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Written by Jason Kendall

Sunday, 17 January 2010 09:09

by JasonKendall

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 researching training companies, don't use those that cut costs by not providing the latest version from Microsoft. In the long-run, this will end up costing the student a great deal more because they've been taught from an outdated MCSE course which inevitably will have to be up-dated pretty much straight away.

Don't get bullied into a course without the right advice. Find a training provider that will make sure that you're on an appropriate training track for your requirements.

A study programme really needs to work up to a nationally (or globally) recognised certification as an end-result - definitely not some 'in-house' plaque for your wall.

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.

Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward with a Job Placement Assistance facility. The fact of the matter is it's not as hard as some people make out to land a job - assuming you're well trained and qualified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

Help with your CV and interview techniques may be available (if not, see one of our sites for help). Make sure you work on your old CV today - don't wait until you've finished your exams!

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.

To bottom line it, if you put the same amount of effort into securing your first job as into training, you won't find it too challenging. Some people bizarrely spend hundreds of hours on their training and studies and do nothing more once they've passed their exams and seem to expect employers to find them.

We're often asked why traditional degrees are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications?

Industry is of the opinion that for an understanding of the relevant skills, certified accreditation supplied for example by Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe most often has much more specialised relevance - and a fraction of the cost and time.

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).

One thing you must always insist on is 24x7 round-the-clock support via professional mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend.

Find a good quality service with help available at any time of the day or night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) Make sure it's always 24x7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not access to a call-in service which takes messages - so you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.

World-class organisations utilise an online access round-the-clock system combining multiple support operations throughout multiple time-zones. You'll have an easy to use environment which accesses the most appropriate office at any time of day or night: Support available as-and-when you want it.

Don't accept second best when you're looking for the right support service. Most IT hopefuls who throw in the towel, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).

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