Databases possess their very own 'language' called SQL ('Structured Query Language') which is used to decipher information from a standardised Database. 'SQL' is key to how data is saved on a Database & extracted out of it. Therefore an understanding of the 'language' is essential for anybody who is aiming for a professional level database position. There are two routes for Database professionals - Database Administrators who manage & create reports on the data being kept, & 'Database Developers', who are the designers and builders of Databases. Database Developers generally also learn programming skills in order to create database-software - this means an extra qualification in VB or C#.

The sometimes daunting task of landing your first job is often relieved by some companies, via a Job Placement Assistance facility. Don't get caught up in this feature - it's quite easy for their marketing department to overstate it's need. In reality, the need for well trained IT people in Great Britain is why employers will be interested in you.

You would ideally have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; additionally, we would recommend any student to get their CV updated the day they start training - don't procrastinate and leave it until you've qualified. Quite frequently, you'll secure your initial job whilst you're still studying (sometimes when you've only just got going). If your course details aren't on your CV (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you don't stand a chance! You'll normally experience quicker service from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than any course provider's national service, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

Do ensure you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, just to give up and expect somebody else to land you a job. Take responsibility for yourself and get on with the job. Channel the same energy and enthusiasm into finding the right position as you did to gain the skills.

If you would like to be an exceptional user to assist you as part of your work, or study for a specialist career in a supporting role, there are a number of training programs to get you there. The 'MOS' (Microsoft Office Specialist) & MCAS (Microsoft Certified Application Specialist) programs teach the office Suite in depth. A grade up from MOS & MCAS is 'MCDST' - 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', which provides you with the skill-set to support others in an office environment.

You may equally be considering a more technical job within the I.T. industry, that would require more in-depth & specialist MS certification study. The exam structure at MS has recently gone through an important overhaul. A number of career training routes still lead to MCP accreditations, but the direction is steadily moving towards MCITP and 'MCTS' programs ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional' & 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' respectively). In general, the 'MCTS' certifications are achieved en-route to a full MCITP program.

We'd hazard a guess that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' personality type. Usually, the trial of reading reference books and manuals is something you'll make yourself do if you have to, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if you'd really rather not use books. Memory is vastly improved when multiple senses are involved - educational experts have expounded on this for many years.

The latest audio-visual interactive programs utilising video demo's and practice lab's beat books hands-down. And they're far more fun. You really need to look at some example materials from the company you're considering. It's essential they incorporate full motion videos of instructors demonstrating the topic with lab's to practice the skills in.

Many companies provide just online versions of their training packages; sometimes you can get away with this - but, consider how you'll deal with it if your access to the internet is broken or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. It's much safer to rely on physical CD or DVD discs which will solve that problem.

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