It's likely that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' individual. If you're like us, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides would be considered as a last resort, but it doesn't suit your way of doing things. You should use video and multimedia based materials if book-based learning really isn't your style. Studies have time and time again confirmed that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.

Find a course where you'll receive a selection of CD or DVD ROM's - you'll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, and be able to hone your abilities through virtual lab's. Don't take any chances and look at some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you sign on the dotted line. You should expect video tutorials, instructor demo's and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

Pick physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's where possible. You're then protected from internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.

There are a myriad of employment in computing. Deciding which one could be right for yourself often proves challenging. Because in the absence of any commercial background in the IT industry, how could any of us be expected to know what a particular job actually consists of? To attack this, a discussion is necessary, covering a number of different aspects:

- Your hobbies and interests - often these point towards what areas will satisfy you.

- Is it your desire to realise a key aim - for example, being your own boss someday?

- What scale of importance is the salary - is it the most important thing, or is enjoying your job higher up on your list of priorities?

- Always think in-depth about the level of commitment required to gain all the necessary accreditation.

- You have to appreciate the differences between the myriad of training options.

For the majority of us, getting to the bottom of so much data tends to require the help of an advisor who can investigate each area with you. And we're not only talking about the certifications - but the commercial requirements also.

One useful service offered by some training providers is job placement assistance. This is to assist your search for your first position. With the great need for more IT skills in the UK right now, there's no need to make too much of this option though. It's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find the right work once you're properly qualified.

Having said that, it's important to have help with your CV and interview techniques though; and we'd recommend all students to get their CV updated as soon as training commences - don't delay until you've qualified. Quite frequently, you'll land your first role whilst still on the course (even when you've just left first base). If your course details aren't on your CV (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you're not even going to be known about! If you'd like to keep travelling time and costs to a minimum, then you'll often find that a specialist locally based employment agency can generally serve you better than a centralised service, for they're going to know the jobs that are going locally.

Do be sure that 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 secure your first position. Stop procrastinating and get out there. Invest the same energy and enthusiasm into securing your first job as it took to get qualified.

Many companies are all about the certification, and completely avoid what you actually need - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the final destination in mind - don't make the vehicle more important than the destination. It's unfortunate, but a great many students kick-off study that often sounds great from the syllabus guide, but which provides the end-result of a job that is of no interest at all. Just ask several college students and you'll see where we're coming from.

Spend some time thinking about how much you want to earn and the level of your ambition. This can often control which certifications will be expected and what'll be expected of you in your new role. It's worth seeking help from someone who can explain the industry you're considering, and will be able to provide 'A day in the life of' synopsis for each job considered. This is essential as you'll need to fully understand if this change is right for you.

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