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Mark's original passion was to have a career in the Marines and at the age of 14 he joined the Army Cadets with a view to becoming a Marine when he turned 18. Like many careers of this calibre, entry requirements are at a very high standard and include a medical as part of the selection process. This process has many different parts most of which Mark passed with flying colours. Unfortunately, he was denied access to join the Marines because of a minor medical condition. It was at this point Mark was forced to go back to the drawing board and find a new career.
It was difficult to find a career that was as focused and goal-driven as the Marines. Whilst contemplating his long-term career objectives, Mark decided to join a high profile retailer. Mark soon became comfortable with his job and ended up staying there for ten years. In this time, he rose from store assistant to branch manager. Although the initial progression had been challenging for Mark, he began to feel that he wanted more out of a career than his current employer was able to offer. He realised that he had risen as far as he could and now needed to try something new. However, Mark now had many more financial commitments to consider, as well as a family to support.
In early 2007, Mark heard about Computeach courses through TV advertising. Mark had always had a keen interest in IT and even built computers in his spare time. He really enjoyed the innovative and progressive nature of the IT industry and wondered if he could combine his hobby with a rewarding career. Having explored what Computeach had to offer, Mark settled on a Comptia A+ course with a view to becoming a Microsoft Systems Certified Engineer. Mark comments, "I have always been interested in IT as a hobby but I hadn't considered that I could turn it into my career."
The Comptia A+ course uses a process known as ‘blended learning' where students are able to learn through many different channels. This enables Mark to get the information and the support he needs through the internet, from books or even by speaking to a lecturer on the phone. Mark is only required to be in class for three full days during the course which means he can keep his previous job as a branch manager. He does the majority of his studying on weekday evenings, and at the weekend, and he is due to sit an exam in the coming months.
One of the best aspects of the course for Mark, is that he has access to expert advice from lecturers, as well as regular contact with other students, through online forums, who share his passion for IT. Mark has discovered it to be a very productive learning environment and has been able to stay on top of his commitments, whilst working towards his career goals. Mark's girlfriend, Louise Davidson, explains, "It was difficult at first, and it does take up a lot of Mark's free time, but he's is so much happier now that his dream job is on the horizon. Mark's really got into his learning routine and has shown great determination. I'm really happy for him and can't wait to celebrate when he qualifies!"
Upon starting his course, Mark was assigned a Computeach career counsellor who provided Mark with support and advice on interview techniques and tailoring his CV. After applying for more than 25 positions, mark was shortlisted and invited for an interview for the role of IT support engineer at a small IT firm in Nottingham. Although 35 other candidates made it to interview, Mark was one of only four to be invited back. Mark realised that he faced stiff competition from the other four candidates; three of whom already possessed MCSE qualifications.
Mark was offered the job and now works as an IT support engineer. Mark explains, "When I heard I got the job, I couldn't believe it because of the calibre of the other candidates. They said, in the end, that they chose me over the others because of the commitment and enthusiasm I'd shown and the speed in which I was getting through my training."
Mark now feels like he has more direction in life. He has just passed an MCP exam and is working towards his next. Mark has benefited greatly from the vast array of resources provided on the course and the personal support available.
"The Computeach course was possibly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has expanded my knowledge of IT and slots into the rest of my life perfectly. I have met some great people on the course who share my passion and I believe that many doors have been opened as a result.
"Even though I've landed my dream job as an IT Support Engineer, I'm still going to carry on with my course. I want to work my way up in the company I've just joined and as part of my contract, I get a pay rise for every MCP I complete. Now there's an incentive as if I needed one!"
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