What a Project Management Certification Can Do For Your Career

Archive for Careers in IT – Page 7

What a Project Management Certification Can Do For Your Career

A Project Management Certification is one of the many credentials that you can accumulate to qualify for a management. The Project Management Certification online program is sought out by many American businesses and even global companies. The reason for this is that a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification validates the education, skills and professional experience of a candidate.

Check Out These Benefits of Getting Your Project Management Certification Online

Some of the benefits that a PMP certification can do for you include the following.

 Pushes You to the Next Level

This a great next step if you’ve already grown, in terms of technical skills, in programming languages, system administration infrastructure and so on – which all have their certification process. You can get a certification to formalize all the experience you’ve accumulated through managing different IT projects.

Whether you’re doing this prove your skills to a new a company or you’re targeting a promotion, getting a Project Management Professional certification can easily bulk up your resume. Once a company sees that you are certified, they can objectively say that you’re added value to them.

 Makes you Better Qualified for Promotions

For IT professionals who have been with the same company for a while and are eyeing a promotion, having a PMP certification could be the push that your bosses need to finally give you that job. Not only does it show them you’re committed enough to undergo a formal process of certifying your skills, you’re also showing them a way to objectively delineate you against the other option for the promotion. If it’s a toss up between two high-performing employees, your superiors will naturally opt for someone with a PMP certification over someone without it.

 Allows You to Apply for the Jobs You Want

Having a certification is a great way to differentiate yourself. A lot of applicants and people who are in the promotion pool claim to be great at managing IT projects on their resume. What sets you apart from that group is having a PMP certification to back your claim. It’s hard to question a standard process that is made to test the skills of a would-be project manager.

Certified professionals are expected to have both the skills to run a project seamlessly and the technical knowledge to complete challenging tasks. Although people without a certification may also be able to do that, being a PMP reminds any hiring officer that you have those skills for sure. They can’t say the same for those without that certification.

Sources:

https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/project-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm

 

A Brief Overview of ITIL Certification Training

Every company requires IT systems, such as corporate websites or a centralized corporate email to help it run. None of those functions – which are all integral for the company to deliver what customers expect – will work properly without proper IT services, like server and network administration. ITIL (which is an acronym for Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is responsible for suggesting processes that the best fit throughout the formulation, development, implementation and support of any IT service in a company.

With an ITIL framework, a business is able to deliver their services in accordance with well-defined consistent processes. They constantly develop best practices, so the company is able to deliver a standard level of services. This doesn’t just enhance your inventory system and supply chain. It also improves the customer experience as a whole. With so many benefits, most companies use ITIL and expect any professional they hire to manage it to be by ITIL certified.

ITIL Certification Training

ITIL certification comes in 5 levels, namely: Foundation Certification, Practitioner, Intermediate, Expert, and Master. Each level requires a different training since newbies who take the foundation certification test only requires understanding the different life cycle stages and their relationship to each other, while masters have to be more comprehensive and considerate of many real life problems and limits.

For each level, you can access syllabi and study guides. You can even try online courses and training. At TechSherpas , we offer online training or if you prefer training that is more interactive and involves an instructor that can personally answer questions that may be asked during the certification process, you can enroll in instructor-led distance learning.

There is also training and courses that are taught in classrooms. If you’re a traditional learner and prefer the personal interaction with your instructor and other people in the class, you can try preparing for ITIL certification test in a classroom set-up at one of TechSherpas many locations. There is a variety of training approaches that you can choose from to make sure that you are prepared to take your certification exam.

One thing you do have to check is whether your training is an accredited ITIL training method or group. For more information, contact TechSherpas today and get your questions answered!

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITIL

The Value of IT Certification

Information Technology has integrated itself over time into every aspect of business.  Those with IT certifications are more sought out than ever before, and companies are hiring free agencies as well as in-house employees.

