Network and computer support workers are more and more sought after in Great Britain, as organisations have come to depend on their technical advice and capacity to solve problems. Because our society becomes more and more reliant on our PC’s, we simultaneously inevitably become increasingly dependent on the technically knowledgeable IT networkers, who maintain those systems.
There is a tidal wave of change washing over technology over the next generation – and this means greater innovations all the time. Technology, computers and dialogue via the internet will dramatically affect the way we live our lives over the coming years; overwhelmingly so.
A average IT man or woman over this country as a whole can demonstrate that they receive significantly more than employees on a par in another industry. Typical wages are around the top of national league tables. The requirement for certified IT specialists is assured for the significant future, because of the substantial expansion in the marketplace and the very large deficiency still in existence.
So, which sort of questions should we be asking if we want to arrive at the understanding we need? Since there seems to be some fairly outstanding possibilities for everyone to investigate.
An all too common mistake that potential students often succumb to is to concentrate on the course itself, and take their eye off the end result they want to achieve. Universities are full of direction-less students who took a course because it seemed fun – rather than what would get them an enjoyable career or job. Don’t be one of those unfortunate people who select a program that seems ‘fun’ or ‘interesting’ – and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for an unrewarding career path.
Be honest with yourself about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. Sometimes, this affects what qualifications you will need and what industry will expect from you in return. Seek out help from a skilled professional that ‘gets’ the commercial realities of the area you’re interested in, and who can offer ‘A typical day in the life of’ understanding of of what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis. It makes good sense to ensure you’re on the right track before you embark on your training program. What’s the point in kicking off your training only to realise you’ve made a huge mistake.
The classroom style of learning we remember from school, using textbooks and whiteboards, is an up-hill struggle for the majority of us. If you’re nodding as you read this, find training programs that are multimedia based. Research into the way we learn shows that memory is aided when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we get physically involved with the study process.
Interactive audio-visual materials utilising video demo’s and practice lab’s will turn you off book-based study for ever more. And you’ll actually enjoy doing them. All companies should be able to show you a few examples of the materials provided for study. Make sure you encounter videos of instructor-led classes and many interactive sections.
Go for physical media such as CD or DVD ROM’s every time. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband outages, failure and signal quality issues etc.
A lot of trainers only give support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later; very few go late in the evening or at weekends. Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use ‘out-of-hours’ messaging systems – with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. This is no use if you’re stuck and need help now.
The very best programs utilise an online access round-the-clock package involving many support centres over many time-zones. You’ll have an easy to use environment which switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres any time of the day or night: Support when you need it. Unless you insist on 24×7 support, you’ll end up kicking yourself. You may avoid using the support late in the night, but what about weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.
Many men and women assume that the tech college or university path is the way they should go. So why is commercial certification becoming more in demand? The IT sector is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, certified accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – saving time and money. Patently, a reasonable amount of closely linked knowledge must be taught, but precise specifics in the exact job role gives a commercially trained person a distinct advantage.
When an employer understands what they’re looking for, then they just need to look for a person with the appropriate exam numbers. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and can’t change from one establishment to the next (in the way that degree courses can).
Exam ‘guarantees’ are sometimes offered as part of a training package – inevitably that means paying for the exams before you’ve even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with this so-called guarantee, be aware of the facts:
We all know that we’re ultimately paying for it – it’s not so hard to see that it’s been added into the overall figure from the training company. It’s certainly not free – and it’s insulting that we’re supposed to think it is! The fact is that when trainees fund their relevant examinations, one at a time, they will be much more likely to get through on the first attempt – since they’ll think of their payment and their application will be greater.
Look for the very best offer you can when you take the exam, and save having to find the money early. In addition, it’s then your choice where to take your exam – so you can choose somewhere closer to home. Paying upfront for exams (and interest charges if you’re borrowing money) is a false economy. Resist being talked into filling the training company’s account with additional funds only to please their Bank Manager! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you won’t get round to taking them – so they don’t need to pay for them. It’s also worth noting that ‘Exam Guarantees’ often aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. The majority of organisations won’t be prepared to pay for re-takes until you’ve completely satisfied them that you’re ready this time.
Prometric and VUE exams are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why spend so much more on fees for ‘exam guarantees’ (often hidden in the cost) – when the best course materials, the right level of support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.
Many training companies offer a Job Placement Assistance service, to help you get your first job. Because of the massive skills shortage in the United Kingdom at the moment, there isn’t a great need to make too much of this option though. It isn’t such a complex operation to find the right work once you’re properly qualified.
Help with your CV and interview techniques might be provided (if not, see one of our sites for help). Make sure you polish up your CV straight away – not after you’ve qualified! Quite frequently, you will get your first role whilst you’re still studying (sometimes when you’ve only just got going). If you haven’t updated your CV to say what you’re studying (and it’s not being looked at by employers) then you won’t even be considered! The most reliable organisations to get you a new position are most often specialist independent regional recruitment consultancies. Because they only get paid when they place you, they have more incentive to get on with it.
Many students, apparently, put a great deal of effort into their studies (sometimes for years), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for a good job. Market yourself… Work hard to put yourself out there. A job isn’t just going to bump into you.