Five IT courses that will get you hired

Five IT courses that will get you hired by Michael Cheary Looking to F5 your career? We can help with that.If you’re obsessed with tech and are desperate to do it for a day job, becoming IT certified could be your key to career happiness. However, with a number of courses and qualifications out there, it’s all too easy to suffer from IT overload, making it difficult to detect the right one for you.To help inform your decision, here’s our guide to five career-changing IT courses you could be doing right now:So you want to become a Graphic Designer…For any aspiring Graphic Designer worth their salt, an in-depth knowledge of Adobe software is absolutely essential.The Adobe Package, which includes Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, InDesign, and a whole host of other add-ons, will get you up to speed with everything you need to know â€" at your own pace, and in a time that suits you.Once qualified, you’ll be able to apply for Web Design and Graphic Design jobs, with the potential to get paid over £20,000 for eve n some of the most junior positons.At the very least, you’ll be able to make your holiday pictures look a hundred times better, whilst simultaneously proving to your secondary-school-self that doodling all day actually isn’t that bad. It’s basically a win-win situation.How long it will last: Study can be taken at your own pace, so completion times will vary.How much it will cost: Prices vary throughout the year. Simply fill out an online enquiry form for a dedicated quote.Honourable mention: Graphic Design Foundation Diploma »Adobe package course »How to become a Graphic Designer »So you want to work in Networking…With over 30 years’ experience in the field, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA for short, obviously) is a global provider of IT certifications.The incredibly popular CompTIA package features both the CompTIA A+ certification, and the more network-specific CompTIA Network+, helping provide all the fundamental knowledge needed to start setti ng up and troubleshooting your own networks.Still not convinced networking is for you? Just think of it this way. Without it, there would be no printers, no work or school computer systems, and no Internet. Think of that the next time you’re desperately trying to print out that hilarious Kermit the Frog meme to stick on the office fridge.But that’s none of our business…How long it will last: Study can be taken at your own pace, so completion times will vary.How much it will cost: £395, for a limited time only.Cisco CCNA »CompTIA Training Package »How to become a Network Administrator »So you want to work in Security…In an increasingly digital-led world, Network Security is a cause of concern for many. If you’re one of those worried about where your data’s ending up, CCNA could be for you.One of the globally-recognised Cisco certifications, CCNA Security teaches how to keep networks secure. It will also build upon your knowledge of developing a security infrastructure , recognising network vulnerabilities, mitigating security threats and other high-level security-type things.And aside from strengthening the security of your own networks, the advantages of becoming Cisco certified include being more in-demand for employers all over the world, and the potential to earn as much as 10% more than your Cisco-less peers.So if you think you can hack it, enquire about a Cisco certification today. Or, if you think you can’t hack it. Wait…If you can hack it, but don’t want other people to…Forget it.How long it will last: Around 80 hours of online, part-time study.How much it will cost: Around £400, with finance options available.Honourable mention: Certified Ethical Hacker »CCNA Security course »Cisco: What you need to know »Five reasons to become Cisco certified »So you want to be a Web Designer…If you build it, they will come. Well, if you build it properly, that is.Whether you’re a small business owner, write your own blog, or just want to top up your tech skills and open your career opportunities, Web Design could be for you. And whilst there are a great number of courses out there to cater for the next generation of Designers, not many top the CIW Web Design Specialist certification.Teaching key design concepts, as well as web design basics such as HTML and JavaScript, what really sets CIW apart is all the added extras. Everything from study guides, video clips, online exercises and practice exams are available on demand.There’s also only one official exam you need to pass to become qualified. So even if the thought of taking the test is enough to bring you out in a cold sweat, there’s really no excuse not to get started.How long it will last: Around 120 hours or so, taken at your own pace.How much it will cost: Price varies depending on provider, although finance options are available.Honourable mention: reed.co.uk Web Designer Package »CIW Web Design Specialist »How to become a Web Designer »So you want to become a Web Developer…Interested in developing your own website? We can help with that.The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist course (MCTS for short) is aimed at anyone looking to build on their development skills, and get them started on Microsoft’s .NET framework.Teaching key skills such as developing web forms, implementing client-side scripting and developing windows-based web applications, MCTS is a great way to validate your knowledge and coding skills. And as well as building upon your knowledge of the .NET Framework 4.0 programming languages, you’ll even get some fancy letters to add after your name (if you like that kind of thing).Once fully qualified, you’ll be able to code with added confidence, and even start developing your own Windows apps. Your Android might never be the same again…How long it will last: 31 hours.How much it will cost: Around £400.Honourable mention: Full Stack Web Developer »MCTS .Net course »Find a job What Where Search Jo bsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development

Writing a Resume: Things to Know About How Many Years of Experience to Write on Your Resume

