| If it weren't for a constant influx of well educated | | | | do it the other way round. Stay focused on the |
| computer and network support personnel, industry in | | | | end-goal - making sure you're training for a job that'll |
| the United Kingdom (and around the world) would | | | | reward you for many long and fruitful years. Talk to an |
| surely grind to a halt. There is an ever growing | | | | experienced professional that understands the work |
| requirement for technically able people to support both | | | | you're contemplating, and who'll explain to you an |
| the systems and the users themselves. The nation's | | | | in-depth explanation of what you actually do in that |
| requirement for larger numbers of skilled and qualified | | | | role. Getting to the bottom of all this long before |
| individuals multiplies, as we become ever more | | | | commencement of any study program will prevent a |
| dependent on PC's in these modern times. | | | | lot of wasted time and effort. |
| We're regularly asked to explain why traditional | | | | If an advisor doesn't dig around with lots of question - |
| degrees are being overtaken by more qualifications | | | | chances are they're just a salesperson. If they push a |
| from the commercial sector? With fees and living | | | | particular product before looking at your personality |
| expenses for university students increasing year on | | | | and current experience level, then you know it's true. |
| year, plus the industry's increasing awareness that | | | | It's worth remembering, if you have some relevant |
| accreditation-based training most often has much | | | | qualifications that are related, then you can sometimes |
| more commercial relevance, we have seen a great | | | | expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to |
| increase in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA | | | | someone new to the industry. For those students |
| certified training courses that provide key skills to an | | | | starting IT studies and exams from scratch, it can be |
| employee at a much reduced cost in terms of money | | | | helpful to avoid jumping in at the deep-end, by working |
| and time. Obviously, an appropriate quantity of | | | | on some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills |
| background detail must be covered, but essential | | | | first. Usually this is packaged with most training |
| specifics in the areas needed gives a vendor trained | | | | programs. |
| person a massive advantage. | | | | Searching for your first position in IT is often made |
| What if you were an employer - and your company | | | | easier with a Job Placement Assistance facility. With |
| needed a person with some very particular skills. | | | | the growing skills shortage in Britain today, it's not too |
| What's the simplest way to find the right person: | | | | important to become overly impressed with this |
| Wade your way through a mass of different | | | | service however. It isn't so complicated as you might |
| academic qualifications from graduate applicants, trying | | | | think to get a job as long as you've got the necessary |
| to establish what they know and which commercial | | | | skills and qualifications. |
| skills they have, or select a specialised number of | | | | Update your CV at the beginning of your training |
| commercial certifications that precisely match your | | | | though (advice can be sought on this via your |
| needs, and then select who you want to interview | | | | provider). Don't wait until you've qualified. Quite |
| from that. Your interviews are then about personal | | | | frequently, you'll land your initial role whilst you're still |
| suitability - rather than on the depth of their technical | | | | studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If your CV |
| knowledge. | | | | doesn't show your latest training profile - or it's not |
| You should remember: the training itself or an | | | | getting in front of interviewers, then you don't stand a |
| accreditation is not the ultimate goal; the job or career | | | | chance! Normally you'll get quicker service from a local |
| that you want to end up in is. Too many training | | | | IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you'll |
| companies completely prioritise the actual accreditation. | | | | experience from any training provider's national service, |
| It's a testament to the marketing skills of the big | | | | because they will understand the local industry and |
| companies, but thousands of new students kick-off | | | | employment needs. |
| study that often sounds marvellous in the prospectus, | | | | Various people, it seems, conscientiously work through |
| but which provides the end-result of a job that is of no | | | | their course materials (sometimes for years), only to |
| interest at all. Talk to many university graduates for a | | | | do nothing special when trying to get a job. Market |
| real eye-opener. | | | | yourself... Do your best to let employers know about |
| You need to keep your eye on where you want to | | | | you. A job isn't just going to bump into you. |
| get to, and formulate your training based on that - don't | | | | |