Are you toying with the idea of doing an MCSE? If so, it’s probable that you’re probably in 1 of 2 situations: You could already be in IT and you want to enhance your CV with the MCSE qualification. In contrast this might be your initial foray into the IT environment, and you’ve discovered there’s a huge demand for men and women who are commercially qualified.
We’d recommend you see evidence that your provider is actually training you on the latest level of Microsoft development. A lot of students have come unstuck when they discover they’ve been educated in an out-of-date syllabus which now needs updating. Avoid the companies who are only trying to make a sale. Ask for comprehensive, personal guidance to ensure you’re registering on the correct course. Resist being forced into a one-size-fits-all course by a second-rate college.
A sneaky way that colleges make a lot more is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course then giving it ‘Exam Guarantee’ status. It looks like a good deal, but is it really:
In this day and age, we tend to be a little more ‘marketing-savvy’ – and usually we realise that of course it is something we’re paying for (it isn’t free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) Those who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are much better placed to get through first time. They are thoughtful of the cost and prepare more appropriately to make sure they’re ready.
Don’t you think it’s more sensible to find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium to a training course provider, and also to sit exams more locally – rather than possibly hours away from your area? Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for examination fees when you didn’t need to? A great deal of money is made by companies getting paid upfront for exams – and then cashing in when they’re not all taken. The majority of organisations will insist that you take mock exams first and hold you back from re-takes until you’ve proven conclusively that you can pass – which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
With average Prometric and VUE exams coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, it makes sense to pay as you go. Why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra at the beginning of your training? Consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.
You have to be sure that all your certifications are commercially valid and current – don’t even consider studies which end up with a useless in-house certificate or plaque. Unless your qualification is issued by a big-hitter like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then you’ll probably find it won’t be commercially viable – as it’ll be an unknown commodity.
Many folks don’t comprehend what IT is doing for all of us. It is ground-breaking, exciting, and means you’re working on technology that will affect us all over the next generation. There are people who believe that the technological revolution that’s been a familiar part of our recent lives is easing off. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are huge changes to come, and the internet significantly will be the most effective tool in our lives.
Incomes in IT are not a problem moreover – the usual income in the United Kingdom for an average IT worker is considerably better than average salaries nationally. Odds are that you’ll earn a much greater package than you could reasonably hope to get in other industries. The good news is there is no easing up for IT increases across Britain. The market is still growing enormously, and with the skills shortage of over 26 percent that we’re experiencing, it’s highly unlikely that this will change significantly for years to come.
Traditional teaching in classrooms, involving piles of reference textbooks, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If this sounds like you, dig around for more practical courses that are multimedia based. Where possible, if we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, so you can study at your own computer. Video streaming means you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, followed by your chance to practice – via the interactive virtual lab’s. Be sure to get a study material demo’ from your training provider. You’ll want to see demo’s from instructors, slideshows and fully interactive skills-lab’s.
Often, companies will only use training that is purely available online; while you can get away with this much of the time, think what will happen if you lose your internet access or you only get very a very slow connection sometimes. It is usually safer to have CD and DVD ROM materials that will not have these problems.
A service that several companies offer is job placement assistance. The service is put in place to assist your search for your first position. But don’t place too much emphasis on it – it isn’t unusual for companies marketing departments to overstate it’s need. The fact of the matter is, the massive skills shortage in Britain is what will make you attractive to employers.
Having said that, it’s important to have help with your CV and interview techniques though; additionally, we would recommend all students to work on polishing up their CV as soon as training commences – don’t put it off for when you’re ready to start work. It’s not unusual to find that you will get your initial role whilst still on the course (even when you’ve just left first base). If your course details aren’t on your CV (and it’s not being looked at by employers) then you don’t stand a chance! You can usually expect quicker service from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you will through a course provider’s national service, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.
Certainly ensure you don’t invest a great deal of time on your training course, just to give up and leave it up to everyone else to sort out your employment. Stand up for yourself and get out there. Invest as much resource into finding a good job as you did to get trained.
(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for excellent career advice on MCSE 2003 Course and MCSE.
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