.::.Easy Mind Reading.::.

If you're thinking about studying for the MCSE certificate, it's probable that you fall into one of the following categories. You may want to enter the computer sector, as it's apparent this commercial sector has a great need for men and women who are commercially qualified. Instead you may be someone with a certain amount of knowledge ready to formalise your skill set with the Microsoft qualification.

Be sure you confirm that the training company you use is actually training you on the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Many trainees are left in a mess when it turns out they have been studying for an outdated MCSE course which now needs updating.

Be aware of training companies that are only trying to make a sale. Always remember that buying a course for an MCSE is the same in a way as buying a car. They're very diverse; some will serve you very well, whilst others will constantly let you down. A valid provider will offer you time, expertise and advice to ensure you're on the right course. If a company has a creditable product, they'll show you examples of it prior to registering.

We can all agree: There really is no such thing as individual job security anymore; there's only industry and sector security - any company is likely to fire a solitary member of staff whenever it suits the company's commercial needs.

In times of rising skills deficits mixed with increasing demand though, we can locate a fresh type of security in the marketplace; driven forward by the constant growth conditions, organisations are struggling to hire the staff required.

The 2006 UK e-Skills investigation demonstrated that twenty six percent of all IT positions available are unfilled due to a chronic shortage of properly qualified workers. That means for every four jobs that are available across the computer industry, there are barely three qualified workers to do them.

Fully taught and commercially accredited new staff are thus at an absolute premium, and in all likelihood it will stay that way for much longer.

In reality, gaining new qualifications in IT throughout the coming years is most likely the best career move you'll ever make.

If an advisor doesn't dig around with lots of question - it's more than likely they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they're pushing towards a particular product before getting to know your background and experience, then you know you're being sold to.

Sometimes, the level to start at for a student with some experience will be substantially different to the student with no experience.

Starting with a foundation module first may be the ideal way to start into your IT programme, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

With all the options available, there's no surprise that nearly all students have no idea which career they should even pursue.

What is our likelihood of grasping the day-to-day realities of any IT job if we've never been there? Most likely we don't even know anybody who is in that area at all.

Usually, the way to come at this predicament properly stems from an in-depth talk over several areas:

* Our personalities play a significant part - what kind of areas spark your interest, and what tasks put a frown on your face.

* Do you hope to achieve an important objective - like being your own boss sometime soon?

* What are your thoughts on salary vs job satisfaction?

* Often, trainees don't consider the time required to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* Having a serious look at the level of commitment, time and effort that you're going to put into it.

The best way to avoid the confusing industry jargon, and uncover the best route for you, have a good talk with an industry-experienced advisor; someone who understands the commercial reality whilst covering all the qualifications.

We're regularly asked to explain why qualifications from colleges and universities are being overtaken by more commercially accredited qualifications?

The IT sector is of the opinion that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, the right accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field - saving time and money.

In essence, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the most important function is always to cover the precise skills needed (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without attempting to cover a bit about all sorts of other things (as degree courses are known to do).

The crux of the matter is this: Authorised IT qualifications provide exactly what an employer needs - the title says it all: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. Therefore companies can identify exactly what they need and which qualifications are required to fulfil that.

You should only consider study paths that lead to industry acknowledged certifications. There's an endless list of trainers pushing minor 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable in today's commercial market.

All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA each have nationally recognised proficiency programmes. These heavyweights will ensure your employability.