Writing a Resume: Things to Know About How Many Years of Experience to Write on Your ResumeWhen you are writing a resume for the first time, you should know that you can get quite a bit wrong. Some of the things that you should be aware of are not just things that you will have to face in the future. You need to know some things about the way that companies process resumes and how long it takes for your resume to go through the correct process.The first thing that you should know is that how many years of experience should you write on your resume. You should always put a big number on there because the longer you can list your experience the better. If you do not list your experience in numbers you might as well be looking for work. It is also important to know that the more experienced you are the more likely it is that someone will contact you and call you.If you do not list your experience, then the chances of someone calling you are very slim. A resume is one of the best tools t hat you can use to find work. Not only that, but when you have a resume the person is going to think that you know what you are talking about. This is going to get you further than anything else.There are other things that you need to know when you are writing a resume about your work history. You need to know that people tend to think of their work history as something that is up for grabs. Many people get stuck with jobs that they thought they were good at. They then end up working longer hours because they do not know what else to do.When you are writing a resume about your work history, you need to know that you should put in an average of how many years you have worked there. This gives you a chance to talk about the level of experience that you have had there. If you cannot write an average on your resume you might want to consider writing one yourself.The next thing that you need to know when you are writing a resume about your work history is the number of years you have bee n working for the company. You need to know this because you are going to be asked about this. Someone might ask you how long you have been with the company or you might be being interviewed for a position that is more senior than yours. This is something that you need to know it now.The next thing that you need to know when you are writing a resume about your work history is how many years you have been working for the organization. This will give you a better chance of getting a job. You should consider the fact that if you have been working for someone for a long time then you know what is going on. You know that things are not running smoothly and this is going to be reflected in your resume.The last thing that you need to know when you are writing a resume about your work history is the number of years that you have been working for the organization. This will give you a better chance of getting a job. You should consider the fact that if you have been working for someone for a long time then you know what is going on.

4 Tips on Handling Impromptu Job Interviews

4 Tips on Handling Impromptu Job Interviews You always hear about how important it is to be prepared for a job interview. So, what are you supposed to do when an interview gets sprung on you out of nowhere? Don’t worry. There’s no need to panic. Don’t let your anxiety get the best of you. Here are some tips that can help when confronted with an impromptu job interview.1. SmileGetting nervous isn’t going to help. Now is not the time to be shy. Poke your head out of your shell. Shake your interviewer's hand and speak with confidence. You got this. Take control the moment you realize you are being interviewed, check your posture, make sure you are making eye contact and smiling. Starting off with a smile on your face is a great way to make a good first impression.2. Dress to ImpressLooks go a long way. If you are going to a business event or conference, you want to make sure you don’t go in your formal wear. One way to do this is by dressing business casual. Be conservative and wear a nice pair of matching shoes.There i s such a thing as “too much jewelry”! You don’t need to avoid it completely either. A nice pair of earrings and a necklace will do the trick. Nothing too big and flashy. You want to show that you are taking the event seriously. What you wear is an important part of the impression you make on others.3. Stay ProfessionalIf you met your interviewer at an event or conference, you might not leave as soon as your interview is over. Be professional even after your interview is over. You don’t want to make a mistake just in case they are still watching you. You may even want to consider leaving the event a bit earlier than planned, if you have nothing else to do, to avoid any mistakes or mishaps that could happen.Let’s say you are a guest at a corporate party and someone you meet ends up interviewing you. At the end of the interview, you walk away and continue to enjoy the party. Maybe you meet up with a group of close friends and co-workers and start joking around. The interviewe r could still be watching so don’t let your guard down. Act professionally for the remainder of your time at the party.4. Ask About a Follow-UpSince an impromptu interview isn’t planned, you may not have the time to talk for very long. You may not have your resume on hand. In any case, you always want to ask about following up. Ask if it is okay to schedule another meeting or interview. Maybe exchange business cards and schedule a time to call.If the person says that they are not in charge of interviews, get contact information from the person to find out who is in charge. Offer to call the interviewer at a time that is convenient for them. Take the weight of remembering to call you off their shoulders. They may have done interviews with more than just you. You can also offer to send your resume over to them in a nice follow-up email.If you follow these tips, be polite, smile and remember to thank the person for their time, you are sure to do well if you find yourself in an inte rview out of the blue. Good luck!

