The Guide to Self-Study

[Meshan]

This forum is turning into a real godsend.

I paid for my MCDST through a training company but unfortunately the descision is out of my hands and any further learning is going to have to be self taught so all the help and advise you guys can give the better.

My secret for learning at home. Get your laptop and go to the local library. Simple.

M

[Rosco]

Great Guide Zimbo!

[jasonavfc]

Great . I was looking at doing this at home, Now i've got the push i need
Big Thanks mate

[BDB2008]

Godsend

I've had a headache for a few days trying to locate literature to fullfill my determination to complete up to the MCSE grade.

Excellent thread, will recommend.


BDB

[dac09]

This thread just saved me £5450.
Was going to go with advent but after reading this I think the self study is the best route to go


many thanks

[steevyp]

most training providers have workshop days where you can go and get hands on training. if i was to self study, are there any workshops i can go to in the north of england?

[clubk1d]

Thanks for sharing this great and very good help for those people that are planning to take some certs like me. .

[Nashy]

Originally Posted by ByeNari

Thanks very much Zimbo - really useful...however...scenario...52 year old ...no certification but qualified to post-grad level (non-science)...teacher who is jacking it all in for...a new career in IT...entry level Comp A+...wants to self-study for it...but training Company offer recruitment as well as Training...can 52 year old self-study to A+ MCP MCTILLETERNITY and still secure employmet without help of recruitment consultant AND the essential Work Experience that precedesit. Would really appreciate advise as I'm banging my head...
Sent similar message to new members thread but as newbie myself - please excuse

I know what you mean mate.

I'm at postgrad level and I'm 24 years old, but I'm still nervous about self-study. Certificates aren't everything...experience is almost everything. I got two degree in biochemistry and I'm on minimum wage.

I think a training provider is not just selling you the books and the exams...but also their contacts and advice to get you into the job market. The job market is another world to me right now...so I might need his guidance.

[BosonMichael]

Originally Posted by Nashy

I think a training provider is not just selling you the books and the exams...but also their contacts and advice to get you into the job market. The job market is another world to me right now...so I might need his guidance.

Considering many training providers advise that you get as many certifications as possible (despite not having enough experience), you're usually much better off getting that advice elsewhere.

You want career advice? Use a forum made up of IT professionals, like this forum. You want contacts? Build relationships with the people on this forum and with people in IT professional organizations. You want guidance on something you don't understand in the books? Ask the people in this forum, several of whom are themselves IT trainers and published authors.

Hey, if you don't mind spending the money, by all means, use a TP. I simply state that there are other options available which are usually better and always less expensive.

That'll be $1.

[solchi]

wow, u r indeed a God send. i am out of work and i am tired of doing odd jobs and i have been thinking on how to get into the IT industry. this info is just ideal for me. thanks alot. and gud luck in ur future career.

[simon21]

Thanks so much for all that info, I am like all the other keen IT wannabes, I got me money and want to take me chances but I am going to do it your way and save myself a good few pounds in the process. thanks simon