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

Top_Banana_2

Good point, I'd like to know this too.

pinkshoes

This might be of interest:
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2007/09/11/226631/sslcomputer-weekly-it-salary-survey-finance-boom-drives-it-job.htm

It's a year out of date, but lists skills in computing and how in demand they are, so it might be an idea to match up what your course is offering against how in demand these skills are.

Here's something a bit more up to date, listing top 8 skills in computing for 2008:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/010208-the-eight-hottest-skills-for.html

I'm sure if you google, you'll be able to bring up lots of similar information that may help you.

darlo_fan

Top_Banana wrote: »

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.

the A+ you can start from scratch, your course will provide all relevant books I would think, I am just starting it now as part of a course to get my A+ and MSCE (I currently have 2 MCPs from when I left the forces)

I want to get into the IT world and am willing to start at the bottom to do it

Oldernotwiser

pinkshoes wrote: »

This might be of interest:
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2007/09/11/226631/sslcomputer-weekly-it-salary-survey-finance-boom-drives-it-job.htm

It's a year out of date, but lists skills in computing and how in demand they are, so it might be an idea to match up what your course is offering against how in demand these skills are.

Here's something a bit more up to date, listing top 8 skills in computing for 2008:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/010208-the-eight-hottest-skills-for.html

I'm sure if you google, you'll be able to bring up lots of similar information that may help you.

It would also be worth your while to have a look at job vacancies that you would be interested in and see what types of qualifications they're looking for. Unfortunately I think you'll find that most of them will want experience as much as qualifications.

Bernie_Flint

I did MSCE as part of my resettlement darlo_fan. Got a job with Nortel Networks as soon as my time was done (RN).

If I was to start over, I wouldn't have bothered with MS certification. But definately gone the Cisco route. Also OP try and get some UNIX experience under your belt. Nortel Passport and Meridian training would also come in handy for larger networks.

I'm mostly working on Networks at layer 3. I work in a NOC (Network Ops Center) as a shift keeper. I only work 6 months of the year (other 6 months off) and earn 45K pa.

darlo_fan

Bernie_Flint wrote: »

I did MSCE as part of my resettlement darlo_fan. Got a job with Nortel Networks as soon as my time was done (RN).

If I was to start over, I wouldn't have bothered with MS certification. But definately gone the Cisco route. Also OP try and get some UNIX experience under your belt. Nortel Passport and Meridian training would also come in handy for larger networks.

I'm mostly working on Networks at layer 3. I work in a NOC (Network Ops Center) as a shift keeper. I only work 6 months of the year (other 6 months off) and earn 45K pa.

Well the course is already paid for now but the plan was to undertake a cisco course at evening classes next year, as that would cover every base then, but its getting a foot in the door I'm having difficulty with, its been 2 years now since I left and its a little depressing.

Bernie_Flint

Sorry to hear that. If anything comes up via our desk, I will PM you and let you know where to send your CV.

Military networks like ex-military staff looking after them!