How Women Are Shaping VR Technology

How Women Are Shaping VR Technology It’s no secret that the tech industries have a serious diversity problem in general. According to a 2018 report by the National Center for Women Information Technology, women hold just 26% of technology-related roles. This doesnt just illustrate the problematic systemic biases against talented women, it also serves as a reminder that we continue to truncate our technological trajectory by excluding the ideas of diverse minds.  That’s not to say that women aren’t making some incredible strides across all STEM sectors, as creative female-led projects are frequently proving to be innovative. There are multiple movements which encourage the rise of women who code, and present us with valuable, diverse role models. The VR industry in particular has attracted talented women to a wide variety of positions. It continues to present new possibilities for exploration and invention. While the demographics for the gaming sector still slant heavily toward males, women are emerging as VR heavy hitters. These pioneers are developing creative concepts and exploring previously untapped resources in order to make VR more than just another gaming platform. Women are creating tools to produce a positive impact on the world. Industry Leadership One of the ways in which women are shaping VR technology, and the industry as a whole, is as entrepreneurs. A 2017 survey of US-based VR firms showed that 64% of leadership roles are held by women. These entrepreneurs are recognizing the potential of the technology and presenting innovative ideas that have attracted significant investment. Both software and hardware have reached a point where they are practical and affordable; this is an exciting time for development. VR is still very much in its infancy, and creative businesswomen are becoming early influencers of the direction the industry is taking. One such area of innovation through VR is in medical fields. In 2016, mechanical engineer Isabel Van De Keere saw the possibilities that new technology could have in rehabilitation. As a result, she founded Immersive Rehab; a company that creates interactive physiotherapy programs in VR spaces. Their work is targeted at people with neurological limitations as a result of stroke and multiple sclerosis, among others. Entrepreneurs are also pushing tech that provides valuable cultural experiences to diverse audiences. Elizabeth L Reede, an investment banker and former curator at MoMA, co-founded Boulevard Arts with this in mind. Her company has been exploring ways in which VR platforms can bring museum and gallery experiences to those who cannot physically visit them. Boulevard helps users transcend accessibility and financial obstacles, and connect with works of cultural significance. The Arts While video games certainly attract their fair share of artists, VR has opened artistic possibilities beyond gaming. Creative women have been among the first to seize the opportunity to explore the ways tech can be used to create immersive experiences. From fine art, to sculpture, to film, women are pushing the boundaries of VR to make important interactive works. Deborah Rodrigues, AKA Tartaruga Feliz, creates VR and AR artwork â€" both in traditional gallery spaces and online. An illustrator and former video game entrepreneur, Rodrigues has also been instrumental in encouraging children to engage with the blend of advanced technology and the arts. Her Gluck Workshops are an innovative approach to learning through creativity, while improving digital literacy and promoting STEAM education. There are also many women who are embracing VR as a viable film-making and broadcasting tool. Paisley Smith has emerged as a prominent creator in the field. She uses interactive tech to produce stories that help audiences connect more deeply to social issues. Project VR Syria was selected for the New Frontier program at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015. Smith has also co-founded the group, Virtual Reality Girls, as a space to connect with and celebrate women who are creating in the VR realm. An Agent for Change Aside from the technological, medical, and artistic possibilities, VR offers potential as an agent for change. We are faced with challenges in all industries â€" from the ethical treatment of women in entertainment fields to closing pay disparity. We are also being more creative in our approach to tackling these problems. One of the primary advantages of our tech revolution is that access to advanced electrical engineering inventions is connecting communities in meaningful ways. Pioneering women are continuing to find that VR can be a tool to encourage these connections to result in an evolution of social attitudes. Equal Reality was created with the idea that increased empathy can positively affect behavior. Allison Reid and Annie Drake are part of the founding team dedicated to creating VR scenarios that introduce users to situations from a new perspective. Including showing male users the world through the eyes of a woman. Their approach to VR is intended to help users identify personal biases, and inspire behavioral and cultural changes. Nonny de la Peña, selected by Wired magazine as their #MakeTechHuman Agent of Change, has also been dubbed the “godmother of Virtual Reality” by several major media outlets. She began experimenting with VR as a senior research fellow at USC in 2009. Soon afterward, de la Peña began work on projects which brought a new and immersive dimension to journalism, each with a focus on social issues such as reproductive rights, and homelessness. One notable example is Across the Line, a VR experience that places viewers in the shoes of a patient attempting to access a safe and legal abortion. The project utilizes documentary footage, scripted scenes, and audio gathered from anti-abortion protests to navigate the user through the gauntlet still faced by women in the US today. Conclusion Tech industries still have a long way to go before they can truly be considered gender-inclusive. However, while it is still very much in its infancy, women are proving to be major innovators in the rise of virtual reality. Their work is changing lives, and shaping culture. Women are leading this new industry into creative and valuable places, as pioneers of virtual space. This guest post was authored by Dan Matthews Dan Matthews is a writer with a degree in English from Boise State University. He has extensive experience writing online at the intersection of business, finance, marketing, and culture.

