If you're thinking about a job in network support then the Microsoft MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) course will suit you perfectly. Whether you want to get going or already have experience but need a professional certificate, a number of options are available to fulfil your needs. Each category requires a different type of course, so pay attention to check you're on the right one before getting going. Search for an organisation that wants to understand what you hope to do, and will give you direction on what you'll be doing, long before they advise on a course.

We're often asked why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercially accredited qualifications? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has moved to the specialised core-skills learning that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - that is companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. Often this saves time and money for the student. Essentially, only that which is required is learned. Actually, it's not quite as pared down as that, but the principle objective is to master the precisely demanded skill-sets (alongside some required background) - without overdoing the detail in all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.

If an employer understands what areas need to be serviced, then all it takes is an advert for someone with a specific qualification. Commercial syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and can't change from one establishment to the next (as academic syllabuses often do).

Most commercial training providers only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly. Beware of institutions who use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - where an advisor will call back during typical office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and need help now.

Top training companies utilise several support facilities across multiple time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to provide a seamless experience, at any time you choose, help is at hand, with no hassle or contact issues. Don't under any circumstances take less than you need and deserve. 24x7 support is the only viable option for technical training. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for the majority of us however, we're working when traditional support if offered.

Many trainers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance program, to help you get your first job. Because of the growing need for more IT skills in the United Kingdom at the moment, there's no need to make too much of this option though. It's actually not as hard as some people make out to find your first job as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.

Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews should be offered (if not, see one of our sites for help). Ensure you bring your CV right up to date immediately - don't wait until you've finished your exams! You may not have got to the stage where you've taken your exams when you'll secure your initial junior support job; however this can't and won't happen unless your CV is with employers. You can usually expect quicker results from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than any training company's centralised service, as they'll know the area better.

Many trainees, apparently, are prepared to study their hearts out (sometimes for years), and then just stop instead of looking for their first job. Promote yourself... Do everything you can to put yourself out there. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.

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