Without a constant influx of trained network and computer support workers, industry in the United Kingdom (as elsewhere) would surely run into problems. We have an on-going demand for technicians to support both the systems and the users themselves. Due to the progressively multifaceted levels of technology, more and more IT professionals are needed to look after the smooth operation of functions we’ve come to rely on.
There is a tidal wave of change washing over technology over the next generation - and it becomes more and more thrilling each day. We are really only just beginning to comprehend how all this change will affect us. How we interrelate with the rest of the world will be significantly affected by computers and the internet.
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.
If the IT industry offers some unique career possibilities for us - then which questions should we ask and what elements are most important?
A typical blunder that we encounter all too often is to focus entirely on getting a qualification, instead of focusing on the desired end-result. Universities have thousands of students who took a course because it seemed fun - instead of the program that would surely get them the job they want. It’s a testament to the marketing skills of the big companies, but the majority of trainees commence training that sounds fabulous from the sales literature, but which gets us a career that doesn’t fulfil at all. Just ask several college graduates for a real eye-opener.
Spend some time thinking about what you want to earn and whether you’re an ambitious person or not. Often, this changes which certifications you will need and how much effort you’ll have to give in return. As a precursor to beginning a learning program, it makes sense to discuss the exact market requirements with an experienced industry professional, to ensure the learning path covers all the bases.
We’d hazard a guess that you’re quite practically minded - a ‘hands-on’ person. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms would be considered as a last resort, but it’s not really your thing. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if book-based learning really isn’t your style. Memory is vastly improved when we use multiple senses - educational experts have expounded on this for years now.
Programs are now found in disc format, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Utilising the latest video technology, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how something is done, and then practice yourself - in a virtual lab environment. It’s wise to view examples of the courseware provided before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where available, so that you have access at all times - and not be totally reliant on a good broadband connection all the time.
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.
World-class organisations opt for a web-based 24 hours-a-day facility involving many support centres from around the world. You get a simple environment which seamlessly selects the best facility available no matter what time of day it is: Support when it’s needed. Don’t compromise with the quality of your support. Many trainees that give up, are in that situation because they didn’t get the support necessary for them.
Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, undoubtedly, already replacing the older academic routes into the industry - but why is this happening? With 3 and 4 year academic degree costs increasing year on year, plus the industry’s general opinion that key company training is often far more commercially relevant, there has been a large rise in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA certified training routes that create knowledgeable employees for considerably less. Academic courses, for example, clog up the training with too much background study - and much too wide a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.
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).
One crafty way that colleges make a lot more is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. This sounds impressive, but is it really:
They’ve allowed costings for it one way or another. One thing’s for sure - it isn’t free - it’s just been rolled into the price of the whole package. It’s well known in the industry that if a student pays for each examination, one after the other, there’s a much better chance they’ll qualify each time - because they’re aware of the cost and their application will be greater.
Isn’t it outrageous to have to pay a college at the start of the course for examinations? Go for the best offer at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium - and sit exams more locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area. Paying upfront for examination fees (which also includes interest if you’ve taken out a loan) is a false economy. Resist being talked into filling the training company’s account with your money simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you won’t get to do them all - but they won’t refund the cash. It’s worth noting, with ‘Exam Guarantees’ from most places - you are not in control of when you are allowed to have another go. You’ll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they’ll pay for another exam.
Average exam fees were approximately 112 pounds in the last 12 months via VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra for ‘Exam Guarantees’, when it’s no secret that the best guarantee is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.
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.
One important thing though, don’t wait till you’ve passed your final exams before bringing your CV up to date. As soon as you start studying, mark down what you’re doing and place it on jobsites! It can happen that you haven’t even passed your first exam when you will get your initial junior support position; however this is not possible if your CV isn’t in front of employers. Generally, you’ll receive quicker service from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you’ll get from a training course provider’s national service, as they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
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.
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