Ask a expert advisor and they'll entertain you with many terrible tales of students who've been sold completely the wrong course for them. Make sure you deal with a skilled advisor who asks some in-depth questions to discover the most appropriate thing for you - not for their pay-packet! It's very important to locate a starting-point that will suit you. If you've got a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it's more than likely the point from which you begin your studies will be very different from a trainee who has no experience. Commencing with a foundation program first is often the best way to start into your computer program, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

Starting with the idea that it's necessary to find the employment that excites us first and foremost, before we can weigh up which training course ticks the right boxes, how can we choose the right direction? How can we possibly grasp the many facets of a particular career when we've never done it? Often we have never met anyone who works in that sector anyway. Achieving a well-informed decision will only come through a systematic investigation of several changing criteria:

- Your hobbies and interests - often these show the areas will provide a happy working life.

- Is your focus to get qualified due to a particular motive - e.g. are you pushing to work based at home (self-employment?)?

- Is your income higher on your wish list than other requirements.

- Some students don't fully understand the time involved to get fully certified.

- You will need to take in what is different for each area of training.

To bypass the confusing industry jargon, and uncover the best path to success, have an in-depth discussion with an advisor with years of experience; someone that will cover the commercial realities and truth while explaining the certifications.

Finding your first job in the industry can feel more straightforward with a Job Placement Assistance program. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it isn't unusual for their marketing department to overstate it's need. At the end of the day, the need for well trained IT people in this country is what will enable you to get a job.

Help with your CV and interview techniques might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Make sure you update that dusty old CV right away - not when you're ready to start work! A good number of junior support jobs have been bagged by trainees who are still learning and haven't even passed a single exam yet. This will at least get you on your way. The most efficient companies to help get you placed are most often local IT focused employment agencies. Because they only get paid when they place you, they'll work that much harder to get a result.

Just be sure that you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, and then do nothing more and leave it up to everyone else to sort out your employment. Take responsibility for yourself and get on with the job. Channel as much time and energy into landing your first job as you did to gain the skills.

CompTIA A+ & Network+ are by far and away the most extensively accepted of their certifications. These two, as a group, form the foundation for many modern IT career tracks - and for good reason. The CompTIA 'A+' qualification teaches the fundamentals of computer maintenance, installation, support, security, fault-finding & repair. To help you become established within the I.T. market, the 'A+' also addresses a variety of communication & personal skills. The CompTIA N+ qualification stretches this knowledge to a deeper understanding of networks, servers and routers, and exactly how they communicate. The critical issue of 'Security' is introduced, and Wireless networks are outlined at a basic level. The two certifications go with one another well, and together form a very good start-up platform for further exam packages, or a solid career in I.T. support.

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