Before proceeding, it’s best to clarify first what an IT based certification is. This has been a long practice employed by different companies to test specific professionals on the use of their system – like Citrix, one of the biggest software developers in the world, constantly improves their testing process. As much as degrees are important for most employers, your specific knowledge of programs is often the edge you need.

Advantages of IT Certification

  • Improves your Technical Knowledge

Most of these certifications come with different training modules that you have to study and apply.  This allows you to better master a specific program not just theoretically, but how they are used by the companies that have them. This is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills or zone in on a specific career or specialization in IT that you want to pursue. Some of the things you could study include the following: Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Lean Six Sigma, Cisco and even Microsoft.

  • Increases Your Professional Credibility

If you’re on the job hunt, this is a great way to differentiate yourself. A lot of people claim to be proficient with different software on their resume; a certification can easily back up that claim.  It’s a standard test that everyone takes and has to pass in order to successfully prove that they are indeed proficient with a program. When a company sees that you are certified, they will instantly know that you’re added value to them because you have the technical knowledge that’s both complete and comprehensive in order to perform tasks in the company. This is your seal of versatility, convincing them that you have skills to handle a variety of projects.  In fact, according to a study by IDC, new hires with IT certification advance faster, learn the job more quickly, and have a deeper understanding of efficiencies that make the job more productive overall.

  • Builds You Up for That Big Promotion

If you have been working for a company for a while, and you finally want to get that promotion, having an IT certification could be the push that your company needs. According to Microsoft, certified individuals make an average 15% higher salary and have 39% faster job fluency. Certain certifications could help firms decide who the best assets are for the company.

How to Learn

At TechSherpas , we offer a number of programs to tailor your training to your lifestyle.  Our On-Demand Bundles allow you to work on your certification at your leisure, from the comfort of your home.  This online training is the ultimate in convenience.  If you are more of an on-site learner, our Certification Bundles allow you to group your training into a more price-friendly package, allowing you to advance to a higher level for a reasonable price.  Finally, our Certification Boot Camps are ideal for the individual who wants to advance quickly in their career or get that great job they’ve got their eye on.  This condensed training gives you the opportunity to become certified in a high-intensive, faster-paced environment.

What Your Citrix Certification Can Do For You

Being Citrix Certified is a goal for any person working in the information technology field, be they an administrator or engineer. Citrix, on its own, is an innovator in the field of IT, known for its early contribution to Microsoft in the 90s. The company has continued to grow and become one of the biggest and most respected companies in the software industry.

 Find Out What A Citrix Certification Can Do for You

It comes as no surprise that when they offered a means for any IT track professional to measure their abilities when it comes to reliable Citrix solutions, they jumped at the opportunity. A Citrix certification is classified into three levels, associate, professional or expert. Being certified for each assures companies that you haven’t just studied theories, but you have real-world skills and experience to implement them.

To help you better understand just how useful have a Citrix certification can be, here are some of its benefits.

  • Builds up Your Professional Credibility

If you’re on the job hunt, this is a great way to differentiate yourself. A lot of people claim to be proficient with Citrix solutions on their resume, a certification can easily back up that claim. When a company sees that you are Citrix certified, they will instantly know that you provide added value to them because the certification marks a professional who is effective and competitive.

  • Helping You Get to That Next Level

If you have been working for a company for a while, and you finally want to get that promotion, having a Citrix certification could be the push that your company needs. This certification is one of the credentials that help firms decide who the best assets are for the company. If they have two equally great employees vying for the same promotion, they will most likely choose someone with a certification like this versus the one without it.

The logic behind that decision is that certified professionals are expected to have the technical knowledge that’s both complete and comprehensive in order to perform tasks in the company. This is your seal of versatility, convincing them that you have skills to handle a variety of projects.

  • Introducing you to More Opportunities

The opportunities come in two forms: your pick of a job anywhere in the world and a better pay scale. Because Citrix is used by companies all over the world, it serves as an assurance to any company that you are a credible professional. It doesn’t matter if the job you want is Japan or in Australia. Companies recognize this certification and will think favorably of you because of this.

