The somewhat scary thought of finding your first computer related job is often relieved by training colleges, through a Job Placement Assistance facility. Because of the huge shortage of skills in this country at the moment, it's not necessary to make too much of this option though. It isn't so complicated as you might think to land your first job as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.

However, what is relevant is to have help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews though; and we'd recommend all students to work on polishing up their CV as soon as training commences - don't procrastinate and leave it until you've graduated or passed any exams. Having the possibility of an interview is far better than not even being known about. Many junior support jobs are offered to trainees in the early stages of their course. Generally, you'll receive better results from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you'll get from a training company's recruitment division, because they'll know the area better.

Do make sure you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, and then do nothing more and imagine someone else is miraculously going to find you a job. Take responsibility for yourself and get out there. Put as much energy and enthusiasm into getting a good job as it took to pass the exams.

Undoubtedly one of Microsoft's over-riding strengths over the last couple of decades has been their push towards professional level accreditation, causing several other corporations to follow suit and increase their standards. Because of this the whole I.T. world and especially senior management regard skilled professional Microsoft qualifications with huge respect.

Students looking to get a career in IT usually don't know which route is best, or even which area to get certified in. What are the chances of us grasping the many facets of a particular career when we haven't done that before? We normally have never met anyone who does that actual job anyway. Reflection on several factors is required if you want to expose a solution that suits you:

- What hobbies you have and enjoy - these can reveal the things will provide a happy working life.

- Do you want to obtain training for a particular motive - for example, are you looking at working based from home (self-employment?)?

- Is the money you make further up on your list of priorities than some other areas.

- There are many different sectors to gain certifications for in the IT industry - you'll need to achieve a solid grounding on what sets them apart.

- Having a proper look at what commitment and time that you can put aside.

When all is said and done, the most intelligent way of understanding everything necessary is via an in-depth discussion with someone that knows the industry well enough to be able to guide you.

If you would enjoy being a good user to help you in your job, or study for a professional career in a support position, there are lots of training packages to get you there. To learn about Office 2003 (XP) evaluate MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist. For Office 2007 (Vista) skill-sets opt for 'MCAS' - 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist'. For an accreditation to support others, research the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, or 'MCDST' as its known.

Or, you could be considering getting in to a professional role within the IT sector, and require higher level Microsoft certification. In a move to update their skilled professional certification programs, 'Microsoft' have just lately re-structured a number of their exams. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' ('MCTS') have been introduced, though several Microsoft Certified Professional ('MCP') exams continue to be current. Students on 'MCITP' programs generally work up via 'MCTS' training-paths.

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