It’s quite some achievement that you’ve already got this far! A small number of workers enjoy their work and find it stimulating, but the majority complain to each other and nothing happens. The fact that you’re here means it’s probable that you’re at least considering retraining, so well done to you. Now you just need to get busy to find your direction.
For those thinking of re-training, it’s vital that you have in mind your requirements from the job you’re looking to get into. Ensure that you would be more satisfied before you put a lot of energy into re-directing your life. So much better to look at the end goal first, to make an informed decision:
* Are you happier left to your own devices at work or do you find company is an important option?
* Banking and building are none too stable right now, so which industry will answer your needs?
* Is this the final time you envisage re-training, and if it is, do you suppose your new career will give you scope to do that?
* Do you have niggles about the possibility of getting new work, and being in demand in the employment market to the end of your working life?
When listing your options, it’s relevant that one of your key sectors is the IT industry – it’s common knowledge that it’s on the grow. IT isn’t all techie geeks gazing at their PC’s all day – we know there are those roles, but most jobs are filled with ordinary people who do very well out of it.
Your training program should always include the latest Microsoft (or any other key organisation’s) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages.
Don’t go for training programs relying on non-official exam preparation systems. The terminology of their questions can be quite different – and this could lead to potential problems when it comes to taking the real exam.
Be sure to ask for testing modules so you’ll be able to verify your knowledge whenever you need to. Simulations of exams add to your knowledge bank – then the actual exam is much easier.
If you forget everything else – then just remember this: Always get full 24×7 instructor and mentor support. You will have so many problems later if you let this one slide.
Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use call-centres ‘out-of-hours’ – where an advisor will call back during standard office hours. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.
We recommend looking for training programs that incorporate three or four individual support centres from around the world. All of them should be combined to give a single entry point and also round-the-clock access, when you need it, with no hassle.
Never compromise when you’re looking for the right support service. Most students who drop-out or fail, just need the right support system.
Now, why might we choose commercial qualifications as opposed to more traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments?
The IT sector is of the opinion that for an understanding of the relevant skills, the right accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised – and a fraction of the cost and time.
Essentially, only that which is required is learned. Actually, it’s not quite as pared down as that, but principally the objective has to be to cover the precise skills needed (alongside some required background) – without going into too much detail in everything else – in the way that academic establishments often do.
Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the label’. Companies need only to know what areas need to be serviced, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. They’ll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
Commencing from the idea that it’s good to home-in on the market that sounds most inviting first, before we’re even able to mull over which development program fulfils our needs, how can we choose the right path?
Flicking through long lists of different and confusing job titles is a complete waste of time. Most of us don’t really appreciate what our own family members do for a living – so we have no hope of understanding the ins and outs of a specific IT job.
Ultimately, a well-informed resolution will only come from a systematic investigation covering many shifting areas:
* Your personal interests and hobbies – often these show the areas will satisfy you.
* What length of time can you allocate for your training?
* Is salary further up on your list of priorities than other factors.
* Getting to grips with what the main job roles and sectors are – including what sets them apart.
* Our advice is to think deeply about any sacrifices you’ll need to make, as well as what commitment and time that you will set aside for your education.
In all honesty, it’s obvious that the only real way to seek advice on these matters tends to be through a good talk with an advisor that understands Information Technology (and more importantly the commercial needs.)
(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Go to CLICK HERE or Career Change Job.
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