MCSA-MCSE Retraining Considered

If you're going through this material it's probable that you'd like to enter the world of computers and you've heard good things about MCSE's, or you're currently an IT professional and you're aware that the next stage is the MCSE accreditation.

As you find out about training providers, don't use any that short-change you by not upgrading their courses to the latest Microsoft version. Over time, this will frustrate and cost the student a lot more due to the fact that they've been taught from an old version of MCSE which inevitably will have to be up-dated pretty much straight away.

Don't be pushed into a training program before you feel comfortable. Take time to discover a computer training company that will put effort into advising you on the best course for your needs.

Many people question why qualifications from colleges and universities are being overtaken by more commercial certificates?

With university education costs spiralling out of control, along with the industry's increasing awareness that key company training is often far more commercially relevant, we have seen a great increase in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA authorised training programmes that create knowledgeable employees at a fraction of the cost and time involved.

Vendor training works through focusing on the skills that are really needed (together with an appropriate level of associated knowledge,) rather than covering masses of the background detail and 'fluff' that computer Science Degrees often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).

The bottom line is: Authorised 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 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. Consequently companies can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are required to perform the job.

Each programme of learning must provide a nationally (or globally) recognised accreditation as an end-goal - not some little 'in-house' piece of paper.

Only properly recognised examinations from the top companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will mean anything to employers.

Far too many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and forget why you're doing this - which is of course employment. Your focus should start with the end in mind - don't make the vehicle more important than the destination.

Never let yourself become one of the unfortunate masses who set off on a track that on the surface appears interesting - and end up with a plaque on the wall for something they'll never enjoy.

Be honest with yourself about what you want to earn and the level of your ambition. Sometimes, this affects what particular exams will be required and what industry will expect from you in return.

Seek help from a skilled professional who appreciates the market you're interested in, and who can offer 'A typical day in the life of' synopsis of what kinds of tasks you'll be undertaking with each working day. It's sensible to know if this change is right for you before you jump into the study-program. There's little reason in starting your training only to discover you're on the wrong course.

The somewhat scary thought of securing your first IT job can be relieved because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. Don't get overly impressed with this service - it's easy for eager sales people to overplay it. The fact of the matter is, the still growing need for IT personnel in the UK is the reason you'll find a job.

Help with your CV and interview techniques might be provided (if not, see one of our sites for help). It's essential that you bring your CV right up to date straight away - not when you're ready to start work!

You'll often find that you will get your initial job while you're still a student (occasionally right at the beginning). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you won't even be considered!

You'll normally experience quicker service from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you'll experience from any training provider's national service, as they'll know the area better.

Do ensure you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, only to stop and leave it in the hands of the gods to secure your first position. Stand up for yourself and get out there. Channel the same time and energy into securing your new role as it took to pass the exams.

Written by Scott Edwards. Try MCSECertification4IT.co.uk or This Site.