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The Microsoft MCSA course (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is right for anyone wanting to become a network engineer. So if you’re already experienced but need to formalise your skills with a good qualification, or you are just getting into the industry, you will be able to find a course to fulfil your needs. Each category should have a different training track, so pay attention to check you’re being offered the best one prior to spending your money. Look for a training company that talks with you so they learn what you hope to do, and will give you direction on what you want to do, long before they select your course.

Wouldn’t it be great to know for sure that our careers are secure and our future is protected, however, the truth for the majority of jobs throughout England currently seems to be that there is no security anymore. It’s possible though to hit upon security at the market sector level, by digging for areas of high demand, together with shortages of trained staff.

Taking the computing market for example, the 2006 e-Skills study brought to light a national skills shortage in the United Kingdom of around 26 percent. To explain it in a different way, this highlights that Great Britain can only find three properly accredited workers for every 4 jobs in existence now. This single idea in itself highlights why the UK requires many more people to get into the Information Technology market. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market conditions will exist for getting certified in this quickly growing and blossoming market.

Without a doubt, the computer sector offers superb prospects. However, to properly investigate, what are the questions we should be asking, and which are the most important considerations?

An advisor that doesn’t ask you a lot of questions – the likelihood is they’re just trying to sell you something. If they wade straight in with a specific product before getting to know your background and whether you have any commercial experience, then it’s very likely to be the case. Where you have a strong background, or sometimes a little work-based experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then obviously the level you’ll need to start at will be different from a student that is completely new to the industry. It’s wise to consider user-skills and software training first. This can often make the transition to higher-level learning a much more gentle.

Full support is of the utmost importance – look for a package that includes 24×7 access, as anything less will frustrate you and could impede your ability to learn. Look for training where you can access help at any time of day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You want access directly to professional tutors, and not simply some messaging service that means you’re parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.

Keep looking and you’ll come across the top providers who give students direct-access support 24×7 – even in the middle of the night. You can’t afford to accept a lower level of service. Direct-access 24×7 support is the only viable option with computer-based study. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; often though, we’re working while the support is live.

Those that are drawn to this type of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and don’t really enjoy classrooms, and slogging through piles of books. If this is putting you off studying, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, where everything is presented via full motion video. Recent studies into the way we learn shows that we remember much more when we use all our senses, and we take action to use what we’ve learned.

Learning is now available via DVD-ROM discs, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Using video-streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how something is done, followed by your chance to practice – in a virtual lab environment. Any company that you’re considering must be pushed to demo a few samples of their training materials. Make sure you encounter videos of instructor-led classes and a variety of interactive modules.

Avoid training that is purely online. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where offered, as you need to be able to use them whenever it’s convenient for you – and not be totally reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.

We’re often asked why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certifications? Industry now acknowledges that for an understanding of the relevant skills, proper accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – for considerably less. They do this by honing in on the skill-sets required (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) as opposed to trawling through all the background ‘extras’ that computer Science Degrees often do – to fill a three or four year course.

The bottom line is: Commercial IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs – the title is a complete giveaway: for example, I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. Consequently an employer can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are required to fulfil that.

Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are a must – and must be supplied by your training supplier. Due to the fact that a lot of examining boards for IT are from the USA, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It isn’t good enough merely understanding random questions – they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. Simulations and practice exams can be very useful as a resource to you – so when it comes to taking the real deal, you will be much more relaxed.

Getting your first commercial position can be a little easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance program. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, as it’s really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to get work in this industry – because there’s a great need for qualified personnel.

Ideally you should have CV and Interview advice and support though; also we would encourage any student to update their CV right at the beginning of their training – don’t procrastinate and leave it for when you’re ready to start work. Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being known. Many junior jobs are bagged by people (who’ve only just left first base.) The most efficient companies to help you land that job are most often local IT focused employment agencies. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.

In a nutshell, as long as you focus the same level of energy into finding a job as into studying, you won’t find it too challenging. Some students curiously invest a great deal of time on their training and studies and then call a halt once qualified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

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