getting onto the ‘maybe’ pile of CV’s is more than not being known. Many junior jobs are got by students (sometimes when they’ve only just got going.)
The top companies to help get you placed are most often specialist locally based employment services. As they will get paid by the employer when they’ve placed you, they have more incentive to get on with it.
A constant frustration of a number of course providers is how hard men and women are focused on studying to get qualified, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the position they’re acquired skills for. Have confidence – the IT industry needs YOU.
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Look at NewCareerOptions.co.uk/dncarop.html or Computer Course.