Because you're doing your research on Microsoft MCSE's, you'll probably be in one of these categories: You're possibly contemplating a complete career change to the world of IT, and all evidence points to a great many opportunities for properly qualified people. Alternatively you could already be in IT - and you'd like to consolidate your skill-set with the MCSE accreditation.
Be sure you confirm that your provider is actually training you on the latest Microsoft level. Many trainees are left in a mess when they discover they've been educated in an outdated version which will need updating. Look out for training providers who're simply out to sell something. Always remember that purchasing a course to qualify for an MCSE is much like purchasing a vehicle. They're very diverse; some are comfortable and reliable, whilst some will be a big disappointment. A good company will offer you time, expertise and advice to be sure the course will work for you. With those who have confidence in their programs, you'll be shown samples of it before buying anything.
Bearing in mind so much talk about Information Technology (IT) at present, how can we know what exactly to look for? ...In order for us to find the evidence needed to come to the right verdict for us?
A so-called advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - it's likely they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they're pushing towards a particular product before understanding your background and experience, then it's definitely the case. Of course, if in the past you've acquired any work-experience or certification, then you may be able to commence studying further along than a trainee with no history to speak of. If you're a new trainee commencing IT study anew, it can be helpful to avoid jumping in at the deep-end, kicking off with user-skills and software training first. This is often offered with any educational course.
Consider only training programs that'll lead to industry accepted certifications. There are far too many trainers pushing unknown 'in-house' certificates which are worthless in today's commercial market. Unless the accreditation comes from a company like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe, then you'll probably find it could have been a waste of time and effort - as no-one will have heard of it.
One thing you must always insist on is comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support via professional mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is often to a call-centre that will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, when it suits them. This is no use if you're lost and confused and only have a specific time you can study.
The very best training providers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to provide a seamless experience, no matter what time you login, there is always help at hand, without any problems or delays. If you opt for less than direct-access round-the-clock support, you'll end up kicking yourself. You might not want to use the service throughout the night, but what about weekends, evenings and early mornings at some point
The old fashioned style of teaching, involving piles of reference textbooks, is often a huge slog for most of us. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, check out study materials that are multimedia based. Studies have always verified that getting into our studies physically, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.
Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, so you can study at your own computer. Video streaming means you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, with some practice time to follow - in a virtual lab environment. It would be silly not to view examples of the courseware provided before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.
Many companies provide just online versions of their training packages; sometimes you can get away with this - but, think what will happen when you don't have access to the internet or you only get very a very slow connection sometimes. It is usually safer to have DVD or CD discs that will not have these problems.
You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - inevitably that means paying for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with this so-called guarantee, consider this:
It's become essential these days that we have to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and generally we know that for sure we're actually paying for it (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) Students who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're mindful of the cost and so are more inclined to be up to the task.
Shouldn't you be looking to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to a training course provider, and to do it in a local testing office - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? A great deal of money is netted by many companies who incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but no refunds are given. Astoundingly enough, there are training companies that rely on that fact - as that's very profitable for them. Most companies will require you to do mock exams and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which makes an 'Exam Guarantee' frankly useless.
With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric exams costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, it's common sense to fund them one by one. Not to fork out thousands extra in up-front costs. Commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
We're often asked why traditional degrees are now falling behind more commercial certificates? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has of necessity moved to the specialised training only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay. In a nutshell, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the principle remains that students need to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (with some necessary background) - without attempting to cover a bit about all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.
It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. All an employer has to do is know what they're looking for, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Coming across job security nowadays is very rare. Companies can throw us from the workforce with very little notice - whenever it suits. We're able though to discover market-level security, by searching for areas of high demand, mixed with work-skill shortages.
The computer industry skills shortage throughout the United Kingdom clocks in at roughly twenty six percent, as shown by the 2006 e-Skills investigation. It follows then that for every four jobs in existence around Information Technology (IT), organisations are only able to find enough qualified individuals for 3 of the 4. This single idea in itself clearly demonstrates why Great Britain needs considerably more people to enter the Information Technology market. Undoubtedly, now really is a fabulous time to consider retraining into IT.
