Five IT courses that will get you hired

Five IT courses that will get you hired by Michael Cheary Looking to F5 your career? We can help with that.If you’re obsessed with tech and are desperate to do it for a day job, becoming IT certified could be your key to career happiness. However, with a number of courses and qualifications out there, it’s all too easy to suffer from IT overload, making it difficult to detect the right one for you.To help inform your decision, here’s our guide to five career-changing IT courses you could be doing right now:So you want to become a Graphic Designer…For any aspiring Graphic Designer worth their salt, an in-depth knowledge of Adobe software is absolutely essential.The Adobe Package, which includes Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, InDesign, and a whole host of other add-ons, will get you up to speed with everything you need to know â€" at your own pace, and in a time that suits you.Once qualified, you’ll be able to apply for Web Design and Graphic Design jobs, with the potential to get paid over £20,000 for eve n some of the most junior positons.At the very least, you’ll be able to make your holiday pictures look a hundred times better, whilst simultaneously proving to your secondary-school-self that doodling all day actually isn’t that bad. It’s basically a win-win situation.How long it will last: Study can be taken at your own pace, so completion times will vary.How much it will cost: Prices vary throughout the year. Simply fill out an online enquiry form for a dedicated quote.Honourable mention: Graphic Design Foundation Diploma »Adobe package course »How to become a Graphic Designer »So you want to work in Networking…With over 30 years’ experience in the field, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA for short, obviously) is a global provider of IT certifications.The incredibly popular CompTIA package features both the CompTIA A+ certification, and the more network-specific CompTIA Network+, helping provide all the fundamental knowledge needed to start setti ng up and troubleshooting your own networks.Still not convinced networking is for you? Just think of it this way. Without it, there would be no printers, no work or school computer systems, and no Internet. Think of that the next time you’re desperately trying to print out that hilarious Kermit the Frog meme to stick on the office fridge.But that’s none of our business…How long it will last: Study can be taken at your own pace, so completion times will vary.How much it will cost: £395, for a limited time only.Cisco CCNA »CompTIA Training Package »How to become a Network Administrator »So you want to work in Security…In an increasingly digital-led world, Network Security is a cause of concern for many. If you’re one of those worried about where your data’s ending up, CCNA could be for you.One of the globally-recognised Cisco certifications, CCNA Security teaches how to keep networks secure. It will also build upon your knowledge of developing a security infrastructure , recognising network vulnerabilities, mitigating security threats and other high-level security-type things.And aside from strengthening the security of your own networks, the advantages of becoming Cisco certified include being more in-demand for employers all over the world, and the potential to earn as much as 10% more than your Cisco-less peers.So if you think you can hack it, enquire about a Cisco certification today. Or, if you think you can’t hack it. Wait…If you can hack it, but don’t want other people to…Forget it.How long it will last: Around 80 hours of online, part-time study.How much it will cost: Around £400, with finance options available.Honourable mention: Certified Ethical Hacker »CCNA Security course »Cisco: What you need to know »Five reasons to become Cisco certified »So you want to be a Web Designer…If you build it, they will come. Well, if you build it properly, that is.Whether you’re a small business owner, write your own blog, or just want to top up your tech skills and open your career opportunities, Web Design could be for you. And whilst there are a great number of courses out there to cater for the next generation of Designers, not many top the CIW Web Design Specialist certification.Teaching key design concepts, as well as web design basics such as HTML and JavaScript, what really sets CIW apart is all the added extras. Everything from study guides, video clips, online exercises and practice exams are available on demand.There’s also only one official exam you need to pass to become qualified. So even if the thought of taking the test is enough to bring you out in a cold sweat, there’s really no excuse not to get started.How long it will last: Around 120 hours or so, taken at your own pace.How much it will cost: Price varies depending on provider, although finance options are available.Honourable mention: reed.co.uk Web Designer Package »CIW Web Design Specialist »How to become a Web Designer »So you want to become a Web Developer…Interested in developing your own website? We can help with that.The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist course (MCTS for short) is aimed at anyone looking to build on their development skills, and get them started on Microsoft’s .NET framework.Teaching key skills such as developing web forms, implementing client-side scripting and developing windows-based web applications, MCTS is a great way to validate your knowledge and coding skills. And as well as building upon your knowledge of the .NET Framework 4.0 programming languages, you’ll even get some fancy letters to add after your name (if you like that kind of thing).Once fully qualified, you’ll be able to code with added confidence, and even start developing your own Windows apps. Your Android might never be the same again…How long it will last: 31 hours.How much it will cost: Around £400.Honourable mention: Full Stack Web Developer »MCTS .Net course »