Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Networking Retraining - Thoughts

By Jason Kendall

In these days of super efficiency, support workers who are qualified to fix computers and networks, and give daily assistance to users, are essential in all areas of the economy. The need for the above mentioned people is ever increasing, as everywhere we work becomes significantly more dependent upon technology.

Remember: the course itself or a qualification isn't the end-goal; the job or career that you want is. Far too many training organisations completely prioritise the piece of paper. You could be training for only a year and end up performing the job-role for decades. Don't make the error of finding what seems like a very 'interesting' program and then spend decades in a job you don't like!

Spend some time thinking about earning potential and what level of ambition fits you. Often, this changes what precise qualifications will be expected and how much effort you'll have to give in return. Prior to embarking on a particular training course, you'd be well advised to discuss individual job needs with a skilled advisor, to make sure the study course covers everything needed.

Wouldn't it be great to know for sure that our careers are safe and our future is protected, but the likely scenario for most sectors throughout the United Kingdom at the moment is that the marketplace is far from secure. Of course, a quickly growing market-place, with a constant demand for staff (because of a growing shortfall of fully trained staff), opens the possibility of lasting job security.

A recent national e-Skills study showed that more than 26 percent of computing and IT jobs haven't been filled because of a lack of properly qualified workers. Meaning that for every four jobs that exist throughout computing, we have only 3 certified professionals to perform that task. Acquiring the appropriate commercial Information Technology certification is correspondingly a fast-track to realise a life-long as well as rewarding profession. While the market is increasing at such a rate, is there any other area of industry worth investigating for a new career.

Every program under consideration should always lead to a nationally (or globally) recognised exam as an end-result - and not some unimportant 'in-house' diploma - fit only for filing away and forgetting. Only properly recognised accreditation from the major players like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will mean anything to employers.

Many folks don't really get what IT can do for us. It's thrilling, changing, and means you're doing your bit in the gigantic wave of technology that will change our world over the next few decades. Technology, computers and connections on the internet will spectacularly shape our lives in the future; to a vast degree.

And it's worth remembering that the average salary in the world of IT throughout this country is considerably greater than in the rest of the economy, so in general you'll be in a good position to gain a lot more as an IT specialist, than you'd expect to earn elsewhere. The good news is there's a lot more room for IT industry increases across Britain. The sector continues to grow enormously, and as we have a significant shortage of skilled professionals, it's not showing any signs that it will even slow down for a good while yet.

Adding in the cost of exam fees up-front then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status is a popular marketing tool with many companies. Consider the facts:

In this day and age, we have to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and usually we grasp that we're actually paying for it (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) If you want to pass first time, you must fund each exam as you take it, focus on it intently and be ready for the task.

Find the best exam deal or offer available at the time, and keep hold of your own money. You also get more choice of where you do your exams - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. Including money in your training package for examinations (plus interest - if you're financing your study) is madness. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with your money just to give them a good cash-flow! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you don't even take them all - then they'll keep the extra money. You should fully understand that re-takes with companies who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are tightly controlled. You'll be required to sit pre-tests to make sure they think you're going to pass.

With average Prometric and VUE examinations coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, the most cost-effective way to cover the cost is by paying when you need them. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment