As you’ve arrived here it’s possible that you’d like to enter the world of computers and the MCTS Training has reared its head, or you could already be in IT and it’s apparent that the next stage is the Microsoft qualification.
When researching training colleges, be sure to avoid those who reduce their costs by failing to use the current Microsoft version. This is no use to the trainee as they will have been learning from an old version of MCTS which doesn’t correspond to the current exam syllabus, so it’s likely they’ll fail. A training provider’s focus must be based upon doing the most for their students, and the whole company should care about getting things right. Studying isn’t just about passing exams – the process should be all about helping you to decide on the best action plan for your future.
Students will sometimes miss checking on something of absolutely vital importance – the way their training provider actually breaks down and delivers the physical training materials, and into how many parts. Typically, you will purchase a course that takes between and 1 and 3 years and get posted one section at a time – from one exam to the next. While this may sound logical on one level, consider this: What if you find the order prescribed by the provider doesn’t suit you. You may find it a stretch to finalise all the sections inside their defined time-scales?
In an ideal situation, you want everything at the start – so you’ll have them all to come back to at any time in the future – whenever it suits you. This allows a variation in the order that you move through the program where a more intuitive path can be found.
It’s likely that you probably enjoy fairly practical work – the ‘hands-on’ personality type. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you’ll make yourself do if you have to, but it’s not really your thing. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if you’d really rather not use books. Recent studies into the way we learn shows that we remember much more when we use all our senses, and we get practically involved in what we’re studying.
You can now study via self-contained CD or DVD materials. Real-world classes from the instructors will mean you’ll learn your subject through their teaching and demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by practicing and interacting with the software. Don’t take any chances and look at some of the typical study materials provided before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and a variety of audio-visual and interactive sections.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where possible, so that you have access at all times – you don’t want to be reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.
An all too common mistake that students everywhere can make is to look for the actual course to take, instead of focusing on the desired end-result. Training academies have thousands of direction-less students that chose a program because it looked interesting – instead of the program that would surely get them the career they desired. You could be training for only a year and end up doing the job for 20 years. Don’t make the mistake of choosing what sounds like an ‘interesting’ training program only to waste your life away with an unrewarding career!
Be honest with yourself about what you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. Sometimes, this affects which exams you will need and what industry will expect from you in return. Look for help from a skilled professional who appreciates the market you’re interested in, and who can offer ‘A typical day in the life of’ understanding of what duties you’ll be performing day-to-day. It makes good sense to ensure you’re on the right track before you jump into the study-program. There’s little reason in starting your training and then discover you’re on the wrong course.
What is the reason why traditional academic studies are being overtaken by more commercial certifications? The IT sector now acknowledges that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, the right accreditation from the likes of Adobe, Microsoft MCITP Certification, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – for much less time and money. Of course, an appropriate quantity of background knowledge must be taught, but focused specialised knowledge in the areas needed gives a vendor educated student a massive advantage.
Put yourself in the employer’s position – and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. What’s the simplest way to find the right person: Pore through loads of academic qualifications from graduate applicants, trying to establish what they know and which trade skills they’ve acquired, or choose a specific set of accreditations that specifically match what you’re looking for, and make your short-list from that. You’ll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview – rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.
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