Most IT professionals who work within business-driven fields will readily agree that ITIL training/certification is fast becoming something that’s nearly compulsory, or expected. The simple fact of the matter is that one’s daily duties and/or resume should reflect ITIL experience, if for no other reason than to remain competitive among those other groups utilizing it. So, who should be studying ITIL 2011 Intermediate, specifically? Well, in all honesty, all IT professionals who desire to excel in their career (as well as those who would like to safeguard themselves from becoming redundant) should be itching to jump head first into ITIL training and certification.
Often times, general IT personnel may fail to realize that their abilities and methodologies (both of which translate directly into overall efficiency and effectiveness on the job) play an integral role in the ability of the organization or business, which they service, to carry out its operations. As with any other aspect of a business, IT is yet another component which must be budgeted, hence, there is a certain amount of expectation in terms of delivery of service.
For example, IT organizations which work as part of a retail sales business must be able to both deliver internal services to ensure daily operation, but will likely be asked to create systems for interfacing with potential consumers online. Likewise, such an IT group would also responsible for the continuous operation and ongoing improvement of these same networks / systems, once again, to remain viable in the face of competition. This of course is just one vague example, but it underscores why ITIL is important in the field.
What is ITIL?
You see, ITIL is essentially a collection, or reference of the best methodologies, strategies, and processes with regards to establishing and maintaining IT infrastructure(s). So, given that ITIL is such an informational boon, it should come as no surprise that those who are involved in driving businesses would want to get involved. In many respects, ITIL is merely a grouping of successful research findings and real-world applications.
The difference of course is that this information is free, no additional money needs to be spent investigating solutions; instead, funding can be applied directly to the solution. However, in order to implement this crucial data, you need a qualified team of experts who are intimately familiar with the inner workings of ITIL. In fact, many of today’s top employers are expecting to hire those who not only understand ITIL, but can use it as a stepping stone to further creative problem solving / building.
But before we can pick up the ITIL torch and begin running, we must learn to walk. This more or less underscores why ITIL 2011 Intermediate Programs exist, which is to familiarize professionals with one or more components of the IT service lifecycle and then introduce them to specific ITIL solutions. The knowledge gained from study in ITIL Intermediate can be directly applied to an ongoing career as well as in the development of additional means or creative measures. What’s even better, a thorough grounding in ITIL via an Intermediate program is a perfect precursor to more advanced studies (like the Expert Pathway, which IT Professionals are often fixated with).
An individual ITIL Intermediate Program isn’t quite as demanding or rigid as the complete expert program. However, this isn’t to say that ITIL intermediate is lax in any way; in fact, ITIL intermediate actually focuses more closely on activities that most IT professionals will be much more likely to engage in (as opposed to broad theoretical knowledge, which is more geared toward experts). Another great thing about ITIL intermediate is that it can be treated as an initiation (after completing the Foundation level certificate) into further ITIL studies which can be carried out at a later date. Meaning; ITIL intermediate is a cost effective learning solution which also leaves the door open for further advancement in a number of directions.
Most dedicated and modern IT training programs are delivered via an e-learning platform, and of the many which are available in the ITIL intermediate domain, you would be hard-pressed to find better than those found here. The hallmarks of any great e-learning package(s) are found in not only its construction/organization, but also in its flexibility. Great ITIL e-learning solutions should be accessible on any available device and should also prepare professionals for both current certification examinations as well as the problems they might face while on the job.
Any IT professionals who have yet to jump into the world of ITIL, or perhaps those who have been waiting for a reason to do just that, should strongly consider continuing after their Foundation with ITIL V3 Intermediate. The idea isn’t to simply bolster one’s resume’, but rather to be introduced to the best processes, many of which have become industry standards among working professionals in the field.
Who should be studying ITIL Intermediate?
Every serious IT professional who values their work and career should take the time to formally acknowledge and study ITIL; and doing so through an Intermediate program is simply one of the best starting places.