It’s really great that you’ve made it this far! Only one in ten folks say they enjoy their work, but most of us just go off on one from time to time and do nothing. Because you’ve done research we have a hunch that you’re finding out about training, so even now you’re ahead of the game. What comes next is get busy to find your direction.
We’d politely request that prior to beginning any individual training program, you chat with an expert who has knowledge of the industry and can make recommendations. They can assess your personality and help you sort out a role to fit you:
* Are you happier left to your own devices at work or perhaps being around others is an essential criteria for you?
* The banks and building sector are none too stable right now, so it’s important to look very carefully at what sector would suit you best?
* After re-training, how long a career do you hope for, and can the industry you choose give you the confidence that will happen?
* Would you like the course you’re re-training in to be in a market sector where you’re comfortable you’ll have a job until your pension kicks in?
It would be an idea for you to find out more about Information Technology – there are more jobs than staff to fill them, and it’s a rare career choice where the industry is growing. In contrast to the beliefs of some, IT isn’t all techie people lost in their PC’s all day long (though those jobs exist.) The vast majority of roles are filled by ordinary men and women who want to earn a very good living.
Looking around, we find an excess of jobs and positions available in Information Technology. Deciding which one could be right for you can be very difficult.
As without any previous experience in IT, how can most of us be expected to understand what someone in a particular job does?
The key to answering this predicament appropriately lies in a thorough discussion of some important points:
* Your personality type as well as your interests – what work-oriented areas please or frustrate you.
* Why you want to consider getting involved with the IT industry – is it to overcome a particular goal such as being self-employed for example.
* What salary and timescale needs that guide you?
* Understanding what the main Information technology areas and markets are – and what makes them different.
* You need to understand the differences across each individual training area.
For the average person, sifting through all these ideas needs a long talk with someone that can investigate each area with you. Not only the certifications – but also the commercial needs and expectations of the market as well.
Of course: the training itself or a certification isn’t what this is about; a job that you want to end up in is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in just the training course.
It’s a sad fact, but a great many students start out on programs that sound fabulous in the marketing materials, but which provides a job that is of no interest at all. Just ask several university leavers and you’ll see where we’re coming from.
You must also consider how you feel about career progression and earning potential, plus your level of ambition. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, what exams will be required and how to develop your experience.
It’s good advice for all students to speak to an experienced professional before deciding on their learning path. This gives some measure of assurance that it features what is required for the chosen career.
Validated exam preparation and simulation materials are essential – and really must be sought from your training provider.
Ensure that the exams you practice haven’t just got questions in the right areas, but ask them in the way that the actual final exam will ask them. It completely unsettles trainees if they’re met with completely different formats and phraseologies.
It’s a good idea to have some simulated exam questions so you’ll be able to check your understanding along the way. Practice exams log the information in your brain – then the actual exam is much easier.
Each programme of learning has to build towards a nationally (or globally) recognised qualification as an end-result – not a useless ‘in-house’ printed certificate to hang in your hallway.
All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA have internationally recognised skills programmes. These big-hitters will give some sparkle to your CV.
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Pop over to AdultCareerTraining.co.uk/gact.html or MCSE Courses.