If you're thinking about studying a course to qualify for an MCSE, you're probably in 1 of 2 situations. You might be ready to enter the world of IT, and your research tells you the IT industry has a huge demand for qualified people. On the other hand you possibly are an IT professional attempting to formalise your skill set with the Microsoft qualification.
As you find out about computer training companies, make sure you stay away from those that compromise their offerings by failing to provide the latest Microsoft version. This is a false economy for the trainee due to the fact that they'll have learned outdated MCSE course material which doesn't match the current exam syllabus, so it's likely they'll fail. The focus of a training company should primarily be on the most for their students, and they should be passionate about students needs. Studying for a career isn't just about the certification - the process should be all about assisting you in working on the best action plan for your future.
Chat with almost any proficient consultant and they'll regale you with many awful tales of how students have been duped by salespeople. Make sure you deal with a skilled advisor that digs deep to uncover the best thing for you - not for their paycheque! Dig until you find the very best place to start for you. Where you have a strong background, or perhaps a bit of work-based experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then it's likely your starting point will be different from someone who is just starting out. If this is your initial attempt at studying to take an IT exam then you might also want to begin with some basic PC skills training first.
So many training providers only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and completely avoid what you actually need - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the end goal - don't make the vehicle more important than the destination. It's a sad fact, but a great many students start out on programs that sound fabulous from the prospectus, but which provides a job that is of no interest. Try talking to typical university graduates for a real eye-opener.
Prioritise understanding the expectations of your industry. Which precise qualifications they will want you to have and how to gain experience. It's also worth spending time setting guidelines as to how far you think you'll want to progress your career as often it can control your selection of accreditations. Your likely to need help from a professional that can explain the market you're considering, and who can give you 'A typical day in the life of' explanation for that career-path. This is essential as you'll need to know if you're going down the right road.
Many trainers supply a practical Job Placement Assistance service, designed to steer you into your first job. Don't get caught up in this feature - it's quite easy for training companies to overstate it's need. In reality, the massive skills shortage in this country is what will make you attractive to employers.
Ideally you should have CV and Interview advice and support though; and we'd encourage everyone to bring their CV up to date as soon as they start a course - don't procrastinate and leave it till you've finished your exams. You may not have got to the stage where you've taken your exams when you will get your initial junior support position; yet this isn't going to happen if interviewers don't get sight of your CV. You can usually expect better performance from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you'll get from a course provider's employment division, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.
Essentially, as long as you focus the same level of energy into landing your first job as into studying, you're not going to hit many challenges. A number of men and women curiously conscientiously work through their training course and do nothing more once certified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
Typically, a new trainee will not know to ask about something of absolutely vital importance - the way their training provider actually breaks down and delivers the training materials, and into how many parts. Trainees may consider it sensible (with a typical time scale of 1-3 years to gain full certified status,) for your typical trainer to courier a single section at a time, as you pass each element. Although: Maybe the order of study pushed by the company's salespeople doesn't suit all of us. What if you find it hard to complete all the elements inside of their particular timetable?
For maximum flexibility and safety, it's normal for most trainees to insist that all study materials are couriered out in one package, all at the beginning. You can then decide in which order and at what speed you want to work.
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