...and go back to the basics

L.N. Revathy

IN this fast-changing world of Internet applications, the successful people are those who keep pace with the latest technology. Due to the rapid pace of development, the most-frequently asked question is which computer certification should a person, new to IT, go in for. Unfortunately, it is difficult to answer this question, as there is no one certification that is perfect for everyone.

However, it is important to develop technical training skills and acquire a certified proof of Internet knowledge to secure the best job. Without qualified IT professionals, organisations will not be able to stay competitive in this electronic market.

How does one go about the selection of a certification programme? Here are a few steps or guidelines that one could follow in selecting a computer certification:

Identify the area of IT which is of interest to you. Simply choosing a certified course based on current and forecast salaries, though important, is not enough. Every individual has a specific interest. Focussing on the area of interest would help in making your career successful.

If you have decided on your area of interest, the next logical step would be to enroll for a course in that direction. Obtaining a computer certification can, at times, be both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, locate courses in the area of your interest. There are free courses on the Internet and some community colleges also offer inexpensive courses.

If you are new to IT, try to get an entry-level certification first. This will give you a fair idea on the course of your future. But be sure on the cost and the requirements for the certification.

Do not take up a course just because it is considered the most-popular computer certification. At the same time, make sure you don't ignore the industry's requirements. There may be other computer certifications that are more respected by the IT industry.

Having chosen the area, try to make yourself proficient in that area. There are two options here -- instructor-led courses and self-study (which includes computer-based training, books, practice exams, etc).

Finally, locate a good job with your certification.

These certification programmes, designed for professionals who design, develop, administer, secure and support Internet and intranet-related services, present an exclusive prospect for learning and proving your competency in Web-related services.

A strong knowledge base, coupled with skills and ability, is very important. According to an industry survey, the demand for workers with Web-related talents is now almost 13 per cent of all IT jobs and 50 per cent of all jobs are in only two positions -- technical support and network administration. About 20 per cent of the new IT positions are for database developers and software engineers.

The Internet and e-commerce industry employs approximately 82,000 people. It is projected that by March 2003, the employment potential would cross the 3,00,000 people mark.

There is a lot of job opportunity in the industry, though they may seem hard to find. You can also find employment in companies that are not tech-related, although the average IT company has more IT jobs available than non-IT companies.

Despite all the qualification, the need for on-the-job training and regular re-training cannot be over-stressed. These have become standard components of any workplace.

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