Knowing Your Options: Training in Today's Marketplace

In today's technology-driven marketplace, maintaining a firm grasp on your skills is essential. As new and upgraded software versions are released and updated hardware is unveiled, it's easy to find yourself left behind in the frantic rush towards the future.

By Peter Filardo, Thingamajob.com Staff Writer

Finding ways of keeping yourself informed and up-to-date is not an easy process, yet for the motivated person, there are numerous training options to bolster existing skill sets and supply valuable exposure to workers of all skill levels.

Devising a Plan that Works

A wide assortment of training formats is available, so being aware of your options is key. Anything from college courses to certifications, seminars and conferences to online training, as well as do-it-yourself books and magazines are available. The approach you take should directly coincide with your learning style. Some learn by doing, while others learn by listening. For example, a tedious lecture-style course will not be beneficial to you if your best absorb material by working on a live project.

Cost is a Factor

Indeed, the issue of cost is decisive. "How-to" books cost anywhere from $20 to $80, but classes and seminars can go for $500 to $2500 or more. An exam for certifications cost around $150, whereas the self-study packages for those same certifications begin around $1,500. Finally, you can attend a class (some of which can stretch for several weeks), that'll burn a $8,000 to $10,000 hole in your wallet.

You need to keep in mind the duration of the training. Books can be picked up and put down at will; they can last as long as you want. If you feel up to a serious cramming session, you can immerse yourself in a 20-day course. These courses can be effective, however taking the time away from work may not be feasible. College classes may take the longest of all, but the information may be retained better when spread over the long period of time.

The general consensus among career consultants is that conferences and seminars just aren't worth the aggravation. They can be expensive, slow, time-consuming, and may seriously lack in specific, crucial information.

Most agree that the best way to educate oneself is through on-the-job training. Either jumping into a project headfirst or formal training sessions allow for the best opportunity for the advancement of workers. Most employers offer training for little or no charge.

Certification Helps... Just Make Sure you get the Right Kind

Over 400 certifications exist in the IT industry today, and around 99 percent of them are vendor-specific. Vendor-specific refers to certifications with particular product lines, such as Microsoft or Cisco. On the other hand, vendor-neutral certifications do not restrict the trainee to specific vendors; they cover a broader arena. For example, a vendor-neutral certification can span Microsoft, Cisco, and Unix products all in one fell swoop. Because of the nature of the business, certifications can become obsolete rather quickly due to the rapidly changing technology.

Cramming training into the overloaded schedules of today's professional can be tricky, so creativity is a must when planning a training itinerary. As mentioned before, the best place to train is on the job, but many workers are training on the weekends or after hours. They familiarize themselves with current industry news and events by subscribing to magazines and journals. Training over the Internet is also an option.

Whichever training route on which you embark, make sure you reevaluate your situation regularly. Consider your long-term goals and keep in mind where in the industry you would like to place yourself. Be comfortable with your training choice, and insist on getting the absolute most out of the experience.

RESOURCES

• Resource: Gates, Lana. "Train To Gain." Contract Professional. Volume 4, Number II. Pages 27- 36.

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