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Sunday, January 10, 2010

Computer Training For CompTIA - Thoughts

By Jason Kendall

CompTIA A + has a total of four exams and areas of study, but you only need to get certified in 2 to qualify for your A+. Because of this, many educational establishments simply offer two. But allowing you to learn about all 4 options will provide you with a much wider knowledge and understanding of it all, something you'll appreciate as a Godsend in professional employment.

As well as learning how to build PC's and fix them, students on an A+ training course will learn how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.

If you would like to be a man or woman who works for a larger company - fixing and supporting networks, build on A+ with Network+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA - MCSE) because it's necessary to have a wider knowledge of how networks work.

Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something providing 24x7 full access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely hold up your pace and restrict your intake.

Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with your call-back scheduled for standard office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and need help now.

Keep your eyes open for training programs that incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. All of them should be combined to give a single entry point and 24x7 access, when it's convenient for you, with no hassle.

If you opt for less than online 24x7 support, you'll quickly find yourself regretting it. You may not need it in the middle of the night, but consider weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

Remember: the actual training or an accreditation isn't what this is about; the particular job that you want to end up in is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in the qualification itself.

You could be training for only a year and end up doing a job for a lifetime. Avoid the mistake of taking what may be an 'interesting' course and then spend decades in a job you don't like!

You need to keep your eye on where you want to go, and formulate your training based on that - avoid getting them back-to-front. Keep on track - making sure you're training for something you'll still be enjoying many years from now.

Sense dictates that you look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry professional before making your final decision on some particular training course, so there's little doubt that the chosen route will give you the skill-set required for your career choice.

Getting into your first IT role sometimes feels easier to handle if you're supported with a Job Placement Assistance program. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it's quite easy for eager sales people to overplay it. Ultimately, the still growing need for IT personnel in this country is what will make you attractive to employers.

However, don't procrastinate and wait until you have finished your training before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start studying, enter details of your study programme and get promoting!

It's possible that you won't have even taken your exams when you land your first junior support role; but this isn't going to happen unless your CV is with employers.

Most often, a local IT focused employment agency (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) will be more pro-active than a centralised training company's service. They should, of course, also know the local area and commercial needs.

Many people, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when finding a job. Market yourself... Do everything you can to put yourself out there. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

A so-called advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - chances are they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they push a particular product before looking at your personality and current experience level, then it's definitely the case.

If you have a strong background, or maybe some commercial experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then obviously your starting level will be very different from someone with no background whatsoever.

Opening with a basic PC skills module first is often the best way to start into your IT program, depending on your current skill level.

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