Networking Career Retraining - Thoughts

In these days of super efficiency, support workers who can mend computers and networks, along with giving regular solutions to users, are vital in every part of industry. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technological advances, growing numbers of IT professionals are needed to run the smooth operation of functions we rely on.

One thing you must always insist on is proper direct-access 24×7 support via dedicated instructors and mentors. Far too often we see trainers who only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later (but not weekends usually).

Avoid, like the plague, any organisations who use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - with your call-back scheduled for office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.

Be on the lookout for study programmes that have multiple support offices active in different time-zones. Each one should be integrated to provide a single interface and also round-the-clock access, when you need it, with no fuss.

Always pick a trainer that cares. Only true live 24×7 support provides the necessary backup.

It's likely that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' individual. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you'll make yourself do if you have to, but it's not ideal. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if learning from books is not your thing.

If we're able to utilise all of our senses into our learning, our results will often be quite spectacular.

The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you'll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by utilising the practice lab's and modules.

Every company that you look at must be able to demonstrate some simple examples of their training materials. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.

Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where offered, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - it's not wise to be held hostage to your internet connection always being 'up' and available.

Ask almost any capable consultant and you'll be surprised by their many terrible tales of students who've been sold completely the wrong course for them. Stick to a skilled advisor who digs deep to find out what's appropriate to you - not for their paycheque! It's very important to locate the right starting point of study for you.

With a bit of real-world experience or some accreditation, your starting-point of learning is not the same as someone new to the industry.

Consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Beginning there can make the learning curve a much more gentle.

Only consider study programs that lead to commercially acknowledged accreditations. There's a plethora of small companies promoting unknown 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job.

From an employer's viewpoint, only the major heavyweights like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA (as an example) will open the right doors. Anything less won't make the grade.

(C) Jason Kendall. Visit LearningLolly.com for superb career advice. Network+ Course or www.computer-networking-courses.co.uk.