Be sure you confirm that your provider is actually training you on the latest Microsoft level. Many trainees are left in a mess when they discover they've been educated in an outdated version which will need updating. Look out for training providers who're simply out to sell something. Always remember that purchasing a course to qualify for an MCSE is much like purchasing a vehicle. They're very diverse; some are comfortable and reliable, whilst some will be a big disappointment. A good company will offer you time, expertise and advice to be sure the course will work for you. With those who have confidence in their programs, you'll be shown samples of it before buying anything.
Bearing in mind so much talk about Information Technology (IT) at present, how can we know what exactly to look for? ...In order for us to find the evidence needed to come to the right verdict for us?
A so-called advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - it's likely they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they're pushing towards a particular product before understanding your background and experience, then it's definitely the case. Of course, if in the past you've acquired any work-experience or certification, then you may be able to commence studying further along than a trainee with no history to speak of. If you're a new trainee commencing IT study anew, it can be helpful to avoid jumping in at the deep-end, kicking off with user-skills and software training first. This is often offered with any educational course.
Consider only training programs that'll lead to industry accepted certifications. There are far too many trainers pushing unknown 'in-house' certificates which are worthless in today's commercial market. Unless the accreditation comes from a company like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe, then you'll probably find it could have been a waste of time and effort - as no-one will have heard of it.
One thing you must always insist on is comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support via professional mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is often to a call-centre that will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, when it suits them. This is no use if you're lost and confused and only have a specific time you can study.
The very best training providers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to provide a seamless experience, no matter what time you login, there is always help at hand, without any problems or delays. If you opt for less than direct-access round-the-clock support, you'll end up kicking yourself. You might not want to use the service throughout the night, but what about weekends, evenings and early mornings at some point
The old fashioned style of teaching, involving piles of reference textbooks, is often a huge slog for most of us. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, check out study materials that are multimedia based. Studies have always verified that getting into our studies physically, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.
Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, so you can study at your own computer. Video streaming means you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, with some practice time to follow - in a virtual lab environment. It would be silly not to view examples of the courseware provided before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.
Many companies provide just online versions of their training packages; sometimes you can get away with this - but, think what will happen when you don't have access to the internet or you only get very a very slow connection sometimes. It is usually safer to have DVD or CD discs that will not have these problems.
You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - inevitably that means paying for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with this so-called guarantee, consider this:
It's become essential these days that we have to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and generally we know that for sure we're actually paying for it (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) Students who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're mindful of the cost and so are more inclined to be up to the task.
Shouldn't you be looking to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to a training course provider, and to do it in a local testing office - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? A great deal of money is netted by many companies who incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but no refunds are given. Astoundingly enough, there are training companies that rely on that fact - as that's very profitable for them. Most companies will require you to do mock exams and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which makes an 'Exam Guarantee' frankly useless.
With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric exams costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, it's common sense to fund them one by one. Not to fork out thousands extra in up-front costs. Commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
We're often asked why traditional degrees are now falling behind more commercial certificates? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has of necessity moved to the specialised training only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay. In a nutshell, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the principle remains that students need to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (with some necessary background) - without attempting to cover a bit about all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.
It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. All an employer has to do is know what they're looking for, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Coming across job security nowadays is very rare. Companies can throw us from the workforce with very little notice - whenever it suits. We're able though to discover market-level security, by searching for areas of high demand, mixed with work-skill shortages.
The computer industry skills shortage throughout the United Kingdom clocks in at roughly twenty six percent, as shown by the 2006 e-Skills investigation. It follows then that for every four jobs in existence around Information Technology (IT), organisations are only able to find enough qualified individuals for 3 of the 4. This single idea in itself clearly demonstrates why Great Britain needs considerably more people to enter the Information Technology market. Undoubtedly, now really is a fabulous time to consider retraining into IT.
About the Author:
Jason Kendall has worked in the IT industry for 20 yrs. He should understand what he's talking about by now. If you're interested in MCSE Courses, visit LearningLolly IT Courses.
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