If you’re looking for an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) training program, be aware that companies offer quite diverse courses; some are much better than others. You’ll come across a variety of courses, whether you’re a beginner, or a professional looking to gain acknowledged certifications. Each scenario requires a specialised course, so pay attention to check you’re on the right one before making a start. Search for a training provider that talks with you so they get to know what you’re looking to do, and can help you identify what you’ll be doing, long before they discuss course options.

So, why should we consider qualifications from the commercial sector rather than more traditional academic qualifications gained through the state educational establishments? The IT sector is of the opinion that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, certified accreditation from such organisations as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is closer to the mark commercially – for much less time and money. The training is effectively done by concentrating on the skills that are really needed (along with a proportionate degree of associated knowledge,) instead of going into the heightened depths of background non-specific minutiae that computer Science Degrees often do – to pad out the syllabus.

The bottom line is: Accredited IT qualifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have – the title is a complete giveaway: i.e. I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure’. Consequently an employer can identify exactly what they need and what certifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.

We can see a myriad of jobs and positions available in Information Technology. Arriving at the correct choice out of this complexity is generally problematic. Consequently, if you don’t have any know-how of the IT market, how can you expect to know what any qualified IT worker spends their day doing? And of course decide on which educational path provides the best chances for ultimate success. Arriving at the right choice really only appears through a systematic analysis covering many varying key points:

* The sort of individual you consider yourself to be – what kind of jobs you enjoy, and on the other side of the coin – what you definitely don’t enjoy.

* Why you’re looking at getting involved with IT – is it to overcome some personal goal like being self-employed for example.

* What salary and timescale needs you may have?

* Getting to grips with what the normal career areas and markets are – including what sets them apart.

* Having a cold, hard look at how much time and effort that you’re going to put into it.

The best way to avoid the barrage of jargon, and reveal the best route for you, have an informal meeting with an industry-experienced advisor; a person that understands the commercial reality whilst covering the certifications.

So many training providers focus completely on the certification process, and forget why you’re doing this – getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the final destination in mind – don’t make the vehicle more important than the destination. You could be training for only a year and end up doing the job for 20 years. Avoid the mistake of choosing what sounds like a very ‘interesting’ program and then put 10-20 years into something you don’t even enjoy!

Spend some time thinking about how much you want to earn and how ambitious you are. This will influence what certifications you’ll need to attain and what you can expect to give industry in return. We recommend that students seek guidance and advice from a professional advisor before making your final decision on a study path, so there’s no doubt that the content of a learning package provides the skills necessary.

It only makes sense to consider training paths that’ll grow into commercially acknowledged qualifications. There are loads of small companies pushing unknown ‘in-house’ certificates which are worthless in the real world. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe have widely acknowledged skills courses. Huge conglomerates such as these will ensure your employability.

One useful service offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is to steer you into your first IT role. But don’t place too much emphasis on it – it’s easy for training companies to overstate it’s need. In reality, the need for well trained IT people in this country is the reason you’ll find a job.

You would ideally have CV and Interview advice and support though; additionally, we would recommend all students to update their CV right at the beginning of their training – don’t delay till you’ve finished your exams. You’ll often find that you’ll land your first position whilst still on the course (even in the early stages). If your course details aren’t on your CV (and it’s not being looked at by employers) then you’re not even going to be known about! Actually, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultant or service (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) will perform better than any sector of a centralised training facility. They should, of course, also be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.

In a nutshell, as long as you focus the same level of energy into getting your first job as into studying, you’re not going to hit many challenges. A number of students inexplicably put hundreds of hours into their training and studies and then call a halt once qualified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

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