Well Done! As you’re looking at this it’s likely you’re thinking about retraining for a new career – that means you’ve already taken one more step than the majority. Less of us than you’d think are content with our jobs, but most just moan and do nothing about it. You could be a member of the few who decide to make the change.
We’d recommend that before you start any individual training program, you run through some things with a mentor who knows the industry and can give you advice. They can assess your personality and assist in finding the right role for you:
* Do you like to work collaborating with people? Would you prefer to work with a small team or with a lot of new people? Perhaps working alone in a task-based situation would be more your thing?
* What do you need from the market sector you work in? (Things do change – look at the building trade, or banks for example.)
* Is it important that this should be the last time you’ll need to re-qualify?
* Will the information you learn allow you to find the work you’re looking for, and stay employable until you choose to stop?
Look at the IT sector, that’s our recommendation – it’s one of the few sectors of industry still growing in this country and overseas. In addition, salaries and benefits exceed most other industries.
One useful service that several companies offer is a Job Placement Assistance program. The service is put in place to steer you into your first IT role. The fact of the matter is it’s not as difficult as you may be led to believe to secure a job – as long as you’ve got the necessary skills and qualifications; the shortage of IT personnel in Britain looks after that.
Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews is sometimes offered (if not, see one of our sites for help). Make sure you update that dusty old CV today – not when you’re ready to start work!
Quite frequently, you’ll secure your initial job whilst still on the course (even when you’ve just left first base). If your CV doesn’t say what you’re learning (and it hasn’t been posted on jobsites) then you won’t even be considered!
Actually, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. In addition, they will no doubt know the local area and commercial needs.
Many trainees, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for the right position. Promote yourself… Make an effort to put yourself out there. Good jobs don’t just knock on your door.
IT has become one of the most electrifying and revolutionary industries you could be involved with. To be working on the cutting-edge of technology puts you at the fore-front of developments that will impact the whole world for generations to come.
Many people are of the opinion that the technological revolution we have experienced is easing off. There is no truth in this at all. Massive changes are on the horizon, and most especially the internet will be the most effective tool in our lives.
And it’s worth remembering that the average salary in the world of IT throughout this country is much higher than the national average salary, so you’ll probably receive much more in the IT sector, than you would in most typical jobs.
Experts agree that there’s a substantial national demand for trained and qualified IT technicians. It follows that with the constant growth in the marketplace, it appears this will be the case for a good while yet.
Considering the amount of options that are available, is it any wonder that nearly all trainees have no idea which career they could be successful with.
As with no commercial background in the IT industry, how could any of us know what anyone doing a particular job actually does?
Ultimately, the right answer will only come from a careful study of many changing key points:
* The kind of individual you think yourself to be – the tasks that you get enjoyment from, and don’t forget – what makes you unhappy.
* Why you’re looking at stepping into the IT industry – is it to conquer a life-long goal like being self-employed maybe.
* Where do you stand on job satisfaction vs salary?
* Learning what typical career roles and sectors are – and what makes them different.
* What effort, commitment and time you’re prepared to spend on the training program.
The best way to avoid the barrage of jargon, and reveal the best path to success, have an informal chat with an experienced professional; a person who will cover the commercial realities and truth as well as each certification.
Make sure that all your certifications are what employers want – forget programs that lead to in-house certificates.
Unless your qualification is issued by a big-hitter like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA, then chances are it will have been a waste of time – as no-one will have heard of it.
(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Look at Comptia Certification or CLICK HERE.