Generally, Citrix certified professionals have a high average pay in the IT industry. This can be because they get the job that other IT professionals don’t, thanks to the push the Citrix certification gave, or because companies don’t have any problem giving them more pay and benefits because they’re more at ease knowing that a trained and competent individual is working for them.

What would you do with your Citrix certification?  Let us know in the comments below!

Sources:

https://www.citrix.com/

 

Using Technology to Apply for a Job

Standing out in the job market is essential when looking for the right tech careers.  What better way to set yourself apart as a tech industry professional than to get, well, technical?  These technical methods allow you to use technology to apply for a job.

Standing Out When Applying for Tech Careers

There’s an App for That

Perhaps the most simplified form of technology on this list is the job application app.  Now, job sites like Indeed and Careerbuilder.com are using apps to make the application process more streamlined.  This means you can apply for a job right from your Smart Phone.

Video Resume

Video resumes are becoming increasingly powerful with the power of video marketing.  Using a video helps your potential employer feel like they know you, and gets you seen before the interview process.  Just make sure you accompany it with a good, old-fashioned paper resume.  The job may require it!

Social Media

People are using social media profiles to do a general application.  While LinkedIn is the most obvious form of this, consider alternative options as well!  Creating a separate social media profile with job application information is one way to do this.  Share to your favorite future employer, or onto a job search group in your area.

Google Ad CV

Alec Brownstein gets credit for this genius idea!  He created a job search campaign by investing in Google ads which reflected the names of major company directors.  The ad had a link to his resume!  This genius move definitely got him noticed, and you can certainly bank on companies you admire doing a Google search for themselves or the competition.  This is definitely a pro move since it’s a bit of an investment.

The Old-Fashioned Way

If you’re on-the-go all the time like the rest of today’s world, even the old fashioned form of applying for jobs needs some tech savvy.  Instead of waiting until you get home or have time, make sure you have an up-to-date and polished version of your resume stored on your phone.  This way, if a potential employer emails or you see a job that peaks your interest, you can send over the document right away.

Which method do you think you’ll use to apply for your next job?  Let us know in the comments below!

Sources:

https://Indeed.com

 

Will Future Auto Technology be Open or Closed?

An Open Car System: What Is It?

Because this topic is recent, there is a need to differentiate between the closed and open car systems. An open car means that your vehicle is now equipped with an information technology system that allows car companies to constantly make upgrades, check your system for security breaches or bugs and widens the ability of a company to provide after service. Despite this opening up you car’s platforms to developers, this does not mean that your data is vulnerable.

Technological Advances Will Open New Doors for Tech Careers in Security

Experts argue that the open car system actually allows developers to protect the data on your cars more because of clearly laid out and implemented data privacy and security. This will also come with heightened data accountability, which is what most drivers want to hear after the controversial scandals regarding the OEM hacks.  Just think of all the tech careers in security that will become available to protect your data!

Comparison: A Closed Car System

Before going into the details of the benefits of open technology, it should be compared to how a closed system works. As you can imagine, it has its own systems in place, but they are not as far reaching as an open system. In fact, most of the systems in your car become obsolete after a few years and seldom can they upgrade each time a new model comes out. Once you buy your car, whatever system is in place – like the GPS – is what you will be using for the whole duration that you own your car.

Clearly, there are still merits to a closed car system. That’s why some car experts argue that the future of cars still lies in a closed car system. In this system, the vehicle is locked down with the company that manufactured it. Knowing the leading car manufacturers, they are trusted, well-funded and also well-researched. Allowing them to have full control over the cars that they produce and offer to market, when they make upgrades and to what extent those upgrades are made gives them sole accountability on the matter. What that means for drivers is that your car will most likely be just a car, which is an OEM’s expertise, rather than a fully functional computer within a car.

