It's really great that you've made it this far! Only one in ten folks say they enjoy their work, but most of us just go off on one from time to time and do nothing. Because you've done research we have a hunch that you're finding out about training, so even now you're ahead of the game. What comes next is get busy to find your direction.
On the subject of training, it's vital to first define your requirements from the career you're looking to get into. Be sure that the grass actually is greener before you spend time and effort altering your life's plans. It's good sense to regard the whole story first, to avoid disappointment:
* Are you happier left to your own devices at work or perhaps being around others is an essential criteria for you?
* What's important that you get from the industry your job is in? (If it's stability you're after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)
* Once your training has been completed, would you like your skills to serve you till you retire?
* Do you believe that retraining in your chosen sector will offer you employment opportunities, and provide the facility to allow you to work up to the time you want to stop?
It's important that you don't overlook the IT industry - it's well known that it's developing all the time. It's not all nerdy people looking at computer screens the whole time - we know those roles do exist, but the majority of roles are filled with ordinary men and women who get on very well.
Looking around, we find an excess of jobs and positions available in Information Technology. Deciding which one could be right for you can be very difficult.
As without any previous experience in IT, how can most of us be expected to understand what someone in a particular job does?
The key to answering this predicament appropriately lies in a thorough discussion of some important points:
* What nature of person you think yourself to be - the tasks that you find interesting, and don't forget - what don't you like doing.
* What time-frame are you looking at for the retraining?
* What scale of importance is the salary - is an increase your main motivator, or is enjoying your job a little higher on your priority-list?
* Understanding what the main Information technology areas and markets are - and what makes them different.
* How much time you'll commit your training.
For the average person, sifting through all these ideas needs a long talk with someone that can investigate each area with you. Not only the certifications - but also the commercial needs and expectations of the market as well.
Don't get hung-up, like so many people do, on the certification itself. Training is not an end in itself; this is about employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve.
Don't be one of the unfortunate masses who set off on a track which looks like it could be fun - and end up with a certification for something they'll never enjoy.
It's a good idea to understand the exact expectations industry will have. What exams you'll be required to have and how to gain experience. Spend some time thinking about how far you think you'll want to build your skill-set as it will present a very specific set of exams.
Always seek guidance and advice from a professional advisor, irrespective of whether you have to pay - as it's a lot cheaper and safer to discover early on if a chosen track will suit, rather than realise following two years of study that the job you've chosen is not for you and have to start from the beginning again.
Always expect the latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation packages.
Because most IT examination boards are from the USA, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It's not sufficient simply going through the right questions - they need to be in the proper exam format.
It's a good idea to have some simulated exam questions so you'll be able to check your understanding along the way. Practice exams log the information in your brain - then the actual exam is much easier.
Be watchful that any accreditations you're considering doing will be recognised by employers and are up-to-date. The 'in-house' certifications provided by many companies are not normally useful in gaining employment.
From an employer's viewpoint, only the top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe (for example) provide enough commercial weight. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard. - 33376
On the subject of training, it's vital to first define your requirements from the career you're looking to get into. Be sure that the grass actually is greener before you spend time and effort altering your life's plans. It's good sense to regard the whole story first, to avoid disappointment:
* Are you happier left to your own devices at work or perhaps being around others is an essential criteria for you?
* What's important that you get from the industry your job is in? (If it's stability you're after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)
* Once your training has been completed, would you like your skills to serve you till you retire?
* Do you believe that retraining in your chosen sector will offer you employment opportunities, and provide the facility to allow you to work up to the time you want to stop?
It's important that you don't overlook the IT industry - it's well known that it's developing all the time. It's not all nerdy people looking at computer screens the whole time - we know those roles do exist, but the majority of roles are filled with ordinary men and women who get on very well.
Looking around, we find an excess of jobs and positions available in Information Technology. Deciding which one could be right for you can be very difficult.
As without any previous experience in IT, how can most of us be expected to understand what someone in a particular job does?
The key to answering this predicament appropriately lies in a thorough discussion of some important points:
* What nature of person you think yourself to be - the tasks that you find interesting, and don't forget - what don't you like doing.
* What time-frame are you looking at for the retraining?
* What scale of importance is the salary - is an increase your main motivator, or is enjoying your job a little higher on your priority-list?
* Understanding what the main Information technology areas and markets are - and what makes them different.
* How much time you'll commit your training.
For the average person, sifting through all these ideas needs a long talk with someone that can investigate each area with you. Not only the certifications - but also the commercial needs and expectations of the market as well.
Don't get hung-up, like so many people do, on the certification itself. Training is not an end in itself; this is about employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve.
Don't be one of the unfortunate masses who set off on a track which looks like it could be fun - and end up with a certification for something they'll never enjoy.
It's a good idea to understand the exact expectations industry will have. What exams you'll be required to have and how to gain experience. Spend some time thinking about how far you think you'll want to build your skill-set as it will present a very specific set of exams.
Always seek guidance and advice from a professional advisor, irrespective of whether you have to pay - as it's a lot cheaper and safer to discover early on if a chosen track will suit, rather than realise following two years of study that the job you've chosen is not for you and have to start from the beginning again.
Always expect the latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation packages.
Because most IT examination boards are from the USA, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It's not sufficient simply going through the right questions - they need to be in the proper exam format.
It's a good idea to have some simulated exam questions so you'll be able to check your understanding along the way. Practice exams log the information in your brain - then the actual exam is much easier.
Be watchful that any accreditations you're considering doing will be recognised by employers and are up-to-date. The 'in-house' certifications provided by many companies are not normally useful in gaining employment.
From an employer's viewpoint, only the top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe (for example) provide enough commercial weight. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard. - 33376
About the Author:
(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Visit www.CareerChangeCourses.co.uk/hcachco.html or MCSE Course.
