[andrewfree]

I would like to get a job in the IT field. I have average computer knowlege.

Can those of you who are in the industry tell me which specializations and/or certifications are best to get into? Which specializations has the least amount of people distracting you from your work? What is the best way to get training (I prefer online courses)? How much training does it take before you can get a job? Any other comments would also be appreciated.

Thanks
Andrew

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Hi andrewfree and welcome to the site.

From your post I am going to go with that you know your way around a computer however you don't have anything formal to back that up from the point of view of a prospective employer.

One course I would recommend is the CompTIA A+ course as a starter, as it teaches about computer architecture in particular hardware and some of the basics about networking topologies. It also takes you through various Microsoft Operating Systems such as Windows 9x right through to Windows XP. (It may now be updated to incorporate Vista, however when I was doing it, Vista hadn't been launched).

It is a very general course, and you may find you it is simply reaffirming knowledge you already know, but I would say it provides a fairly good grounding.

To be honest though in the real world, you can have as many exams on your CV/Resume as you like, however most employers value experience over qualifications, although they don't do your chances any harm. You'll see from adverts that many IT Engineers are sought after with a minimum of 2 years experience. If you are starting out, then try getting a weekend job if possible to get some experience....however you may be lucky enough to find an employer who is willing to take you on and train you up.

What area of IT do you want to specialise in?

If you are planning on working with mainly Microsoft systems, then perhaps look into Microsoft’s MCSE or MCSA qualifications, or even the MCDST. Have a read here:

http://www.microsoft...se/Default.mspx (MCSE)

http://www.microsoft...sa/Default.mspx (MCSA)

http://www.microsoft...st/default.mspx (MCDST)

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

[S_t_r_y_k_e_r]

Hi andrewfree and welcome to the site.

From your post I am going to go with that you know your way around a computer however you don't have anything formal to back that up from the point of view of a prospective employer.

One course I would recommend is the CompTIA A+ course as a starter, as it teaches about computer architecture in particular hardware and some of the basics about networking topologies. It also takes you through various Microsoft Operating Systems such as Windows 9x right through to Windows XP. (It may now be updated to incorporate Vista, however when I was doing it, Vista hadn't been launched).

It is a very general course, and you may find you it is simply reaffirming knowledge you already know, but I would say it provides a fairly good grounding.

To be honest though in the real world, you can have as many exams on your CV/Resume as you like, however most employers value experience over qualifications, although they don't do your chances any harm. You'll see from adverts that many IT Engineers are sought after with a minimum of 2 years experience. If you are starting out, then try getting a weekend job if possible to get some experience....however you may be lucky enough to find an employer who is willing to take you on and train you up.

What area of IT do you want to specialise in?

If you are planning on working with mainly Microsoft systems, then perhaps look into Microsoft’s MCSE or MCSA qualifications, or even the MCDST. Have a read here:

http://www.microsoft...se/Default.mspx (MCSE)

http://www.microsoft...sa/Default.mspx (MCSA)

http://www.microsoft...st/default.mspx (MCDST)

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

[JangoFett]

Since you prefer online courses you may want to check out the IT specialty schools that offer distance learning, talk to an adviser and see what degree plans they have that will suit you.