How to Write a Good Resume

How to Write a Good ResumeWhat does it take to write a good resume? If you are looking for advice about writing a good resume, this article was written for you. We will discuss the five major points to remember when you are writing a good resume. Read on to find out what these points are.Writing a good resume should start with an overview of your life. Start with what you have accomplished so far. Explain how you got there. Include things like what you have done at work, how long you have been working for your employer, etc.Your summary should also include your accomplishments, which should include your job title, the positions you held in the past, etc. Work your best skills and your weaknesses. Some people are good at one or two things, while others are good at everything. It is not necessary to list all of your job skills in your resume. Just be sure that they are listed.Your most recent position should also be included. This will show employers that you are committed to your job. Also, if you had recently taken some additional training, include this as well.Point four: When you are creating your skills section, include what you have done. This is the first point to make sure that you include. Be honest here. Let the reader know what you really can do, rather than what you are often perceived to be able to do. Even if you did not do a great job at your previous job, you can still show your employer that you have kept your head above water.This should include what you can do, and how you did it, as well as various methods you used. Point five: Finally, in the skill and ability section, put down your experiences and expertise. For example, did you win any awards? Did you get any certifications? Find out how you met the qualifications for the skills you listed.It is important information, which employers look for when they are hiring people. A resume without this information can leave your resume looking amateurish. If you are unsure about the accuracy of any o f the information in your resume, it is wise to seek the help of a professional resume writer.Writing a good resume is not easy. It takes a lot of research and time to compile all of the information that is required to present a true picture of you. If you are looking for guidance in writing a good resume, take the time to learn more about your personal story.

How To Position Yourself For The Next Big Promotion

How To Position Yourself For The Next Big Promotion This is always tricky because, by definition, you’ve never done that next big role. That’s why it’s the next big role. It’s a little bit like needing to have a job to get a job, or needing to have money to make money. I was recently thinking about this in the situation of Adam Gase, who was recently named the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins. He’s the youngest Head Coach ever in the American NFL football league, he has never been a Head Coach before, and he never even played beyond high school. So how did he do that? I’m going to couple his experiences â€" as I’ve read about them â€" with my own, through my own career and through coaching, to give you these six points. 1. Make sure you know what the next role is It’s so much easier to get that big promotion if you’re clear in your own mind that this is your goal. Having clarity allows you to gear up mentally, behave confidently, and attract the help and support of others. So whether it’s Adam Gase wanting to be a Head Coach one day, or you might be shooting to be head of your department, CEO, Prima Ballerina, whatever it might be, you want to know what that next big goal is and go for it. 2. Know who the key stakeholders are Who are going to be some of those decision makers? The reason it’s important to know is that every person has a different view of what makes you promotion ready. Some people look at your performance in the past. Others look at your potential going forward. Most of us look at all of the above. So you’ve got to get clear on what they’re looking for and what they’re measuring you on. 3. Have a platform on which to perform Whatever your platform is, use that to demonstrate what you can do. Demonstrate the value you can bring and how good you are at the important pieces that lead up to that next role. In Adam Gase’s case, he was a quarterback coach and he made his quarterbacks even more successful. So think about what that equivalent would be for you. 4. Do the work Not only do you have to do the work, you have to stay committed to doing the work. With Adam Gase, they write about him doing the grunt work, the stuff that nobody wanted to do, and that he also didn’t get those Head Coaching job offers right away. So he had to have a plan B and, when he had to implement plan B, he kept working hard and producing even more results. So you want to keep staying committed because these things don’t just fall into your lap. 5. Build your community Build a community of what I call ‘raving fans’. These are people who are your mentors, your advocates. In Adam Gase’s case, it was including those players, those quarterbacks he coached, like Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning at the Broncos, Jay Cutler at the Bears. So when you make somebody good, great, and when you make somebody great, even greater, then they become your raving fans. By the way, those raving fans were important because when the owner of the Miami Dolphins asked around of the people he trusted, “Who should I choose as Head Coach?”, Adam Gase’s name kept coming up. 6. Have the conversation Find the right time and the right way to have the conversation about what do you need to do to make it a not ‘if’ I’m going to get promoted but ‘when’ type of situation. I remember back to my earlier days and having the conversation with the Head of the department about my prospects for promotion. It was great when he finally said to me, “Look, May, it’s not a question of if you’re going to make Managing Director; it’s a question of when.” That’s when I knew I could relax a little bit and focus on getting the work done that I needed to get done. So those are just six ways, or six ideas, for you to get going on putting yourself in a position to get promoted to that next big role. You can’t work on six things at once, so I want you to just pick one or two to focus on. Now, here is a question for you: What are the ways you’ve found to be most effective in positioning yourself for that next big role? Maybe it’s something you’ve already done, or maybe it’s something you’ve seen others do. Scroll down, leave a comment and share that with us.

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