Considering an MCSE? It's very possible then that you'll fall into one of two camps: You are a knowledgeable person and you'd like to gain accreditation with an MCSE certification. On the other hand you might be just about to enter commercial IT, but it's apparent to you that there's a growing demand for people with the right qualifications.

As you discover more about training companies, ensure that you steer clear of those that short-change you by failing to use the current Microsoft version. This is a false economy for the student because they'll have been studying the wrong MCSE version which doesn't fall in with the existing exam programme, so it could be impossible for them to pass. Steer clear of providers who are just trying to sell you something. Advisors should be helping to verify that you're on the right course for you. Resist being forced into a one-size-fits-all course by an inadequate outfit.

Getting your first commercial position sometimes feels easier to handle if you're offered a Job Placement Assistance program. In reality it isn't so complicated as you might think to land the right work - assuming you're well trained and qualified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Ideally you should have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we'd encourage all students to bring their CV up to date the day they start training - don't procrastinate and leave it till you've finished your exams. It's not unusual to find that you'll secure your first job whilst still on the course (even when you've just left first base). If your course details aren't on your CV (and it isn't in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you aren't even in the running! Generally, you'll receive quicker service from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than any training provider's national service, as they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

Just ensure you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, 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. Invest the same resource into finding your first job as you did to get trained.

If you forget everything else - then just remember this: You have to get round-the-clock 24x7 instructor and mentor support. Later, you'll kick yourself if you don't follow this rule rigidly. Always avoid study programmes that only provide support to students with a call-centre messaging system after office-staff have gone home. Training schools will defend this with all kinds of excuses. Essentially - support is needed when it's needed - not as-and-when it's suitable for their staff.

As long as you look hard, you will find the top providers that provide their students direct-access online support around the clock - including evenings, nights and weekends. If you fail to get yourself direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. You may not need it throughout the night, but what about weekends, early mornings or late evenings.

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