If you're reading this then it's likely that either you want to get into networking and the MCSE has reared its head, or you're someone with a certain amount of knowledge and it's apparent that the next stage is an MCSE.

When researching MCSE's, you will notice companies that lower their out-goings by failing to provide the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Avoid this type of college as you'll have problems in the exam. If you're learning from the wrong version, it will make it very difficult to pass. Steer clear of providers who are only trying to make a sale. You deserve time, expertise and advice to make sure you are on the right course for you. Don't be shoe-horned into a one-size-fits-all course by an inadequate outfit.

Can job security truly exist anywhere now? In the UK for instance, with businesses changing their mind at alarming speeds, there doesn't seem much chance. Now, we only experience security in a fast escalating marketplace, driven forward by a shortfall of trained staff. These circumstances create the appropriate conditions for a higher level of market-security - a far better situation.

The 2006 UK e-Skills analysis showed that more than 26 percent of IT jobs are unfilled because of a chronic shortage of properly qualified workers. Alternatively, you could say, this means that the UK can only find 3 certified professionals for every four jobs that exist today. This glaring fact highlights the requirement for more technically trained Information Technology professionals across Great Britain. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market state of affairs will exist for getting trained into this hugely expanding and blossoming business.

People attracted to this sort of work are usually quite practically-minded, and don't really enjoy classrooms, and struggling through thick study-volumes. If you identify with this, use multimedia, interactive learning, where learning is video-based. We see a huge improvement in memory retention with an involvement of all our senses - experts have been clear on this for decades now.

You can now study via interactive CD and DVD ROM's. Through instructor-led video classes you'll take everything in through the demonstrations and explanations. Then you test your knowledge by interacting with the software and practicing yourself. All companies should be able to show you a few examples of the type of training materials they provide. You should hope for instructor-led videos and a wide selection of interactive elements.

Many companies provide purely on-line training; while you can get away with this much of the time, imagine the problems if you lose your internet access or you get slow speeds and down-time etc. It's much safer to rely on physical CD or DVD discs that will not have these problems.

A service that many training companies provide is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is to help you find your first job in the industry. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it's quite easy for training companies to make too much of it. At the end of the day, the still growing need for IT personnel in Britain is what will enable you to get a job.

Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews is sometimes offered (if not, see one of our sites for help). It's essential that you polish up your CV immediately - don't leave it till you pass the exams! It can happen that you haven't even taken your exams when you'll secure your initial junior support role; but this can't and won't happen if your CV isn't in front of employers. Normally you'll get better performance from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than any training company's national service, because they will understand the local industry and employment needs.

Do be sure that you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, then call a halt and expect somebody else to land you a job. Stand up for yourself and get on with the job. Channel as much energy and enthusiasm into getting the right position as it took to get qualified.

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