What a closed car system cannot give drivers, though, is complete freedom when it comes to updating the system of their cars. Because that’s where the trend is going now – users have the power to add in features and upgrades they want, the future of cars will most likely be headed that direction as well.

Sources:

https://study.com/academy/lesson/closed-open-systems-definition-examples.html

 

Windows 10 Version to Retire May 9th

Windows finally publicly confirmed that the debut edition of Windows 10, launched in 2015, will not be receiving further support services come May 9.

 Microsoft Training Recipients Will Learn a New Platform After May 9

Some people already expected that Microsoft will be dropping Windows 10 version 1507 from their list of supported operating systems because it was already discreetly added to Microsoft support documents, like the Windows lifecycle fact sheet. Those same documents also list the support deadline for operating systems and their versions, like the Windows 10 edition, v. 1511.

What this means is that Microsoft will not be responsible for updating, making security patches, introducing new customer-friendly features, adding new versions or fixing bugs and difficulties with the Windows 10 system.

Microsoft was clear in stating their intentions on this action within their support documents and mandates. They were supposed to service clients of Windows 10 for eighteen months total, but because they introduced a new version of the system, they could not retire the system last March. Retiring Windows 10 on May 9th gave users a two-month extension, making a total 21 servicing months for Windows 10 version 1507. Upon that extension, there was no specific date given as to when the support services would stop, but some anticipated that it would the 9th, considering that’s the scheduled monthly Patch Tuesday.

Contrary to their earlier systems, Windows 10 1507, and v. 1511 have shorter software servicing. If you still recall Windows 8.1 and 7, users had around 10 years of support from Microsoft before they were finally retired. People speculate that company’s pledge to support a particular edition was shortened to give way to newer operating systems and to encourage users to switch to them, given Microsoft is investing a lot in these new operating systems. That’s also why the support for Windows 10 edition, v. 1511 will also be terminated sometime this October.

The community should expect that Microsoft will continue the trend of lessening the time that any operating system will be under their support list. In fact, the rule they are following now is at the release of an upgrade or a new version, whatever was two upgrades back will be removed from the support list 2 months after. In this case, after version 1703 was released a couple of months ago, it necessitated the retirement of 1507. This system makes sure that Microsoft only has a maximum of 2 Current Branch for Business systems.

Are you prepared for the next Window OS?  Let us know in the comments below.

 Sources:

 Computerworld

 

Networking Opportunities for IT Professionals

As in any industry, working in the IT industry can have many opportunities if you meet the right people. Networking is a very important part of any career, so here are some great IT industry opportunities for networking.

Make the Most of These IT Industry Opportunities for Networking

Social Media

There is a variety of networking opportunities on social media these days. LinkedIn is one of the most popular networking tools used for professionals in social media. Optimizing and creating a great LinkedIn profile is a very good way to network in the tech industry. If you are also on Facebook, find groups that are dedicated to meeting professionals in the tech industry. You can make worldwide connections on social media without ever leaving your computer. Doesn’t that sound like an IT industry dream?

Local Events

Check out your local events on Eventbrite, Mashable, or even locally run websites. There’s nothing better than an in-person event to help make connections. Just make sure you come prepared.

Conferences

Conferences are specifically designed to offer amazing networking opportunities. Part of being ahead of the game is constantly educating yourself and staying connected in the industry. Find out what type of national conferences there are that you can attend which relate to your specific industry for massive exposure and the latest in targeted learning.

Job Fairs

If you are an entry-level IT certified professional, job fairs are a great way to get your name out there. One position that will always be in demand is someone who is capable of handling technology. You can do some killer networking at job fairs, and even if you don’t leave with a job you’ll know exactly what kind of opportunities are available in your field.

