The Right Attitude Towards IT Probably the best way to approach Information Technology (IT) training is with the knowledge, interest and experience that you already have. For example there are many people who have been working in another area who would like to update their qualifications and move into this area. That way it is not so much a complete change of career, rather an extension of whatever qualifications they may already possess.
Someone who is familiar with IT has a knowledge of a particular system and how it works. It is from this knowledge that they have in IT that they learn how to apply it to their own interests and qualifications.
Knowing IT All Knowing IT all then, is having knowledge of how Information Technology works. There are many elements to IT and it depends on what area you want to learn about. Like having a book with many chapters in it, there are always new developments and something else that can be learned. So your knowledge of IT depends on what you want to learn. Rather than being an end in itself, IT often describes the way that a certain computer system or program works and as a result of that there is then a way to apply already gained knowledge and interest to this field.
So you have to look at all the interests and abilities that you have now in the light of going into Web design, Computer Programming or Applications. This way, when you enter this very large field, you already have the distinct advantage of combining your interests and abilities to date with new and exciting skills.
Starting at the Very Beginning The areas that are good to begin with are courses like European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), introductory web design, introduction to the Internet, or e-Commerce for beginners. These courses are available from Universities and Institutes of Technology as well as many private colleges. All of these courses can open doors into areas you might not previously have thought of.
Certificates/Diploma's and Degrees If you are in any way technically minded there is a more definite direction such as Certificates/ Diplomas and Degrees in Computer Applications that teach you from the basics to advanced in computer language and applications. These are also available from most Universities and Institutes of Technology.
Web Design: For your career or your hobby If you are interested in design of web pages, but have a specific interest in a career like accountancy or even a hobby like art then there is no reason why you shouldn't develop your knowledge in this area by beginning with a basic course so you know what is possible to do in this area. Once you are familiar with the process you can decide how involved you want to get. You could create a web site for your business, hobby or art collection.
Teaching For example, I was speaking with a friend who has experience and qualifications in teaching but who was looking for a change. I suggested that she could combine her teaching skills with web design to deliver training in this area.
Sales Another example was someone who was interested in the whole area of sales. With the experience of sales behind them this person could combine that their knowledge of IT to enhance their own marketability.
e-Commerce One of the most beneficial ways in which the Internet, web design and IT in general can be used is in the promotion of small or large businesses. This is an area that with the right advertising and promotion can turn a relatively small company into a roaring success overnight. But, again, there is still the consideration that this is a system that requires knowledge to function in. The real emphasis however, comes down to what you know already in your area and what kind of capacity you are able to deal with. You may get more business than you can handle .
Technical/Electronic/Digital IT Knowledge For the more technical among us and for all levels of digital or electronic ability there are computer maintenance courses that deal with hardware and software from the most basic to the most advanced. This is ideal for anyone who has a technical mind and is good with his or her hands too!
Computer Programming This usually means that you are seeking to become competent in C, C++, Visual Basic and Java Languages. There are 'Introduction to Programming' courses available in I.T. training centres everywhere. Most of these centres are local organisations (check your local paper or directories) though some are part of national or international organisations. Of the independent third-level colleges, Griffith College and Portobello College have good National Cert courses.
I hope that this is helpful to you in what you are planning to do and that there are a few pointers here that help to answer your questions about this fast-moving industry. If you have any questions in training, availability and places regarding these courses please visit a) the ComputerTech site on Nightcourses or, b) the Open Forum page in Nightcourses.com … tell them your position and they may be able to advise you of the best move to make. If you have any further queries, please email us at mailto:info@nightcourses.com.
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