It’s really great that you’ve made it this far! Only one in ten folks say they enjoy their work, but most of us just go off on one from time to time and do nothing. Because you’ve done research we have a hunch that you’re finding out about training, so even now you’re ahead of the game. What comes next is get busy to find your direction.

We recommend you seek advice first – talk to a knowledgeable person; a guide who can really get to know you and find the best job role for you, and offer only the learning programs that will suit you:

* Would you like to work with others? If so, do you want a team or are you more comfortable dealing with strangers? Alternatively, do you like to deal with your responsibilities alone?

* The banks and building sector are none too stable right now, so it’s important to look very carefully at what sector would suit you best?

* Once your training has been completed, would you like your skills to serve you till you retire?

* Do you believe that retraining in your chosen sector will offer you employment opportunities, and provide the facility to allow you to work up to the time you want to stop?

The largest sector in this country to tick all of the above boxes is the IT sector. There’s a need for more knowledgeable staff in the industry, – take a look at any jobsite and there’ll be a long list. Don’t misunderstand and think it’s only geeky nerds sitting in front ofscreens every day – there’s a lot more to it than that. Most of workers in the industry are just like the rest of us, but they enjoy their work and get well paid.

Looking around, we find an excess of jobs and positions available in Information Technology. Deciding which one could be right for you can be very difficult.

How likely is it for us to understand the tasks faced daily in an IT career when we’ve never done it? We normally haven’t met someone who does that actual job anyway.

To work through this, there should be a discussion of several definitive areas:

* Your personality type as well as your interests – what work-oriented areas please or frustrate you.

* What time-frame are you looking at for the retraining?

* What are your thoughts on salary vs job satisfaction?

* Understanding what the main Information technology areas and markets are – and what makes them different.

* How much time you’ll commit your training.

The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and reveal the best route for you, have a good talk with an industry expert and advisor; a person who understands the commercial reality as well as each certification.

Of course: the training itself or a certification isn’t what this is about; a job that you want to end up in is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in just the training course.

It’s a sad fact, but a great many students start out on programs that sound fabulous in the marketing materials, but which provides a job that is of no interest at all. Just ask several university leavers and you’ll see where we’re coming from.

You must also consider how you feel about career progression and earning potential, plus your level of ambition. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, what exams will be required and how to develop your experience.

It’s good advice for all students to speak to an experienced professional before deciding on their learning path. This gives some measure of assurance that it features what is required for the chosen career.

Validated exam preparation and simulation materials are essential – and really must be sought from your training provider.

Students regularly can find themselves confused by practising exam questions that aren’t from authorised sources. Sometimes, the phraseology is startlingly different and you need to be ready for this.

It’s a good idea to have some simulated exam questions so you’ll be able to check your understanding along the way. Practice exams log the information in your brain – then the actual exam is much easier.

Be watchful that any accreditations you’re considering doing will be recognised by employers and are up-to-date. The ‘in-house’ certifications provided by many companies are not normally useful in gaining employment.

All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA have internationally recognised skills programmes. These big-hitters will give some sparkle to your CV.

Copyright Scott Edwards. Check out www.CareerChangeCourses.co.uk/hcachco.html or MCSE Course.