Happy Hour

Don’t underestimate the power of a great happy hour.  Some areas even have happy hours that are dedicated specifically to networking opportunities.  Getting to know your area is a plus in the tech industry. Where do other people in your industry tend to hang out? Is there a company that you’re dying to get into? Find out where the employees go after work. Visibility is key, and striking up a casual conversation could mean changing your career.
Truthfully, you can find networking opportunities anywhere you look. Never miss an opportunity to make the most of a situation, and try to bring the same attitude to the grocery store that you would bring to the office. With specific events and lots of practice, you will become a networking expert, and you’ll have plenty of connections to help you along the way when climbing the career ladder.

Sources:

Mashable

Outsourcing Tips for Your Tech Company

If you have dreams of opening your own IT company, whether it be as a virtual assistant, repair company, or third party host, eventually you’ll need some assistance. Nowadays, it’s easy to find help right online when you are building your company. Here are some great tips for outsourcing as an entrepreneur, and with your expertise and IT training in Jacksonville, you should have no problem managing these simple tools!

IT Training in Jacksonville Gives You the Skills You Need to Outsource

Use a Project Management Tool

One of the most difficult parts of outsourcing work is keeping track of what your employees are doing. Having a project management tool where you can assign tasks and keep track of their progress is invaluable.  There are a variety of tools out there for someone with your tech skills!

Know What You Need

Another difficult part of outsourcing is getting organized and figuring out what you need. It’s very important that you seek people that will be reliable, but some positions are more time consuming than others. For example, if you were looking for a virtual assistant, you want someone who has experience and can take your business to the next level. If you just need someone to accomplish a few freelance tasks, you may be able to go more economical route. If you need a one-time job done, there are also many resources available.

Know the Resources That are Available

There are lots of resources available for outsourcing. It all depends on what kind of outsourcing you would like to do. Fiverr is a great way to have some work done at a low price. This is a site where freelancers show their stuff so that they can hopefully work with you more in the future. Each has to offer a service that only costs $5.  You can find graphic designers, website managers, and all sorts of freelance professionals on this site. Upwork is another site that will give you people with experience and dedication. The site is specifically for Freelancers and everything including payment task assignment and hiring is done through the site. These are both great management tools for those looking outsource work.

Big Projects are for Big Professionals

At some point, you will get to the level where a freelancer or two is not going to cut it. This is when you hire a firm to take care of some of your responsibilities. This could be anything from marketing responsibilities to bookkeeping.  Having a professional firm to handle these will reduce your liability and ensure you are getting the best service possible.  You will have peace of mind knowing that your work is in the hands of professionals.

Sources:

https://upwork.com

A Continuous Training Experience at TechSherpas

Having a basic level of technology training courses will definitely help you launch or advance your career. However, a basic level of training is not enough to take you through your entire career.  There are several reasons we offer a continuous tech training experience at Tech Sherpas.

Technology Training Courses Are a Continuous Experience

The World of Technology is Ever-Changing

In modern society, it is very difficult to have a career without an understanding of technology. What makes this even more difficult is that technology and the tools it provides are constantly changing. You can have a basic knowledge of technology and still not be aware or educated on the latest programs. That’s why we consistently stay ahead of the game by offering the latest technology training courses so that you can continue to educate yourself and make yourself newly relevant to your career.

The Software Itself is Constantly Being Updated

If you thought new programs were coming out all the time, you should see how many times the programs themselves go through changes. The major software companies are constantly improving on their products to stay ahead of the game, and every time there is a major update there is more to learn. Taking a refresher course every few years keeps you apprised of these updates and helps you learn how to best use them to your advantage.

Jack of All Trades, Expert at One

Having a basic knowledge of technology and software makes you valuable, but not as valuable as being an expert. Developers spend years creating and perfecting software and adding capabilities. Just a basic knowledge of a software is not going to give you all the information on how to best use it to your advantage.  Becoming an expert requires more training, but it is worth it. When you are an expert on a program, you understand all of its benefits and limitations and how to work around them. That makes you invaluable to employers that use that technology.

Employers and clients love seeing people who make it a priority to stay informed. A basic knowledge will help you get a great job, but it takes continuous training to get to the top and make the most of your career.

Sources:

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx