In the modern world, support workers who are able to solve problems with networks and PC's, plus give regular solutions to users, are vital in every sector of the economy. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technology, growing numbers of competent professionals are needed to run the many areas we've become dependent on.
Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward with a Job Placement Assistance program. Don't get overly impressed with this service - it isn't unusual for their marketing department to make too much of it. At the end of the day, the need for well trained IT people in the United Kingdom is what will make you attractive to employers.
One important thing though, don't wait till you've passed your final exams before bringing your CV up to date. As soon as you start a course, list what you're working on and place it on jobsites! You'll often find that you'll secure your first job whilst you're still studying (even when you've just left first base). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you aren't even in the running! The most reliable organisations to help get you placed are normally independent and specialised local recruitment services. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.
Just make sure you don't invest a great deal of time on your training course, and then do nothing more and leave it in the hands of the gods to find you a job. Stand up for yourself and get out there. Invest the same resource into finding a good job as it took to pass the exams.
A lot of people are under the impression that the school and FE college route is the right way even now. Why then is commercial certification beginning to overtake it? Key company training (to use industry-speak) is far more specialised and product-specific. Industry has become aware that such specialised knowledge is necessary to meet the requirements of an increasingly more technical world. Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA are the dominant players. Higher education courses, for instance, can often get caught up in a great deal of loosely associated study - with a syllabus that's far too wide. Students are then held back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.
It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know what areas need to be serviced, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they're assured that a potential employee can do exactly what's required.
You should remember: the training program or the accreditation is not what you're looking for; a job that you're getting the training for is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in the course or the qualification. Don't be part of the group who set off on a track that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - and end up with a plaque on the wall for a job they hate.
Get to grips with what you want to earn and the level of your ambition. Often, this changes which precise accreditations will be expected and what you can expect to give industry in return. All students are advised to speak with a professional advisor before deciding on their learning program. This is required to ensure it contains the relevant skills for the career that is sought.
Looking at the myriad of choice out there, does it really shock us that the majority of career changers get stuck choosing the job they will enjoy. Since having no solid background in IT, how should we possibly know what any job actually involves? The key to answering this problem in the best manner lies in an in-depth conversation around a number of areas:
* The type of personality you have and interests - what kind of work-oriented areas you love or hate.
* Do you hope to accomplish a specific goal - for instance, working from home sometime soon?
* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it of prime importance, or does job satisfaction rate a lot higher on your priority-list?
* With so many markets to choose from in IT - there's a need to gain a solid grounding on what separates them.
* Taking a cold, hard look at the level of commitment, time and effort you'll make available.
In actuality, you'll find the only real way to seek advice on these issues is through a chat with an experienced advisor who has a background in IT (and more importantly it's commercial needs.)
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