Just ten percent of adults in this country are claiming to be happy in their job. The vast majority of course will take no action. The fact that you’ve got this far at least means that you’re considering or may be ready for a change.
We recommend you seek advice first – find someone who knows the industry; an advisor who can discover your ideal job, and then show you the courses you may be suited to:
* Is working with other people your thing? Are you better with new people or those you know well? Maybe you like to deal with tasks that you deal with by yourself?
* What elements are you looking for from the industry your job is in? (Things do change – look at the building trade, or banks for example.)
* How long a career do you hope to have once retrained, and will the market sector give you the confidence that will happen?
* Do you believe that retraining in your chosen sector will offer you employment opportunities, and offer the chance to work right up to the time you want to stop?
It’s important that you don’t overlook the IT industry – everyone knows that it’s getting bigger. It’s not all nerdy people looking at computer screens all day – it’s true some IT jobs demand that, but most jobs are carried out by people like you and me who are earning rather well.
Starting with the idea that it’s good to home-in on the market that sounds most inviting first and foremost, before we’re even able to contemplate which method of training ticks the right boxes, how can we choose the way that suits us?
Because in the absence of any commercial skills in IT, how could any of us be expected to understand what anyone doing a particular job actually does?
The key to answering this dilemma in the best manner stems from a full conversation around a variety of topics:
* Personality factors plus what interests you – what work-related things you like and dislike.
* Why you want to consider moving into the IT industry – maybe you want to overcome a long-held goal like being your own boss maybe.
* The income requirements you may have?
* There are many markets to choose from in the IT industry – there’s a need to get some key facts on what sets them apart.
* How much time you’re prepared to spend on the training program.
For most people, getting to the bottom of so much data needs a long talk with an advisor who can explain things properly. Not only the qualifications – but also the commercial expectations and needs besides.
An advisor that doesn’t ask many questions – it’s likely they’re just a salesperson. If they’re pushing towards a particular product before learning about your history and current experience level, then it’s definitely the case.
Don’t forget, if you’ve got any qualifications that are related, then you will often be able to pick-up at a different starting-point to someone who is new to the field.
For those students embarking on IT studies for the first time, it’s often a good idea to start out slowly, kicking off with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Usually this is packaged with most training programs.
How the program is actually delivered to you isn’t always given the appropriate level of importance. How many stages do they break the program into? What is the order and at what speed is it delivered?
You may think that it makes sense (with most training taking 1-3 years to gain full certified status,) that a training provider will issue the courseware in stages, as you complete each part. Although:
What would happen if you didn’t finish each element within the time limits imposed? Often the prescribed exam order won’t be as easy as some other structure would for you.
Truth be told, the best solution is to obtain their recommendation on the best possible order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. You’re then in possession of everything should you not complete it at their required pace.
Some training providers supply a practical Job Placement Assistance service, to help you into your first commercial role. Sometimes, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, as it’s really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to get work in the IT industry – because companies everywhere are seeking qualified personnel.
Nevertheless, don’t wait till you have completed your exams before getting your CV updated. Right at the beginning of your training, list what you’re working on and get promoting!
Various junior support jobs have been bagged by students who are in the process of training and haven’t got any qualifications yet. This will at least get you on your way.
The most efficient companies to help get you placed are usually local IT focused employment agencies. As they’re keen to place you to receive their commission, they’re perhaps more focused on results.
A regular grievance of many course providers is how hard people are focused on studying to become certified, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the position they’re acquired skills for. Get out there and hustle – you might find it’s fun.
(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Check out This Site or it-training–uk.co.uk.
