As your research has brought you here it's possible that either you want to get into networking and you've heard good things about MCSE's, or you coul...
As your research has brought you here it's possible that either you want to get into networking and you've heard good things about MCSE's,
or you could already be in IT and you're aware that the next stage is the MCSE certification.
Always make sure you confirm that the training company you use is actually training you on the latest Microsoft level. Many students get frustrated when it turns out they have been studying for an outdated MCSE program which will need updating. Be aware of training companies who're just interested in your money. Realise that buying training to get an MCSE is similar to buying a car. They are not all equal; some will be fantastic, whilst others will probably break down on route. A conscientious organisation will offer you plenty of help to check you've got the correct course. When providers are proud of their courses, you'll be shown samples of it before you buy.
The age-old way of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, dig around for more practical courses that are on-screen and interactive. If we're able to utilise all of our senses into our learning, then we often see hugely increased memory retention as a result.
Modern training can now be done at home via self-contained CD or DVD materials. Through instructor-led video classes you'll take everything in through the expert demonstrations. Then it's time to test your knowledge by practicing and interacting with the software. Don't take any chances and look at examples of the courseware provided before you sign on the dotted line. You should expect instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.
Seek out CD and DVD ROM based physical training media wherever available. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.
A knowledgeable and professional consultant (vs a salesperson) will cover in some detail your current level of ability and experience. This is paramount to working out your starting point for training. Don't forget, if you've had any relevant previous certification, then you can sometimes expect to start at a different point than a student who's starting from scratch. If you're a student beginning IT exams and training for the first time, it can be useful to ease in gradually, kicking off with some basic PC skills training first. This is often offered with most types of training.
Typically, a new trainee will not know to ask about a vitally important element - the way the company segments the courseware sections, and into how many parts. Often, you will purchase a course staged over 2 or 3 years and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. While this may sound logical on one level, consider this: It's not unusual for trainees to realise that their training company's standard order of study isn't as suitable as another. Sometimes, a different order of study is more expedient. Could it cause problems if you don't get everything done in the allotted time?
Truth be told, the best option is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but get everything up-front. It's then all yours in the event you don't complete everything at their required pace.
Many training companies supply a practical Job Placement Assistance program, to help you get your first job. Because of the growing shortage of skills in the United Kingdom today, it's not too important to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It's actually not as hard as some people make out to get the right work once you're trained and certified.
Nevertheless, don't wait till you've passed your final exams before updating your CV. Right at the beginning of your training, list what you're working on and place it on jobsites! Quite often, you will get your initial role while still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If your CV doesn't say what you're learning (and it's not being looked at by employers) then you don't stand a chance! If you'd like to get employment in your home town, then you'll probably find that an independent and specialised local employment service could work much better for you than some national concern, due to the fact that they're far more likely to be familiar with local employment needs.
Do be sure that you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, then call a halt and leave it up to everyone else to land you a job. Stop procrastinating and get out there. Channel the same time and energy into getting your first job as you did to gain the skills.
