Training in Microsoft MCSA PC Support (050609)
If you'd like to find a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) course, it's important to realise that companies offer quite diverse courses; some are much better than others. You will be able to choose from a range of courses, both if you're new to network support, or a professional ready to gain acknowledged certifications. For a newcomer to IT, it may well be necessary to pick up some skills ahead of attempting to go for the first of the four Microsoft Certified Professional exams (MCP's) required to gain MCSA certification. Find a company that can tailor your studying to suit you - with knowledgeable staff who will work with you to guarantee that you've selected your options carefully.
Doing your bit in the cutting-edge of new technology really is electrifying. You're involved with shaping the next few decades. We're barely beginning to get a handle on what this change will mean to us. The way we communicate and interact with everyone around us will be massively affected by computers and the internet.
Should lifestyle be high on your wish list, you will be happy to know that the income on average of the majority of IT staff is noticeably greater than salaries in the rest of the economy. It's evident that we have a great national need for qualified IT professionals. In addition, with the marketplace continuing to expand, it is likely there will be for the significant future.
One fatal mistake that many potential students make is to look for the actual course to take, rather than starting with the end result they want to achieve. Training academies are stacked to the hilt with students who chose a course based on what sounded good - in place of something that could gain them an enjoyable career or job. Don't let yourself become one of those unfortunate people who select a program that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - and end up with a certification for an unrewarding career path.
Never let your focus stray from where you want to go, and formulate your training based on that - don't do it back-to-front. Keep your eyes on your goals and ensure that you're training for a career you'll enjoy for years to come. Before you embark on a learning program, it makes sense to talk through the specific career requirements with an industry professional, so as to be sure the study program covers everything needed.
You have to be sure that all your accreditations are current and what employers are looking for - you're wasting your time with programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). You'll discover that only industry recognised certification from the top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will have any meaning to employers.
Many training companies offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Because of the huge shortage of skills in the United Kingdom at the moment, it's not necessary to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It really won't be that difficult to get employment as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.
Get your CV updated straight-away though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't put it off till you've finished your exams. You might not even have taken your exams when you'll secure your initial junior support position; but this can't and won't happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. The most reliable organisations to help you land that job are usually local IT focused employment agencies. Because they only get paid when they place you, they'll work that much harder to get a result.
Just make sure you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, and then just stop and imagine someone else is miraculously going to secure your first position. Get off your backside and make your own enquiries. Channel as much focus into landing your first job as it took to get qualified.
A sneaky way that training companies make extra profits is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and offering an exam guarantee. It looks impressive, but is it really:
Everyone knows they're still being charged for it - obviously it has already been included in the full cost of the package supplied by the training provider. It's definitely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! Passing first time is everyone's goal. Progressively working through your exams when it's appropriate and funding them as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you put the effort in and are aware of the costs involved.
Don't you think it's more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you're ready, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to the training college, and to do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area? A lot of current training providers net big margins because they're charging for exam fees early then hoping you won't see them all through. Most companies will require you to do mock exams and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on 'Exam Guarantees' is short-sighted - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will really see you through.
Doing your bit in the cutting-edge of new technology really is electrifying. You're involved with shaping the next few decades. We're barely beginning to get a handle on what this change will mean to us. The way we communicate and interact with everyone around us will be massively affected by computers and the internet.
Should lifestyle be high on your wish list, you will be happy to know that the income on average of the majority of IT staff is noticeably greater than salaries in the rest of the economy. It's evident that we have a great national need for qualified IT professionals. In addition, with the marketplace continuing to expand, it is likely there will be for the significant future.
One fatal mistake that many potential students make is to look for the actual course to take, rather than starting with the end result they want to achieve. Training academies are stacked to the hilt with students who chose a course based on what sounded good - in place of something that could gain them an enjoyable career or job. Don't let yourself become one of those unfortunate people who select a program that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - and end up with a certification for an unrewarding career path.
Never let your focus stray from where you want to go, and formulate your training based on that - don't do it back-to-front. Keep your eyes on your goals and ensure that you're training for a career you'll enjoy for years to come. Before you embark on a learning program, it makes sense to talk through the specific career requirements with an industry professional, so as to be sure the study program covers everything needed.
You have to be sure that all your accreditations are current and what employers are looking for - you're wasting your time with programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). You'll discover that only industry recognised certification from the top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will have any meaning to employers.
Many training companies offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Because of the huge shortage of skills in the United Kingdom at the moment, it's not necessary to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It really won't be that difficult to get employment as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.
Get your CV updated straight-away though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't put it off till you've finished your exams. You might not even have taken your exams when you'll secure your initial junior support position; but this can't and won't happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. The most reliable organisations to help you land that job are usually local IT focused employment agencies. Because they only get paid when they place you, they'll work that much harder to get a result.
Just make sure you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, and then just stop and imagine someone else is miraculously going to secure your first position. Get off your backside and make your own enquiries. Channel as much focus into landing your first job as it took to get qualified.
A sneaky way that training companies make extra profits is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and offering an exam guarantee. It looks impressive, but is it really:
Everyone knows they're still being charged for it - obviously it has already been included in the full cost of the package supplied by the training provider. It's definitely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! Passing first time is everyone's goal. Progressively working through your exams when it's appropriate and funding them as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you put the effort in and are aware of the costs involved.
Don't you think it's more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you're ready, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to the training college, and to do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area? A lot of current training providers net big margins because they're charging for exam fees early then hoping you won't see them all through. Most companies will require you to do mock exams and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on 'Exam Guarantees' is short-sighted - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will really see you through.
About the Author:
Jason Kendall advises and writes on the most up-to-date interactive PC training in the UK. To find out more on MCSA Training, visit LearningLolly MCSA 2008.