MCSA Career Training - What Are The Options (150509)
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.
It's abundantly clear: There's absolutely no personal job security now; there's only industry and sector security - companies can just let anyone go if it meets their commercial needs. In actuality, security now only emerges through a swiftly increasing marketplace, driven by a shortfall of trained staff. It's this shortage that creates the right environment for a higher level of market-security - definitely a more pleasing situation.
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?
A proficient and professional advisor (in contrast with a salesperson) will want to thoroughly discuss your current situation. This is paramount to establishing the point at which you need to start your studies. With some work-based experience or qualifications, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is very different to someone completely new. It's wise to consider some basic PC skills training first. Starting there can make your learning curve a a little easier.
Full support is of the utmost importance - look for a package that includes 24x7 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.
The very best training providers utilise several support facilities across multiple time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, irrespective of the time you login, help is just seconds away, avoiding all the delays and problems. Don't accept second best with the quality of your support. The majority of trainees that give up, would have had a different experience if they'd got the right support package in the first place.
We'd hazard a guess that you've always enjoyed practical work - a 'hands-on' person. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it doesn't suit your way of doing things. You should use video and multimedia based materials if learning from books is not your thing. If we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Through video streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, and then have a go at it yourself - in a virtual lab environment. Any company that you're considering must be able to demonstrate samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.
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 regularly asked to explain why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more commercial qualifications? With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has had to move to the specialised core-skills learning only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA. Often this saves time and money for the student. They do this by honing in on the skills that are really needed (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) instead of trawling through all the background detail and 'fluff' that degree courses can get bogged down in (to fill up a syllabus or 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.
It's essential to have the latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) authorised exam preparation packages. Don't go for training programs depending on unauthorised preparation materials for exams. The terminology of their questions can be completely unlike authorised versions - and this could lead to potential problems when it comes to taking the real exam. Ensure that you check whether you're learning enough by doing tests and practice exams before you take the real deal.
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.
A good number of students, apparently, are prepared to study their hearts out (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when attempting to secure their first job. Market yourself... Make an effort to get in front of employers. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.
It's abundantly clear: There's absolutely no personal job security now; there's only industry and sector security - companies can just let anyone go if it meets their commercial needs. In actuality, security now only emerges through a swiftly increasing marketplace, driven by a shortfall of trained staff. It's this shortage that creates the right environment for a higher level of market-security - definitely a more pleasing situation.
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?
A proficient and professional advisor (in contrast with a salesperson) will want to thoroughly discuss your current situation. This is paramount to establishing the point at which you need to start your studies. With some work-based experience or qualifications, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is very different to someone completely new. It's wise to consider some basic PC skills training first. Starting there can make your learning curve a a little easier.
Full support is of the utmost importance - look for a package that includes 24x7 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.
The very best training providers utilise several support facilities across multiple time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, irrespective of the time you login, help is just seconds away, avoiding all the delays and problems. Don't accept second best with the quality of your support. The majority of trainees that give up, would have had a different experience if they'd got the right support package in the first place.
We'd hazard a guess that you've always enjoyed practical work - a 'hands-on' person. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it doesn't suit your way of doing things. You should use video and multimedia based materials if learning from books is not your thing. If we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Through video streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, and then have a go at it yourself - in a virtual lab environment. Any company that you're considering must be able to demonstrate samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.
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 regularly asked to explain why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more commercial qualifications? With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has had to move to the specialised core-skills learning only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA. Often this saves time and money for the student. They do this by honing in on the skills that are really needed (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) instead of trawling through all the background detail and 'fluff' that degree courses can get bogged down in (to fill up a syllabus or 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.
It's essential to have the latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) authorised exam preparation packages. Don't go for training programs depending on unauthorised preparation materials for exams. The terminology of their questions can be completely unlike authorised versions - and this could lead to potential problems when it comes to taking the real exam. Ensure that you check whether you're learning enough by doing tests and practice exams before you take the real deal.
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.
A good number of students, apparently, are prepared to study their hearts out (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when attempting to secure their first job. Market yourself... Make an effort to get in front of employers. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.
About the Author:
Jason Kendall has been in the IT industry for 20 yrs. He thinks he knows what he's talking about by now. To find out more on MCSA Training, visit LearningLolly MCSA 2008.