it certifications

[snvpa]

Hey all. I recently passed the core A+ exam and will take the OS exam in a couple of weeks. Following that I plan on taking the network+ exam. While certainly more difficult thatn the A+ the material doesn't look overwhelming by any means. I was wondering what certs you folks have as I'm going to be getting into the It workforce in the next year and would like to know what is in demand. I figure my next cert would be MCSA. JUst wanted to get your thoughts.

[Pinky]

I used to have a MCP, but the saturation of software certifications has rendered many of them useless. A+, while ignorantly required by some employers, is next to useless (sorry to pee on your parade :( ). So's that network+ thing you're about to take (means you know the difference between a hub and router, and how to get an ip address).

The REAL CERTS are brand specific now. Get a Cisco cert, then 4 years experience as an apprentice, then maybe you'll find a good paying job, otherwise expect to do helpdesk work (like me :rolleyes: ) or practice your fake smile for sales at Compusa.

Coming into the computing field as anything BUT a programmer with a bachelors in Computer Science will immediately send you to the unemployment line (unless you're lucky enough to 'know someone'). You'll have to start pretty far down the totem pole before you'll make what you're expecting in salary. Remember that you're competing with a lot of unemployed programmers and PC admins out there with MCSEs and EXPERIENCE! Unless you have at 5+ years experience they're not going to choose you over someone with that experience and your qualifications.

[ashenfang]

hrm lets see...

A+
Net +
Internet +
MCSA
MCSE
MCSE +E
CCNA
CCNP
FICS (fiber cable splicer)
CWNE

hrm, thats about it I think. Pinky is right, you can have all the certs in the world and have a very rough time getting a job that pays the rent. Market is saturated since the establishment of certification mills.

Sad part is, even going to school to get a degree in CS will not take you that far anymore. Such a pitty.

[snvpa]

yeah I'm aware that the market is beyond saturated but heh having certifications can't hurt and its frankly just interesting, I like learning and school has never been interesting for me which i why i don't excell in it I'm just not interested in anything I've studied so far other than computers. Don't worry bout raining on my parade I realize that the entry certs specifically aren't really worth much and getting the exp is really what counts but ya gotta start somewhere. thanks for the replies.

[bchur83]

A+
Network+

Just graduated from Brown College in Minneapolis about 2 months ago, but still no job. I have an Associate Degree in Information & Networking Technology, but so far it's not pulling its weight.

[Sharkman]

I have heard of guys with Masters degrees willing to take a $15 - $20 an hour job becasue there isn't anything else for them. That really hurts the little guy thats just starting out. :(

[snvpa]

yeah there are definately horror stories outthere, and while its certainly disconcerning, I still have time, hopefully as the economy improves It will come back in favor helping me get a job. I've noticed that certain areas of the country don't look too bad while others are terrible. For example San diego had tons of it jobs on MOnster, Hot jobs etc... but in all of connecticut on bothe engines I found 6 yes six jobs that had any sort of relavance to something I'd possibly qualify for and most of those were less than desireable. Money starting out really isn't all that importand as long as I can survive I'd be happy. I can go out and make a pretty good living doing landscaping, been doing it my whole life, and have some pretty decent certs for that, but I've grown weary of the buisness, things change after your the boss and all the problems are your responsibility.

[FlypSyde]

Having certs is still better than not having any.

Here's some good advice if you're willing to give up four years of your life. Join the military and get into an IT related field. You'll get great experience and a security clearance. With all the cut backs and lay offs in the IT sector you can be assured that the government (and government contractors) will always need people with security clearances. :D

[snvpa]

Flypside its amazing u just mentioned that. Currently i'm thinking of joining the airforce, frankly I'm just a little bored with my life right now and it seems like it would be a great adventure, plus getting in shape is good for the ladies. If I don't have a good job by the end of this year i will join. thanks :)

edit: I also wouldn't say its like giving up 4 years of your life. Going to prison is giving up four years of your life. In the military you get a month of paid vacay a year, doesn't sound to bad to me, you do have to live where they tell you basically but I can live with that.