Sunday, January 17, 2010

Finding The Right Microsoft MCSA-MCSE Training Explained

By Jason Kendall

As you're in the process of finding out about courses for MCSE, it's possible you're in one of two situations: Maybe you're thinking of a dynamic move to get into the IT field, and all evidence points to a growing demand for properly qualified people. On the other hand you're someone with a certain amount of IT knowledge - and you'd like to consolidate your skill-set with the MCSE accreditation.

When researching MCSE's, you'll hit upon training companies that lower their out-goings by failing to provide the latest version from Microsoft. Avoid such training providers as you will face problems at exam time. If you are studying the wrong version, it will make it very difficult to pass.

A company's mission statement must be based upon doing the most for their students, and they should be passionate about their results. Working towards an MCSE isn't just about passing exams - the procedure must also be geared towards assisting you in working on the best action plan for your future.

A study programme really needs to work up to a nationally (or globally) recognised certification as an end-result - definitely not some 'in-house' plaque for your wall.

All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have globally renowned proficiency courses. These big-hitters will make your CV stand-out.

Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward with a Job Placement Assistance facility. The fact of the matter is it's not as hard as some people make out to land a job - assuming you're well trained and qualified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

You would ideally have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; also we would encourage all students to update their CV the day they start training - don't delay for when you're ready to start work.

It can happen that you haven't even passed your first exam when you will get your initial junior support role; yet this is not possible unless you've posted your CV on job sites.

Generally, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. They should, of course, also know the local industry and employment needs.

Please make sure you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, just to give up and leave it up to everyone else to secure your first position. Stop procrastinating and start looking for yourself. Invest as much time and energy into finding a good job as it took to get qualified.

We're often asked why traditional degrees are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications?

Accreditation-based training (to use industry-speak) is most often much more specialised. The IT sector is aware that specialisation is essential to meet the requirements of a technologically complex workplace. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA dominate in this arena.

University courses, for instance, can often get caught up in a lot of loosely associated study - and much too wide a syllabus. Students are then prevented from learning the core essentials in sufficient depth.

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 areas need to be serviced, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they're interviewing applicants who can do the job.

One thing you must always insist on is 24x7 round-the-clock support via professional mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend.

Be wary of any training providers which use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.

We recommend that you search for training programs that have multiple support offices around the globe in several time-zones. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface as well as 24x7 access, when it's convenient for you, with no hassle.

If you accept anything less than direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it. It may be that you don't use it in the middle of the night, but consider weekends, late evenings or early mornings.

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