Home Based MCSA-MCSE Training – Options

Because you’re doing your research on courses for MCSE, the chances are you’re in one of two situations: Maybe you’re thinking of a complete career change to the field of computers, and you’ve discovered a massive need for people with the right qualifications. Instead you could already be in IT – and you need to formalise your skill-set with the Microsoft qualification.

We’d recommend you see evidence that the training company you use is definitely teaching with the latest Microsoft level. Many students get frustrated when they find that they’ve been studying for an out-of-date syllabus which now needs updating.

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 an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has had to move to specific, honed-in training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors – namely companies like CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.

Patently, a certain portion of associated knowledge needs to be covered, but precise specialised knowledge in the particular job function gives a vendor educated student a huge edge.

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.

A useful feature that many training companies provide is a Job Placement Assistance program. It’s intention is to help you find your first job in the industry. With the great skills shortage in this country right now, it’s not too important to get too caught up in this feature though. It really won’t be that difficult to find a job once you’re trained and certified.

However, don’t wait till you have passed your final exams before updating your CV. Right at the beginning of your training, mark down what you’re doing and place it on jobsites!

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!

If it’s important to you to find work near your home, then you’ll often find that a specialist independent regional recruitment consultant or service could work much better for you than the trainer’s recruitment division, as they’re far more likely to have insider knowledge of the jobs that are going locally.

Various trainees, so it seems, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when finding the right position. Market yourself… Do your best to put yourself out there. A job isn’t just going to bump into you.

Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Navigate to MCSECertification4IT.co.uk or CLICK HERE.