What do you expect the most superior Microsoft accredited suppliers to offer a client in this country currently? Undoubtedly, the finest Microsoft authorised training routes, supplying a range of courses to take you towards various areas of industry.
Perhaps you’d like to be given advice on the sort of careers available to you after you’ve completed your training, and the kind of person those jobs may be appropriate for. Many people like to discuss what the best route is for them.
Be sure your training course is tailored to your needs and abilities. The best companies will ensure that your training track is designed for the job you want to get.
We’d hazard a guess that you’re a practical sort of person – a ‘hands-on’ type. Typically, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you’ll make yourself do if you have to, but it’s not ideal. Consider interactive, multimedia study if learning from books is not your thing.
Long-term memory is enhanced when multiple senses are involved – this has been an accepted fact in expert circles for many years.
The latest audio-visual interactive programs featuring instructor demo’s and practice lab’s will turn you off book-based study for ever more. And you’ll actually enjoy doing them.
It’s very important to see examples of the study materials provided by each company you’re contemplating. They have to utilise video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where possible, as you need to be able to use them whenever it’s convenient for you – you don’t want to be reliant on your broadband being ‘up’ 100 percent of the time.
Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, most definitely, starting to replace the traditional routes into the IT industry – but why is this?
Industry is now aware that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, official accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised – for considerably less.
Many degrees, as a example, can often get caught up in too much background study – and a syllabus that’s too generalised. This prevents a student from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.
Imagine if you were an employer – and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. Which is the most straightforward: Wade your way through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from various applicants, having to ask what each has covered and what commercial skills they have, or choose a specific set of accreditations that exactly fulfil your criteria, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview – rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.
Don’t get hung-up, as a lot of students can, on the certification itself. Training is not an end in itself; this is about employment. Begin and continue with the end in mind.
It’s a terrible situation, but thousands of new students begin programs that seem fabulous from the syllabus guide, but which delivers a career that is of no interest at all. Try talking to typical university leavers for examples.
It’s well worth a long chat to see the expectations of your industry. Which exams they will want you to have and in what way you can gain some industry experience. It’s also worth spending time assessing how far you wish to go as it will often present a very specific set of accreditations.
Look for help from an experienced professional who appreciates the market you’re interested in, and who can give you ‘A day in the life of’ understanding of of what you’ll be doing day-to-day. It’s sensible to ensure you’re on the right track long before the training program is started. After all, what is the reason in kicking off your training and then find you’ve taken the wrong route.
Several companies supply a practical Job Placement Assistance program, to help you get your first job. Sometimes, people are too impressed with this facility, as it’s relatively easy for a well trained and motivated person to find work in the IT environment – as employers are keen to find appropriately well trained people.
However, avoid waiting until you have finished your training before getting your CV updated. As soon as you start a course, mark down what you’re doing and get promoting!
Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being known. A surprising amount of junior jobs are offered to people in the early stages of their course.
Actually, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultant or service (who will get paid by the employer when they’ve placed you) should get better results than any sector of a centralised training facility. It also stands to reason that they’ll know local industry and the area better.
Do ensure you don’t put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, then call a halt and leave it in the hands of the gods to secure your first position. Stop procrastinating and get on with the job. Put as much energy and enthusiasm into securing a good job as you did to get trained.
(C) 2009 Scott Edwards. Navigate to Database Training or Click HERE.