Saturday, February 14, 2009

Studying for the MCSA

By Jason Kendall

If you're thinking about a job in network support then the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator course is an ideal qualification for you. So if you want to get into IT or have previous knowledge but want a professional course, there's a variety of options to fulfil your needs. Each of these options needs a different training track, so make sure you've got the correct program before making a start. Identify a training provider that wants to get to know what you're looking to do, and can help you identify how it will all work, before they start talking about courses.

Being a part of the cutting-edge of new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You're involved with shaping the next few decades. It's a common misapprehension that the revolution in technology we've been going through is lowering its pace. There is no truth in this at all. There are huge changes to come, and the internet particularly will be the biggest thing to affect the way we live.

Should receiving a good salary be up there on your wish list, then you will be happy to know that the regular income of IT employees in general is noticeably better than with much of the rest of industry. With the IT marketplace growing year on year, it's looking good that the need for certified IT specialists will flourish for a good while yet.

Evidently, the computer industry shows great opportunities. But, to arm ourselves with the correct information, what are the questions we should be asking, and what are the sectors we need to investigate?

The market provides a plethora of employment in Information Technology. Deciding which one could be right out of this complexity is a mammoth decision. What are the chances of us grasping the tasks faced daily in an IT career when it's an alien environment to us? Most likely we don't know someone who performs the role either. Usually, the way to come at this problem properly comes from a deep conversation around some important points:

* Personality factors plus what interests you - the sort of working tasks please or frustrate you.

* What is the time-frame for the retraining?

* How important is salary to you - is it of prime importance, or does job satisfaction rate higher up on the scale of your priorities?

* Many students don't properly consider the work required to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* You need to take in what is different for each area of training.

When all is said and done, the best way of understanding everything necessary is via a good talk with someone that through years of experience will lead you to the correct decision.

Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support through expert mentors and instructors. It's an all too common story to find providers that will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend. Avoid those companies who use 'out-of-hours' messaging systems - with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and need an answer now.

World-class organisations offer a web-based 24x7 service combining multiple support operations from around the world. You're offered a single, easy-to-use interface that seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate at any time of day or night: Support on demand. Never compromise where support is concerned. Most trainees that throw in the towel, would have had a different experience if they'd got the right support package in the first place.

The age-old way of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, is often a huge slog for most of us. If this describes you, dig around for more practical courses that are on-screen and interactive. Where we can get all of our senses involved in our learning, then the results are usually dramatically better.

Top of the range study programs now offer self-contained CD or DVD materials. Through instructor-led video classes you'll take everything in by way of the demonstrations and explanations. Knowledge can then be tested by using practice-lab's. Be sure to get a demonstration of the study materials from any training college. The package should contain slide-shows, instructor-led videos and interactive labs where you get to practice.

Pick CD and DVD ROM based physical training media wherever available. You can then avoid all the difficulties of internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.

One area often overlooked by those weighing up a particular programme is that of 'training segmentation'. Essentially, this is the way the course is divided up for delivery to you, which can make a dramatic difference to how you end up. Many companies enrol you into some sort of program spread over 1-3 years, and send out each piece as you pass each exam. If you think this sound logical, then consider this: With thought, many trainees understand that the company's typical path to completion isn't the easiest way for them. They might find varying the order of study will be far more suitable. And what if you don't get to the end within their exact timetable?

To be in the best situation you would have every piece of your study pack sent to your home before you even start; the entire package! Thus avoiding any future problems that could impede the reaching of your goals.

Accredited exam preparation packages are essential - and must be offered by your course provider. Due to the fact that the majority of IT examination boards are American, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It isn't good enough simply answering any old technical questions - they must be in an exam format that exactly replicates the real thing. Why don't you check how much you know through tests and mock ups of exams prior to taking the proper exam.

The sometimes daunting task of securing your first role in IT can be made easier because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. It can happen though that too much is made of this feature, as it is actually not that hard for a well trained and motivated person to land a job in this industry - because companies everywhere are seeking trained staff.

Advice and support about getting interviews and your CV may be available (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). Ensure you work on your old CV right away - don't wait until you've finished your exams! You may not have got to the stage where you've taken your exams when you will be offered your first junior support position; although this isn't going to happen unless your CV is with employers. If you'd like to get employment in your home town, then it's quite likely that a local (but specialised) recruitment consultancy may be more appropriate than a centralised service, due to the fact that they're far more likely to have insider knowledge of the jobs that are going locally.

Just be sure that you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, just to give up and leave it up to everyone else to land you a job. Stop procrastinating and get on with the job. Invest as much energy and enthusiasm into securing a good job as it took to get qualified.

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