Good for you! By landing here we guess you must be considering re-training to work in a different industry - so you've already done more than most. Less of us than you'd think are satisfied with our careers, but most just moan and do nothing about it. Why not be one of a small number who decide to make the change.
We'd strongly advise that prior to beginning any study program, you run through some things with a mentor who is familiar with the working environment and can advise you. Such a person will go through personality profiling with you and assist in finding the right role for you:
* Is collaborating with others important to you? Would you prefer to work with a small team or with a lot of new people? Perhaps working alone in a task-based situation would be more your thing?
* What do you need from the area of industry you choose? (If it's stability you're after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)
* Once you've trained, how many years work do anticipate working, and can your chosen industry provide you with that possibility?
* Would it be useful for the course you're re-training in to be in an area where you believe your chances of gainful employment are high up to retirement age?
A predominant industry in the UK that fulfils the above criteria is the IT industry. There is a requirement for greater numbers of skilled technicians in this sector, simply have a look at a local job site and you will find them yourself. But don't think it's only geeky nerds looking at their computerscreens every day - there are many more roles than that. The majority of employees in IT are just like you and me, with jobs they enjoy and better than average salaries.
A lot of training companies only give basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); very few go late in the evening or at weekends.
Beware of institutions who use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - with the call-back coming in during normal office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and want support there and then.
The best trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. They use an online interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, any time of the day or night, help is just seconds away, without any contact issues or hassle.
If you fail to get yourself direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. You may avoid using the support during the night, but you may need weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.
A lot of people think that the state educational path is the right way even now. Why then are commercially accredited qualifications beginning to overtake it?
The IT sector is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, official accreditation supplied for example by Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
The training is effectively done by concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of related knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background 'padding' that degrees in computing often do - to fill a three or four year course.
In simple terms: Accredited IT qualifications give employers exactly what they're looking for - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently companies can look at their needs and which qualifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.
Don't accept anything less than authorised exam simulation and preparation programs as part of your course package.
Don't go for training programs depending on non-official exam papers and questions. The way they're phrased can be quite different - and sometimes this can be a real headache once in the actual exam.
Clearly, it is vital to know that you are completely prepared for your final certified exam prior to going for it. Rehearsing 'mock' exams helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on failed exams.
Frequently, your average IT hopeful doesn't know how they should get into Information Technology, or even which area they should be considering getting trained in.
I mean, without any experience in the IT market, how could you possibly know what someone in a particular field spends their day doing? Let alone arrive at what accreditation path will be most suitable for a successful result.
Usually, the way to come at this question in the best manner lies in a thorough chat, covering several different topics:
* Personality factors plus what interests you - the sort of working tasks you enjoy or dislike.
* Are you aiming to achieve a specific aspiration - for instance, becoming self-employed as quickly as possible?
* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it very important, or does job satisfaction rate higher up on your list of priorities?
* Getting to grips with what the main job types and markets are - including what sets them apart.
* What effort, commitment and time you're prepared to spend on obtaining your certification.
The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have a good talk with an advisor with years of experience; an individual that will cover the commercial realities and truth while explaining each certification.
We'd strongly advise that prior to beginning any study program, you run through some things with a mentor who is familiar with the working environment and can advise you. Such a person will go through personality profiling with you and assist in finding the right role for you:
* Is collaborating with others important to you? Would you prefer to work with a small team or with a lot of new people? Perhaps working alone in a task-based situation would be more your thing?
* What do you need from the area of industry you choose? (If it's stability you're after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)
* Once you've trained, how many years work do anticipate working, and can your chosen industry provide you with that possibility?
* Would it be useful for the course you're re-training in to be in an area where you believe your chances of gainful employment are high up to retirement age?
A predominant industry in the UK that fulfils the above criteria is the IT industry. There is a requirement for greater numbers of skilled technicians in this sector, simply have a look at a local job site and you will find them yourself. But don't think it's only geeky nerds looking at their computerscreens every day - there are many more roles than that. The majority of employees in IT are just like you and me, with jobs they enjoy and better than average salaries.
A lot of training companies only give basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); very few go late in the evening or at weekends.
Beware of institutions who use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - with the call-back coming in during normal office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and want support there and then.
The best trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. They use an online interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, any time of the day or night, help is just seconds away, without any contact issues or hassle.
If you fail to get yourself direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. You may avoid using the support during the night, but you may need weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.
A lot of people think that the state educational path is the right way even now. Why then are commercially accredited qualifications beginning to overtake it?
The IT sector is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, official accreditation supplied for example by Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
The training is effectively done by concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of related knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background 'padding' that degrees in computing often do - to fill a three or four year course.
In simple terms: Accredited IT qualifications give employers exactly what they're looking for - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently companies can look at their needs and which qualifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.
Don't accept anything less than authorised exam simulation and preparation programs as part of your course package.
Don't go for training programs depending on non-official exam papers and questions. The way they're phrased can be quite different - and sometimes this can be a real headache once in the actual exam.
Clearly, it is vital to know that you are completely prepared for your final certified exam prior to going for it. Rehearsing 'mock' exams helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on failed exams.
Frequently, your average IT hopeful doesn't know how they should get into Information Technology, or even which area they should be considering getting trained in.
I mean, without any experience in the IT market, how could you possibly know what someone in a particular field spends their day doing? Let alone arrive at what accreditation path will be most suitable for a successful result.
Usually, the way to come at this question in the best manner lies in a thorough chat, covering several different topics:
* Personality factors plus what interests you - the sort of working tasks you enjoy or dislike.
* Are you aiming to achieve a specific aspiration - for instance, becoming self-employed as quickly as possible?
* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it very important, or does job satisfaction rate higher up on your list of priorities?
* Getting to grips with what the main job types and markets are - including what sets them apart.
* What effort, commitment and time you're prepared to spend on obtaining your certification.
The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have a good talk with an advisor with years of experience; an individual that will cover the commercial realities and truth while explaining each certification.
About the Author:
(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for excellent advice on CompTIA Training and Computer Training.
No comments:
Post a Comment