The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator course is a great basis for anyone looking to get into supporting networks. Whether you're about to join the IT industry or have previous knowledge but need to improve your CV with a good qualification, you'll find the correct training for you. Find a provider that's eager to get to know you, and can guide you on the best route for you, before they even talk about your course. You can also expect them to be in a position to tell you where to begin based on your current skill or lack of it.

It can be a nerve-racking task, but finding your first job is often relieved by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance facility. In reality it isn't so complicated as you might think to secure your first job - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Whatever you do, avoid waiting until you've completed your exams before updating your CV. As soon as you start a course, mark down what you're doing and place it on jobsites! Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is more than not being known. Often junior support roles are offered to students in the early stages of their course. The most reliable organisations to help you find a job are normally local IT focused employment agencies. Because they get paid commission to place you, they have more incentive to get on with it.

A slight aggravation for many course providers is how much trainees are prepared to work to pass exams, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the job they have acquired skills for. Get out there and hustle - you might find it's fun.

Always expect the very latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) authorised exam preparation and simulation materials. Often students can be thrown off course by practising exam questions that aren't recognised by authorised sources. It's not uncommon that the phraseology can be completely unlike un-authorised versions and you should be prepared for this. Clearly, it is vital to ensure that you are completely prepared for your final certified exam prior to doing it. Practicing mock-up exams will help to boost your attitude and will avoid you getting frustrated with thwarted exam entries.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, using textbooks and whiteboards, is often a huge slog for most of us. If this describes you, dig around for more practical courses which feature interactive and multimedia modules. Studies in learning psychology have shown that much more of what we learn in remembered when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we put into practice what we've been studying.

Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Using video-streaming, you can watch instructors demonstrating how to do something, followed by your chance to practice - with interactive lab sessions. It makes sense to see a small selection of training examples before you make your decision. Always insist on instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where offered, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - and not be totally reliant on your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.