Certifications

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by William on July 2, 2008 at 3:22pm

I got my MCSE several years ago (for Windows 2000). I ended up in web development, so I have no desire to update that cert. Maybe, someday, I'll look into MCAD.

What about you?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffers on July 2, 2008 at 3:24pm

Yeah I'm looking at getting MCSE 2003, then the upgrade path to 2008. Right now I have nothing.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tommy Wags on July 2, 2008 at 3:40pm

MCSE, MCP, MCSA are all good microsoft ones. I think it is best to diversify yourself and get some other non-Microsoft certs as well. Maybe a PMP (Project Management Professional) or I got a couple years ago my CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). There are some good security and cisco certs out there too. Just make sure they are widely known among IT professionals.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by William on July 2, 2008 at 3:49pm

Speaking of hacking, I've got some hacking books (how to protect against hacking, not how to hack) if anyone is interested. I've also got an book on how to repair PC's that would be good for anyone wanting to study up for an A+ Cert. They are several years old and I barely used any of them. I can provide specific titles if interested.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffers on July 2, 2008 at 4:25pm

Crap I want a how to how book! I just got back from a week worth of Symantec training on their new product, Endpoint.

How was the CEH? I have wanted to look into the Security field, possibly CISSP, but may go the way of management and get my MBA.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tommy Wags on July 2, 2008 at 9:22pm

CEH was a good course. Basically teaches you what tools the hackers use so you can protect against them. I would say it was a good complimentary course, but would not be a foundation for security. CISSP would be a better route.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Travis on July 4, 2008 at 12:51pm

I have an A+ cert and am gearing up to get my MCSE. I plan on getting a CISSP and/or CEH. My current job does not require any, but my A+ did help me win the position. I want the certs to further my own learning, and prepare for moving up.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt Coffey on July 9, 2008 at 9:56pm

In the IT world there are the common certs.. MCSE, CCNA, etc.. Those are very valuable if you are wanting to be a systems or network administrator. Although work history and experience are extremely important before a mid-large business will trust you to run their networks.

Are you currently working somewhere in the IT field or are you wanting to jump in somewhere for the first time?

I work with a staff augmentation firm and could help you get a job pretty easy, or at least give you some advice on resume and cert building.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by aguldberg on July 11, 2008 at 6:55pm

I think it's the same as it's always been.

Very early in your career, I'd recommend getting it - while you don't have a lot of responsiblity to get in the way of putting the time in to get it...it has the potential to unlock an opportunity you'd probably have to wait a few additional years to get otherwise.

I don't think it's as important once you have 5-7 years of experience...however it "might" get you more noticed in the initial resume submission to have the letters after your name - at least from a developer perspective. After that, the reliance on just your raw technical skills becomes a little less, as they are looking for a more rounded solution provider so it's more about how you can impact the organization and their products - not just be a coder.

The only exception might be if you wanted to be an architect (development or network side) in that case, it probably would be a good idea to keep and/or add to the letters after your name.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bobby D. Nelson on July 14, 2008 at 11:36am

I have been in the field of IT for over 15 years. I have been been a network administrator, desktop support and for the last 10years I have been a Senior Systems Analyst. I have no Certs and not sure if I will be pursuing any other than a PMP. I recently read an article in Certmag which basicly stated that if you just want to get in the door and get a job just Cert are fine. However, if you want to move up with the organization you have combine your certs with an advanced degree such as a MS Degree.

When it comes down to it, it all depends on the company that you work for or want to work for. If they don't put much stock in Certs but look for advanced degrees I would pursue the degree track first. The bottom line is in most case the Certification are only good until the next wave of certs come out or the application or networking system becomes obsolete then the indiviual most re-certify.

Personally I choose the degree route and have obtain a Masters in IT Project Management along with my under-grad and it has worked out pretty well for myself

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Noble on July 14, 2008 at 8:40pm

How many of you got your certs via Tech Skills (north of indy)?
I got my MCP there back in 2005 im also one test away from my MDST but I have yet to get my foot in the door of a IT type job. Im currently in automotive testing. (not were i want to be). Its hard to keep up on the IT stuff when your not working with it everyday. Anyone know of any current entry level IT jobs?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt Coffey on August 22, 2008 at 10:41am

I got my MCP, A+, and N+ at TechSkills. HA. Now I'm a Technology Consultant. Using my knowledge to keep my clients informed of industry product trends and recommending solutions. We also run a staffing firm out of our office. The most desirable positions in Indy right now are SQL DBA's. These guys are getting 80-90k with only 1-3 years of exp under their belt. Senior SQL DBA's are pushing 125k.

There seems to be a surge of SaaS and ASP providers in the Indy area lately. With MySQL being owned by SUN now, and Oracle, and Microsoft definitely have the market share. You cant go wrong with either SQL or Oracle. Lots of school, but lots of money.

Entry level positions are hard to come by. It's more of a "who do you know" hiring culture right now. If you are looking for a job, I personally can help you. It's free to you, and we can place you with very reputable firms, pending they're hiring.

▶ Reply to This

▶ Reply to This

• 1
• 2