Certifications
Choosing a certification program is relatively easy, as by now you should know in which direction you want your IT career to progress. Some areas of IT, notably networking, have a number of programs available, and it is relatively easy to match up the program with your chosen path. Others, such as programming, have less options available, though the definition of the subject means that this is not necessarily a problem. Here are some things to consider when choosing a program:
Choose a program that is recognized and in demand by employers. Check job advertisements and ask other people in the industry about what is in demand. If you have a specific company in mind that you want to work for, find out if they will accept your certification.
Consider whether the certification program is suited to your chosen method of study. As mentioned earlier, not all certification programs are suited to every study type.
Although it may be tempting to do so, try to avoid programs that you have little interest in, even if they are in demand. Having an interest in what you do is an important part of your choice.
Investigate your chosen program throughly, especially in regard to what exams you must take and when the vendor is updating the certification. Finding out during a course of study that you are going to have to immediately update your skills can be disheartening.
Find out what study aids are available for your chosen certification.There is no doubt that books, sample tests, CBTs, and other resources can be invaluable no matter what study method you choose. Selecting a certification path in which there are few resources available can make it that much harder to study.
Vendor Independent Certifications
Some certification programs are vendor independent, meaning that the program itself is not run by the hardware or software manufacturer themselves. These programs have advantages over vendor operated programs because they often cover more than one technology. Note that vendor independent certification programs are often not as widely recognized as those from a major company. A good example here is the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification. Because it has Microsoft's name behind it, it is immediately recognized by employers who often have an understanding of what is involved in obtaining the certification. In contrast, programs from independent organizations do not have the recognition that the MCSE has, though this is something that is changing as time goes on.
As far as your career planning goes, you may want to consider a vendor independent certification if you are unsure of exactly which products you want to learn. In addition, many vendor independent certifications offer courses and certifications that can be particularly useful for those just starting out in IT, such as those which cover the basic principles of PC technology and networking.
What You Cannot Calculate
What this formula does not help you with is choosing the most appropriate form of training for you as an individual. Forcing yourself into a $10,000 intensive training program so that you can enter the workforce quicker is not a solution. You are unlikely to learn or absorb the necessary information.You should consider the fact that in some cases, particularly that of a university education, you often can earn more when you enter the workplace as a result of your education.
And Long Term Change
Look at your chosen area of the IT industry as it exists today, and then look at how it affects the IT industry overall. Look forward now into the future, and see where things are headed and fit the two together. Sounds difficult? It really isn't. Here's how it works.
Let's take programming as an example. Today, the most popular languages are C++ and Java. In five years time-a long time in the IT industry-there is a good chance that even if the languages themselves are not the latest and greatest, derivatives of them will be. That means that as long as you develop a plan of ongoing education, you can ride the wave of change as it develops.
If you cannot see a market for the technology you are involved in five years from now, now is the time to think about getting out or at the very least changing direction. If you start making preparations for change now, you can continue to earn a decent living while training for your new area.You may even be able to pick up on a job that needs people with skills in both areas, allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge at someone else's expense.
As with the other things that we have discussed in this article, a good way of finding out which training method may be best suited to you is to ask around. Talk to people and listen to what they thought of a specific company or a type of learning. Most of all, be honest with yourself about what training method you are best suited to. Keep the following points in mind when making your decisions:
When going into IT, keep your options open, and don't jump too quickly to make a decision. Consider all factors.
Make sure that whatever you choose is going to get you where you want to go.
Be realistic about your expectations. Don't' think you can learn everything there is to know in one quick course.
Whichever study method you eventually pick, choosing the right qualifications, study method and at the right institution can determine whether your IT training will be an enjoyable and successful endeavor.
