If you’re looking for an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) training program, be aware that companies offer quite diverse courses; some are much better than others. You’ll come across a variety of courses, whether you’re a beginner, or a professional looking to gain acknowledged certifications. Each scenario requires a specialised course, so pay attention to check you’re on the right one before making a start. Search for a training provider that talks with you so they get to know what you’re looking to do, and can help you identify what you’ll be doing, long before they discuss course options.
OK, why is it better to gain commercially accredited qualifications as opposed to traditional academic qualifications obtained from the state educational establishments? The IT sector is now aware that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, certified accreditation from companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Essentially, the learning just focuses on what’s actually required. Actually, it’s not quite as pared down as that, but principally the objective has to be to focus on the exact skills required (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without going into too much detail in every other area (as degree courses are known to do).
Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Starting with the idea that it makes sense to find the market that sounds most inviting first, before we can weigh up which training course ticks the right boxes, how do we decide on the right direction? Flicking through a list of IT job-titles is no use whatsoever. Most of us don’t really appreciate what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - so we’re in the dark as to the subtleties of a specific IT job. To work through this, a discussion is necessary, covering many different aspects:
* Personality plays a major part - what things get your juices flowing, and what are the activities that put a frown on your face.
* Why it seems right starting in IT - is it to achieve a particular goal such as firing your boss and working for yourself maybe.
* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it of prime importance, or does job satisfaction rate further up on your list of priorities?
* Learning what the main career roles and sectors are - plus how they’re different to each other.
* Having a cold, hard look at how much time and effort that you’re going to put into it.
At the end of the day, the best way of understanding everything necessary is through an in-depth discussion with an advisor who understands the market well enough to lead you to the correct decision.
So many training providers focus completely on the certification process, and forget why you’re doing this - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the final destination in mind - don’t make the vehicle more important than the destination. You could be training for only a year and end up doing the job for 20 years. Avoid the mistake of choosing what sounds like a very ‘interesting’ program and then put 10-20 years into something you don’t even enjoy!
It’s essential to keep your focus on what it is you’re trying to achieve, and create a learning-plan from that - avoid getting them back-to-front. Stay on target - making sure you’re training for an end-result that will keep you happy for many years. It’s worth seeking help from an advisor who knows the commercial realities of the sector you’ve chosen, and will be able to provide ‘A day in the life of’ explanation of the job being considered. These things are incredibly important because you obviously have to know if you’re going down the right road.
It only makes sense to consider training paths that’ll grow into commercially acknowledged qualifications. There are loads of small companies pushing unknown ‘in-house’ certificates which are worthless in the real world. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe have widely acknowledged skills courses. Huge conglomerates such as these will ensure your employability.
One useful service offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is to steer you into your first IT role. But don’t place too much emphasis on it - it’s easy for training companies to overstate it’s need. In reality, the need for well trained IT people in this country is the reason you’ll find a job.
However, what is relevant is to have CV and Interview advice and support though; also we would encourage everybody to work on polishing up their CV as soon as training commences - don’t wait till you’ve finished your exams. It’s possible that you won’t have even passed your first exam when you land your first junior support position; although this can’t and won’t happen unless you’ve posted your CV on job sites. You’ll normally experience better results from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than you’ll get from a training provider’s national service, because they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
In a nutshell, as long as you focus the same level of energy into getting your first job as into studying, you’re not going to hit many challenges. A number of students inexplicably put hundreds of hours into their training and studies and then call a halt once qualified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.