With Databases holding a really big part in society today, just what form of work can be obtained which pertains to them? When we consider the work of IT experts, there are two key Database areas - Producing & building the databases - and the actual software that controls and allows access to them; and managing them - together with producing reporting-systems which use that information. The Administrator (management) role is far more in demand - in industry a 'Database Administrator' is more generally referred to as a 'DBA'. Usually it is the medium to large companies that have a need to use DBAs, as they need them to over-see their operations on an everyday basis. Operations like 'security' & the backing up of the data require managing. 'DBA's' also need to build reports for senior management that will permit them to come to educated commercial decisions. They must have a professional knowledge of SQL - the most highly used Database language. Interrogating databases to acquire facts is standardised with SQL ('Structured Query Language').

One feature that several companies offer is a programme of Job Placement assistance. It's intention is to help you get your first commercial position. Ultimately it's not as hard as some people make out to get your first job - as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Help with your CV and interview techniques may be available (if not, see one of our sites for help). It's essential that you update that dusty old CV immediately - not after you've qualified! Getting your CV considered is better than being rejected. Many junior jobs are got by students (sometimes when they've only just got going.) Most often, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultant or service (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) should get better results than any sector of a centralised training facility. Also of course they should know the local industry and employment needs.

Essentially, as long as you focus the same level of energy into securing a position as into training, you're not going to hit many challenges. Some men and women curiously put hundreds of hours into their training course and then call a halt once certified and would appear to think that businesses will just discover them.

'In-Centre' days are often sold as a big positive benefit by some training academies. When you chat with many computer industry trainees who've attended a few, you'll likely realise that they've now become a difficulty to be 'got round' as they hadn't properly considered the following:

- Many round trips - normally 100's of miles or more.

- Getting frequent time off work - a lot of companies will only provide availability during weekdays - typically grouping 2 or 3 days together. To be honest, this doesn't suit working people, and this is made worse if you include the travel time on top.

- At only 20 days holiday per year, spending half on study events leaves us with very few opportunities for days off.

- 'In-Centre' days often become bloated with students.

- Often attendees are trying to maintain a quick pace, while others are looking to take a more 'steady' pace and be allowed to set their own speed. This will often generate tension and unrest on many workshops.

- Never disregard the added cost of driving or accommodation for the duration either. Don't be surprised to find this become many hundreds of pounds more - sometimes thousands. Sit down and add it up - you'll be (unpleasantly) surprised.

- Don't risk the chance of letting yourself be overlooked for potential advancement or wage increases just because you're retraining.

- Raising questions in a class full of students will often make us feel self-conscious. Have you ever left a question un-asked because you didn't want to look foolish?

- Living away for part of your working week - a lot of students find themselves working or living away for certain parts of their study. Workshops are therefore problematic to attend, unfortunately the monies have already been handed over when you paid initially.

To find a more flexible route, utilise pre-filmed lessons at the location of your choice - taking them when it's convenient to you - not someone else. You can study at home on your desktop computer or if you've got a laptop, you can go anywhere. Any questions; then make use of the 24x7 support (that should've been packaged with any technical type of training.) Repeat any modules at any time you need to brush up - repetition aids memory. And note-taking is gone forever - it's all ready to go. The final result: Reduced stress, saved money, and travelling is removed.

We're often asked why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certifications? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, the IT sector has moved to the specialised training that the vendors themselves supply - in other words companies like Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA. Often this saves time and money for the student. Essentially, only required knowledge is taught. It's slightly more broad than that, but the principle remains that students need to master the precisely demanded skill-sets (alongside some required background) - without going into too much detail in everything else (as universities often do).

Just as the old advertisement said: 'It does what it says on the tin'. The company just needs to know what they need doing, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they're interviewing applicants who can do the job.

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