The Master's Program: 
Frequently Asked Questions

Updated:  September 2007

Who is SetFocus?

In business since 1997, SetFocus is a global leader in selecting, training, placing, and supporting Microsoft professionals worldwide.

Through strategic relationships, we develop training programs that directly source skilled professionals to meet the immediate hiring needs of our hiring partners. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions, we utilize a unique combination of services, known as The Master's Program. We help organizations grow, allowing them to meet marketplace opportunities with speed and agility.

Our primary offering is The Master’s Program, which is an intense, in-depth, integrated, technical training program with three tracks: .NET, SQL Server, and Business Intelligence – all academic tracks are combined with proven career development services. In addition to our Master’s Program, we offer comprehensive corporate training services on .NET, SQL Server, or Business Intelligence related technologies nationwide.

How long has SetFocus been in business?

SetFocus has been in business since May of 1997. During this time we attained our Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions status, have been approved by the NJ Board of Education as a NJ training provider, and received recognition as a semi-finalist for both the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2000) as well as the New Jersey Family Business of the Year Award (2004). SetFocus is also ranked on Inc.'s list of the top 5,000 Fastest Growing companies in America for 2007.

What is the Master's Program?

The Master’s Program combines in-depth technical knowledge with a proven career services strategy geared towards helping you re-invent yourself in an IT career and re-enter the workforce with new skills and confidence! The Master's Program curriculum covers all required instructor-led coursework for students to pursue their Microsoft Certification (MCTS). Currently, The Master's Program is offered on three different tracks:  Visual Studio.NET (utilizing C#), SQL Server, or Microsoft Business Intelligence tools.

What is the schedule of The Master’s Program?

SetFocus offers its Master’s Program on both a Day and Evening Schedule.

Day Schedule:

• 13 weeks full time
• Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm)

Evening Schedule:

• 39 weeks part time
• 2 evenings / week and every other Saturday.
• Evening classes run based on Central Standard Time (CT)
  • EVENINGS
    EST:  7:30PM - 11:00PM 
    CT:   6:30PM - 10:00PM
    MT:  5:30PM - 9:00PM
    PST: 4:30PM - 8:00PM
  • ALTERNATING SATURDAYS
    EST:  10:00AM - 6:00PM
    CT:     9:00AM - 5:00PM
    MT:    8:00AM - 4:00PM
    PST:   7:00AM - 3:00PM

Where is The Master’s Program offered?

The Master’s Program is offered to individuals worldwide.

• Parsippany, New Jersey
• Online via high-speed DSL or cable internet connection (The GRID®)

SetFocus’ headquarters are located in Parsippany, NJ approximately 45 minutes outside of Manhattan in beautiful Morris County. In addition, to our Parsippany location, we have classrooms in Jersey City, NJ (just minutes from downtown Wall Street in NYC), as well as online access via The GRID®. Our locations are equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment for a superior training experience.

What is The GRID®?

The GRID® is a revolutionary online training experience for software developers.

Through The GRID®, individuals attend live instructor-led courses from their homes or home offices as full classroom participants. This is NOT webex, nor is it live meeting. It IS remote attendance via Polycom video/audio technology with access to virtual machines running full developer environments such as Visual Studio, SQL Server, MSDN, and more. Audio quality within The GRID® is 400% greater than standard telephone audio and video quality is equal to that of TV.

The GRID® is guaranteed to change the way developers learn now and in the future.

How does The Master’s Program differ from the rest?

Other developer training programs may last anywhere from three to five days or three months, however they are typically theory-based and provide limited hands-on projects. In the Master’s Program, students train for 13 consecutive weeks full time, or 39 weeks part time, in an intensive development environment, focusing on real-world large distributed enterprise windows and web application project work that students incorporate into their body of experience on their resumes.

Most other developer training companies simply cover material from pre-constructed courseware. The goal of our instructors is not to teach the material for the sake of teaching it – but presenting it so the individual learns and grows as a developer and in their IT career, using customized courseware developed by SetFocus. We have taken developer training to another level by adding customized projects, weekly exams, and code review to the standard lecture and labs that you won't find at other traditional training companies.

In addition to our technical curriculum, you also receive proven IT Career Development services that prepare you to re-enter the job market. For the past three consecutive years, Master’s Program graduates have experienced 95%+ placement success – finding a position within 13 weeks following our full-time day program.

What is your criterion for selecting candidates into The Master’s Program?

As we evaluate applicants for our Master’s Programs, we always have the question in mind: Does this person have the aptitude, logic, technical talent and determination to get through 780 hours of non-stop technical .NET, SQL Server or Business Intelligence training? Every quarter, SetFocus reviews approximately 2000-3000 applications from around the world looking for individuals who meet our requirements. It is not an easy task. All applicants go through an in-depth admissions process. We look for aptitude, experience, communication skills, passion, drive, and dedication, just to name a few criteria.

What benefits can I expect to gain from this .NET training, SQL Server training, or a Business Intelligence training program?

There are many benefits to be gained from our Master’s Programs. One of the greatest advantages of our programs is that you will learn to master a specific technology, versus being a Jack-of-all-Trades! This will allow you to become more marketable and get the .NET, SQL Server, or Business Intelligence job that you have been looking for.

Throughout the Master’s Program, we simulate a true workplace environment. The instructors assign “real-world” projects so that you get the experience you need to have a successful IT career. In addition, SetFocus will help prepare you to take the Microsoft certifications which may be beneficial in obtaining desirable IT jobs.

Once you graduate from the Master’s Program, the benefits as a SetFocus alumnus continue. Alumni receive free virtual access to Microsoft certification “Transcender” exams to gauge their readiness for the real certification exams. Additionally, they receive frequent Newsletters on market information and upcoming courses available through SetFocus. Alumni also have opportunities to network with other SetFocus alumni, and receive continuing IT career support from both a technical perspective as well as through placement assistance. Lastly, alumni receive a great discount off our individual courses to help them maintain their IT career skills.

How much does The Master’s Program cost?

The Master’s Program is offered at an affordable rate and can be financed with privately funded, low-rate, student, deferred loans. Please contact a SetFocus representative for more information about the cost of the program and loan options.

What loans are offered to help me pay for tuition costs?

We have many privately funded, low-rate, student, deferred loans we offer to facilitate your developer training needs. In addition, you may also build in additional funding to help pay for costs of housing during this training period. For more information about the loans we have available, please contact Dave Landau at Dave@SetFocus.com .

Can I speak to former students about your .NET/SQL Server/Business Intelligence training program?

Yes, SetFocus graduates are always happy to speak to people who are interested any of our training programs. Just let us know if you would like to speak with a graduate and we will make it happen!

What if I have more questions about this program?

Feel free to contact a staff member in the admissions department to ask further questions.

• Call us at 973-889-0211.
• Contact us through our Live Chat or through our Contact form....

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