As you’ve arrived here there’s a good chance that you’re about to make a move into the great world of IT and you’ve heard good things about MCSE’s, or you could already be in IT and you’re aware that the next stage is the MCSE accreditation.
We’d recommend you see evidence that the training company you use is educating you on the latest version from Microsoft. A lot of students are left in a mess when they realise they’ve been learning from an outdated MCSE program which now needs updating.
Providers should be completely focused on offering the correct route for aspiring trainees. Directing learning is equally concerned with helping people to work out which direction to go in, as it is helping to help them get there.
The sometimes daunting task of securing your first computer related job is often made easier by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. It can happen though that people are too impressed with this facility, as it’s relatively easy for well qualified and focused men and women to get a job in IT – because companies everywhere are seeking well trained people.
CV and Interview advice and support should be offered (if it isn’t, consult one of our sites). Ensure you bring your CV right up to date immediately – don’t leave it till you pass the exams!
It’s possible that you won’t have even taken your exams when you will get your initial junior support role; yet this won’t be the case unless you’ve posted your CV on job sites.
Normally you’ll get better results from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you will through a course provider’s centralised service, because they’ll know local industry and the area better.
Fundamentally, if you put as much hard work into finding your first job as into studying, you won’t have any problems. Some trainees bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their learning program and then call a halt once they’ve passed their exams and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
A competent and practiced advisor (in direct contrast to a salesman) will want to thoroughly discuss your current situation. There is no other way of understanding the point at which you need to start your studies.
If you’ve got a strong background, or sometimes a little work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it’s likely your starting point will be different from someone with no background whatsoever.
If this is going to be your opening crack at IT study then you may want to practice with user-skills and software training first.
Think about the facts below carefully if you’ve been persuaded that that over-used sales technique about an ‘Exam Guarantee’ sounds great value:
Everybody’s aware that they’re still paying for it – it’s obviously been added into the overall figure from the training provider. It’s absolutely not free – don’t think these companies are so generous with their money!
The honest truth is that if a student pays for their own exams, when they’re ready to take them and not before, the chances are they’re going to pass first time – as they’ll be conscious of their payment and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.
Don’t you think it’s more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to the training company, and to do it in a local testing office – instead of the remote centre that’s convenient only to the trainer?
Big margins are netted by many training colleges that get money upfront for exam fees. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons but no refunds are given. Surprising as it sounds, there are providers who depend on students not taking their exams – and that’s how they increase their profits.
Also, ‘Exam Guarantees’ often aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. Most companies will not pay for you to re-take until you have demonstrated conclusively that you won’t fail again.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on ‘Exam Guarantees’ is remiss – when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is actually the key to your success.
Your training program should always include the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages.
Steer clear of relying on unofficial preparation materials for exams. The type of questions asked is sometimes startlingly different – and sometimes this can be a real headache when the proper exam time arrives.
Be sure to have some simulated exam questions in order to check your comprehension at any point. Mock exams prepare you properly – so you won’t be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for smart career tips. IT Training Course or MCSE Training Course.
