People attracted to this sort of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and don't always take well to classrooms, and slogging through piles of books. If you identify with this, go for more modern interactive training, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. Studies in learning psychology have shown that long term memory is improved when we use all our senses, and we get practically involved in what we're studying.

Learning is now available via DVD-ROM discs, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Video streaming means you can watch instructors demonstrating how something is done, and then have a go at it yourself - in a virtual lab environment. Don't take any chances and look at some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be video tutorials, instructor demo's and audio-visual elements backed up by interactive lab's.

Seek out CD or DVD ROM based materials wherever available. You can then avoid all the difficulties of internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.

You have to make sure that all your qualifications are what employers want - don't even consider studies that only give in-house certificates. From an employer's perspective, only the big-boys like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (to give some examples) will get you short-listed. Nothing else hits the mark.

The sometimes daunting task of finding your first job can be eased because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance facility. Having said that, occasionally there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, for it is actually not that hard for a well trained and motivated person to secure work in IT - as employers are keen to find appropriately trained staff.

Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). It's essential that you polish up your CV today - not when you're ready to start work! It's not unusual to find that you will be offered your initial job while still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you don't stand a chance! The most efficient companies to get you a new position are most often specialised and independent recruitment consultants. As they're keen to place you to receive their commission, they have more incentive to get on with it.

Do make sure you don't invest a great deal of time on your training course, and then just stop and imagine someone else is miraculously going to land you a job. Take responsibility for yourself and make your own enquiries. Channel as much time and energy into securing a good job as you did to gain the skills.

You will get the opportunity to learn more about the many IT careers and training routes from specialised web-pages on this website. Alternatively, our free Lollypedia E-Book will give you additional guidance, as well as access to our team of training professionals.

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