What could a trainee looking for training tracks certified by Microsoft expect to find today? Clearly, training organisations should give access to a ...
What could a trainee looking for training tracks certified by Microsoft expect to find today? Clearly,
training organisations should give access to a variety of routes that match the needs of Microsoft certified training tracks. It's advisable to consider all the options with an advisor who knows about the requirements in the workplace, and has the ability to guide you towards the best kind of work to suit your abilities and character. Training must be tailored to meet your needs. Therefore, after working out the best kind of work for you, you'll then need to look at what is the most applicable training course that will equip you for the role.
One thing you must always insist on is 24x7 round-the-clock support through dedicated instructors and mentors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Be wary of any training providers that use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - with the call-back coming in during typical office hours. This is useless when you're stuck and want support there and then.
Keep looking and you'll come across the top providers who offer online support all the time - at any time of day or night. Look for a training provider that offers this level of study support. Only true round-the-clock 24x7 support provides the necessary backup.
We're regularly asked to explain why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more commercial certifications? The IT sector now recognises that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, certified accreditation from companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - for much less time and money. The training is effectively done through focusing on the skills that are really needed (along with a proportionate degree of background knowledge,) as opposed to going into the heightened depths of background 'extras' that degrees in computing can often find themselves doing - to pad out the syllabus.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Accredited IT qualifications give employers exactly what they're looking for - the title is a complete giveaway: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently employers can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.
It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, at the very beginning of your studies. Before you get carried away with guaranteed exams, be aware of the facts:
In this day and age, we tend to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and most of us realise that of course we are actually being charged for it - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies! We all want to pass first time. Entering examinations one by one and paying as you go sees you much better placed to get through first time - you prepare appropriately and are aware of the costs involved.
Hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the appropriate time, and save having to find the money early. In addition, it's then your choice where to sit the exam - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. Including money in your training package for examination fees (and if you're financing your study there'll be interest on that) is madness. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with additional funds just to give them a good cash-flow! A lot bank on the fact that you won't get to do them all - but they won't refund the cash. In addition to this, exam guarantees often have very little value. The majority of companies will not pay for re-takes until you can prove to them you're ready to pass.
Prometric and VUE exams are around 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. What's the point of paying huge fees for 'exam guarantees' (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
Searching for your first position in IT can be a little easier with a Job Placement Assistance service. Because of the huge skills shortage in Britain even when times are hard, there's no need to become overly impressed with this service however. It's actually not as hard as some people make out to secure a job once you're properly qualified.
One important thing though, avoid waiting until you've qualified before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start studying, mark down what you're doing and get promoting! It can happen that you haven't even qualified when you'll secure your initial junior support position; although this isn't going to happen unless your CV is with employers. The top companies to help get you placed are usually specialist independent regional recruitment consultancies. Because they get paid commission to place you, they have more incentive to get on with it.
Various people, apparently, put a great deal of effort into their studies (for years sometimes), only to do nothing special when looking for the right position. Sell yourself... Make an effort to put yourself out there. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.
