IT career: where to start/best courses to do?

Top_Banana_2

I'm considering a variety of careers at the minute, and IT has always been an interest, but I have no relevant experience/qualifications- due to illness.

I have a GCSE in IT, but this is from 1997 and the software/hardware has obviously changed since then.

If I did go into IT, where would be a good place to start? ie- which tyoe of courses should I be looking at? I'm very confident with my home computer, and when I do get my hands on software that is new to me, I generally pick it up quite quickly.

I've seen the ECDL, but this seems a little to simple and probably not suitable to my career aims. Would you recommend the MCSE type courses? Or should I be looking at something else?

I don't want to do a full time course, so this rules out the HND route. And I'd like to be qualified asap.

If I did IT for a career, I'd be interested in being a trouble-shooter or a network/website manager.

Any tips would be great.

somabc

I would do the CompTIA A+ first, then the MCDST. then try and get a job in IT - with a local Small Company / School or on a helpdesk.

http://certification.comptia.org/a/default.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdst/requirements.mspx

Once you have some employment experience take some more exams (MCSE / MCSA / CCNA) and apply for a job in the field you want.

cally6008

Are you currently working ? If you are claiming JSA then you can study for your ECDL through Learn Direct for FREE. Its a simple course, yes, but its a good start

cazziebo

ECDL isn't a good course to propel anyone into an IT career - admin maybe, but not IT. It's way too basic.

Comptia and MCSA, MCSDT etc are good qualifications and in some areas you can do MCSA on the Training for Work scheme. Cisco qualifications (CCNA etc) are highly regarded if it's networking you're interested in.

However, there are very few jobs in IT at the moment - and a lot of nervous IT workers expecting redundancy notices soon. Qualifications alone will not help you get in, employers look for real experience. Entry level salaries are no where near what they were a few years ago.

If it's what you really want to do, then go for it. Otherwise, look for something more accessible.

El_Rey

cazziebo wrote: »

Otherwise, look for something more accessible.

Any idea what careers are more accessible?

Lokolo

Have a look at your local uni, they may have some partime courses you can do? I know my uni has plenty to do, CISCO labs, small adult learning courses.

cally6008

How many people, working in the IT industry today, know how to use Word, Excel and Access ? Not many.

[Deleted User]

cally6008 wrote: »

How many people, working in the IT industry today, know how to use Word, Excel and Access ? Not many.

Or more likely - the majority can use them.. maybe not access, as they might use proper databases.

My place only hires IT bods with degrees (and we're a software/consultancy firm).. doesn't matter if you're going to be a system engineer or a project manager, you'll need a degree. I dunno about other firms though.. i guess 1st line support don't need a degree

Pips_Mum

Hi Top_Banana!

My OH just moved in to IT this year, its something he has wanted to do for ages.
As we couldnt afford for him to do a full time course and stop working he did an MCSDT working from home in the evenings and weekends. He did his through a company called Joskos and they let you pay in installments for it.
In the new year he is going to do the next part which is an MCSE and then a CCNA.
The main trouble he had once he qualified was companys not giving him a chance as he had no experience just the qualification but alls well in the end and he now works as a desktop support analyst for the IT department for Tenpin and Megabowl and is really happy.:j
Good luck it will be quite tough but if its what you want to do you will manage.
Yell if you want any questions answered x x

Top_Banana_2

I've settled on doing the CompTIA A+ first, and then go on and do the MCDST/MCSE (or similar).

Does anyone know if the CompTIA A+ requires any previous knowledge, or does it teach 'from scratch'? I've seen the course listed at my local college, and this would be preferable to studying from home.

Ta.

Pound

I'm not sure about the qualifications CompTIA, MCDST, etc. but I was wondering what kind of jobs someone studying Computer Science degree would be able to get compared with the aforementioned qualifications?