As you've arrived here there's a good chance that you're about to make a move into the great world of IT and you've heard good things about MCSE's, or you could already be in IT and you're aware that the next stage is the MCSE accreditation.
We'd recommend you see evidence that the training company you use is educating you on the latest version from Microsoft. A lot of students are left in a mess when they realise they've been learning from an outdated MCSE program which now needs updating.
Avoid making a hasty decision when buying a course before having all your questions answered. Find a training provider that will make sure that you're on the most suitable training path for your requirements.
Several companies have a handy Job Placement Assistance service, to assist your search for your first position. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it isn't unusual for their marketing department to make it sound harder than it is. In reality, the massive skills shortage in the UK is why employers will be interested in you.
You would ideally have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; also we would encourage any student to update their CV the day they start training - don't put it off until you've graduated or passed any exams.
Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is more than not being regarded at all. Many junior support roles are bagged by people (sometimes when they've only just got going.)
Normally you'll get better results from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you will through a course provider's centralised service, because they'll know local industry and the area better.
Fundamentally, if you put as much hard work into finding your first job as into studying, you won't have any problems. Some trainees bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their learning program and then call a halt once they've passed their exams and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
A competent and practiced advisor (in direct contrast to a salesman) will want to thoroughly discuss your current situation. There is no other way of understanding the point at which you need to start your studies.
If you've got a strong background, or sometimes a little work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it's likely your starting point will be different from someone with no background whatsoever.
Commencing with a basic PC skills module first can be the best way to start into your computer studies, depending on your current skill level.
Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - inevitably that means paying for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. However, prior to embracing the chance of a guarantee, look at the following:
They've allowed costings for it ultimately. It's definitely not free - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package.
Trainees who take exams one at a time, paying for them just before taking them are far more likely to pass first time. They're thoughtful of the cost and revise more thoroughly to be up to the task.
Don't you think it's more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to the training company, and to do it in a local testing office - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer?
Big margins are netted by many training colleges that get money upfront for exam fees. A number of students don't take them for various reasons but no refunds are given. Surprising as it sounds, there are providers who depend on students not taking their exams - and that's how they increase their profits.
Most companies will require you to do mock exams and hold you back from re-takes until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - making an 'exam guarantee' just about worthless.
Average exam fees were around the 112 pounds mark twelve months or so ago via VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra to have 'Exam Guarantees', when it's no secret that the responsible approach is study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams.
Your training program should always include the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages.
Steer clear of relying on unofficial preparation materials for exams. The type of questions asked is sometimes startlingly different - and sometimes this can be a real headache when the proper exam time arrives.
Be sure to have some simulated exam questions in order to check your comprehension at any point. Mock exams prepare you properly - so you won't be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
(C) Jason Kendall. Browse LearningLolly.com for intelligent information. www.it-training--uk.co.uk or CLICK HERE.
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