- Consider the Cost
Cost is a major issue in IT training. To many it is a deciding factor. But price should not be your sole determinant for choosing training or a training institution. Always do a proper cost benefit analysis before deciding if the cost will give you value. How do you value the investment? Tie this to your training needs. Think not only of your immediate costs but also of present and future opportunities. It is reckless to choose an inferior training solution to save money. On the other hand high cost does not indicate high quality. - Make the Effort to Learn
All the best instructors, world-class facilities cannot learn for you. You must be prepared to make the effort to learn. Learning involves more than routine attendance of lectures. Your primary role is to learn. With a good training setup, there is no mystery to learning. You simply have to be committed. Lack of commitment is a major problem. This often arises due to poor planning and or insufficient motivation. Each day after training, do you go over concepts you’ve been taught? Do you practice on your own? Or is your learning reserved for the classroom only? You paid your course fees in full two weeks before the course started, but where is your commitment if you are frequently absent or late for training sessions? Make sure you are dedicated to learning before you start.
It might seem funny or weird, but I’ve met students who just want to pay training fees and collect certificates. They’re simply not ready to go through the “stress” of training classes or exercises! Talk about a misplacement of priorities! You either want to learn or you don’t want to. Period! If you want to learn, get with the program and work on getting the most out of your training program. Let your career ambitions keep you motivated during times of self-doubt and stress.
You must be ready to the effort to learn and to apply what you have learned. If you don’t make the effort you are burning, not just throwing away, good time and money.
- Get Motivated
You need to consider some important factors when choosing the right learning solution. What is your skill and motivation level? Consider financial constraints and available study time. Each of these important pieces should be used in determining the right training model for you. Instructor-led IT training seems to achieve more for students than other training options, most particularly when there is a focus on in-depth hands-on exercises. Instructor-led training is regarded as the most effective means of acquiring IT skills and knowledge. You must however be prepared to learn at the pace of your training institution. However, if you already have some practical skills and or you cannot make time to attend instructor-led training, a wide variety of learning options is available to you. These include self-study such as books, practice tests, computer based training and Web / Online learning (http://www.jidaw.com/article5.html). A blend of self-paced learning and classroom learning might be what you need. - Gain Soft Skills
Most IT Training focuses on the acquisition of IT skills and knowledge. However, if you want to build a career in IT, there are more issues at play than technical skills and knowledge alone. You also need soft skills (presentation, communications, marketing, project management, etc) to enhance your value. Your tech skills and training decisions are important, but if you can’t market yourself, getting ahead will be an uphill task. Furthermore, attitude is important in the real world. Attitude will determine your altitude. Issues like professionalism are important. Do you practice in an ethical manner? IT Training is a career advancement tool. You don’t train just for the sake of training. As an IT professional you need to develop professional skills and know how training fits into your career plan.
The time and effort commitment involved with training could be intimidating. But don’t let that prevent you from achieving your goals. Investing in your education, investing in yourself is the best investment you can ever make.
Stay on track by making wise training decisions.
All the best in your IT Career!
Jide Awe
Jide Awe is the Managing Director of Jidaw Systems Limited (MASTERCOMPUTERS), an IT Training and Certification provider that focuses on building IT Careers and publishes http://www.jidaw.com, an IT Career portal.
Contact him at md@jidaw.com
