UK Computer Retraining – Thoughts

January 13th, 2010 | Author : Jason Kendall | Posted in Computers

It’s really great that you’ve made it this far! Only one in ten folks say they enjoy their work, but most of us just go off on one from time to time and do nothing. Because you’ve done research we have a hunch that you’re finding out about training, so even now you’re ahead of the game. What comes next is get busy to find your direction.

On the subject of training, it’s vital to first define your requirements from the career you’re looking to get into. Be sure that the grass actually is greener before you spend time and effort altering your life’s plans. It’s good sense to regard the whole story first, to avoid disappointment:

* Would you like to work with others? If so, do you want a team or are you more comfortable dealing with strangers? Alternatively, do you like to deal with your responsibilities alone?

* What’s important that you get from the industry your job is in? (If it’s stability you’re after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)

* Do you want this to be the only time re-training is necessary?

* Would you like the course you’re re-training in to be in a market sector where you’re comfortable you’ll have a job until your pension kicks in?

It’s important that you don’t overlook the IT industry – it’s well known that it’s developing all the time. It’s not all nerdy people looking at computer screens the whole time – we know those roles do exist, but the majority of roles are filled with ordinary men and women who get on very well.

Considering the amount of options that are available, it’s not really surprising that a large majority of newcomers to the industry have no idea which career they could be successful with.

Scanning a list of IT job-titles is a complete waste of time. The majority of us have no idea what the neighbours do for a living – so we have no hope of understanding the complexities of a particular IT career.

To work through this, there should be a discussion of several definitive areas:

* What nature of person you think yourself to be – the tasks that you find interesting, and don’t forget – what don’t you like doing.

* Is it your desire to accomplish a closely held aspiration – like working from home in the near future?

* What scale of importance is the salary – is an increase your main motivator, or is enjoying your job a little higher on your priority-list?

* Understanding what the main Information technology areas and markets are – and what makes them different.

* You need to understand the differences across each individual training area.

For the average person, sifting through all these ideas needs a long talk with someone that can investigate each area with you. Not only the certifications – but also the commercial needs and expectations of the market as well.

Don’t get hung-up, like so many people do, on the certification itself. Training is not an end in itself; this is about employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve.

It’s a sad fact, but a great many students start out on programs that sound fabulous in the marketing materials, but which provides a job that is of no interest at all. Just ask several university leavers and you’ll see where we’re coming from.

You must also consider how you feel about career progression and earning potential, plus your level of ambition. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, what exams will be required and how to develop your experience.

We’d recommend you take advice from an experienced industry advisor before you begin some particular study path, so you can be sure that the content of a learning package provides the skills necessary.

Always expect the latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation packages.

Because most IT examination boards are from the USA, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It’s not sufficient simply going through the right questions – they need to be in the proper exam format.

As you can imagine, it’s very crucial to ensure that you are completely prepared for your commercial exam before taking it. Practicing ‘mock’ tests will help to boost your attitude and helps to avoid thwarted exam entries.

Be watchful that any accreditations you’re considering doing will be recognised by employers and are up-to-date. The ‘in-house’ certifications provided by many companies are not normally useful in gaining employment.

All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA have internationally recognised skills programmes. These big-hitters will give some sparkle to your CV.

(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Visit Click HERE or MCSE Course.

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