As you're in the process of finding out about courses for MCSE, it's possible you're in one of two situations: Maybe you're thinking of a dynamic move to get into the IT field, and all evidence points to a growing demand for properly qualified people. On the other hand you're someone with a certain amount of IT knowledge - and you'd like to consolidate your skill-set with the MCSE accreditation.
When looking into training companies, make sure you steer clear of those who cut costs by failing to use the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Such institutions will hold back the student as they will have been learning from the wrong MCSE version which doesn't match the present exams, so it could be impossible for them to pass.
A company's mission statement must be based upon doing the most for their students, and they should be passionate about their results. Working towards an MCSE isn't just about passing exams - the procedure must also be geared towards assisting you in working on the best action plan for your future.
Be watchful that any certifications you're studying for are recognised by industry and are current. 'In-house' exams and the certificates they come with are generally useless.
All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have globally renowned proficiency courses. These big-hitters will make your CV stand-out.
Many trainers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to assist your search for your first position. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, for it is genuinely quite straightforward for any focused and well taught person to get a job in IT - as there is such a shortage of qualified personnel.
You would ideally have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; also we would encourage all students to update their CV the day they start training - don't delay for when you're ready to start work.
It can happen that you haven't even passed your first exam when you will get your initial junior support role; yet this is not possible unless you've posted your CV on job sites.
Generally, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. They should, of course, also know the local industry and employment needs.
Please make sure you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, just to give up and leave it up to everyone else to secure your first position. Stop procrastinating and start looking for yourself. Invest as much time and energy into finding a good job as it took to get qualified.
We're often asked why traditional degrees are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications?
With the costs of academic degree's becoming a tall order for many, and the IT sector's increasing awareness that corporate based study is often far more commercially relevant, there's been a dramatic increase in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training programmes that create knowledgeable employees for considerably less.
Patently, a certain portion of closely linked knowledge must be taught, but essential specifics in the exact job role gives a vendor educated student a huge edge.
Assuming a company is aware what they're looking for, then all it takes is an advert for the particular skill-set required. The syllabuses are set to exacting standards and can't change from one establishment to the next (as academic syllabuses often do).
Some training providers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly.
Don't buy study programmes that only provide support to trainees via a message system when it's outside of usual working hours. Training organisations will give you every excuse in the book why you don't need this. Essentially - support is required when it's required - not as-and-when it's suitable for their staff.
As long as you look hard, you will find professional training packages that provide their students online support around the clock - no matter what time of day it is.
You can't afford to accept anything less. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only kind to make the grade for technical training. It's possible you don't intend to study late evenings; often though, we're out at work during the provided support period.
When looking into training companies, make sure you steer clear of those who cut costs by failing to use the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Such institutions will hold back the student as they will have been learning from the wrong MCSE version which doesn't match the present exams, so it could be impossible for them to pass.
A company's mission statement must be based upon doing the most for their students, and they should be passionate about their results. Working towards an MCSE isn't just about passing exams - the procedure must also be geared towards assisting you in working on the best action plan for your future.
Be watchful that any certifications you're studying for are recognised by industry and are current. 'In-house' exams and the certificates they come with are generally useless.
All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have globally renowned proficiency courses. These big-hitters will make your CV stand-out.
Many trainers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to assist your search for your first position. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, for it is genuinely quite straightforward for any focused and well taught person to get a job in IT - as there is such a shortage of qualified personnel.
You would ideally have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; also we would encourage all students to update their CV the day they start training - don't delay for when you're ready to start work.
It can happen that you haven't even passed your first exam when you will get your initial junior support role; yet this is not possible unless you've posted your CV on job sites.
Generally, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. They should, of course, also know the local industry and employment needs.
Please make sure you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, just to give up and leave it up to everyone else to secure your first position. Stop procrastinating and start looking for yourself. Invest as much time and energy into finding a good job as it took to get qualified.
We're often asked why traditional degrees are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications?
With the costs of academic degree's becoming a tall order for many, and the IT sector's increasing awareness that corporate based study is often far more commercially relevant, there's been a dramatic increase in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training programmes that create knowledgeable employees for considerably less.
Patently, a certain portion of closely linked knowledge must be taught, but essential specifics in the exact job role gives a vendor educated student a huge edge.
Assuming a company is aware what they're looking for, then all it takes is an advert for the particular skill-set required. The syllabuses are set to exacting standards and can't change from one establishment to the next (as academic syllabuses often do).
Some training providers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly.
Don't buy study programmes that only provide support to trainees via a message system when it's outside of usual working hours. Training organisations will give you every excuse in the book why you don't need this. Essentially - support is required when it's required - not as-and-when it's suitable for their staff.
As long as you look hard, you will find professional training packages that provide their students online support around the clock - no matter what time of day it is.
You can't afford to accept anything less. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only kind to make the grade for technical training. It's possible you don't intend to study late evenings; often though, we're out at work during the provided support period.
About the Author:
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Hop over to Learning HTML or www.MidLifeCareerChange.co.uk/LMLCC.html.
