Move to IT Management

[yomack]

Hello,

I have several years of IT experience in areas like programming, analysis and design. I have recently been looking to move into IT Management and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get certified by either CompTia or Microsoft. My only delima is which certification to attempt. Should I attempt to gain a Network + cert because networking is not my strength and is a vital part of IT management or should I look at something like A+ for that? With regard to MCSA or MCSE which would you suggest? I had figured on MCSA, since any IT Management job I'd be looking at would already have their network designed and implemented so an MCSA should be enough. but I don't know the demands of the market...long and short...any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

yomack,

Best bet is to check the job postings and see what the employers are looking for in the type jobs you are looking for

A+ and Net + will tell them you at least understand the basics of how things work in the PC and on the network, if all you experience is in programming this might balance things out and at least help you get the interview.

According to Cert Mag, most employers are looking for a combination of certs, experience and education.

As for Microsoft certs - MCP is for passing any one exam and MCSA can be about the halfway point to MCSE! Go to Microsoft.com and check out the certification pages - great info there!

Hope this helps!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[tfg13]

yomack, I agree with CiscoGuy on the Microsoft certs. Yes, MSCA is the half way point for MCSE, but don't sell MCSE short. For example, even though a corporation may have their network set up, with the constant expansion/downsizing of a company will always require more/less use of the network assets. Not saying that having the MCSE is a requirement to do expansion/downsizing, but I will say it makes companies more "secure" in knowing that they have an MCSE on board (don't have to contract it out).

As far as what is best for you, I think you already have answered your own question. You made the statement

because networking is not my strength and is a vital part of IT management

IMO I think that getting networking experience would be in your best interest. Know yourself and always seek improvement!

Good Luck!

 

[CiscoGuy33]

tfg13,

Good points!

As far as the MCSA vs. MCSE I was trying to point out that yomack does not have to do one or the other - you get the MCP then move on to the MCSA and then take the last few exams and get MCSE

Many companies that are large Microsoft shops or at least partial Microsoft will always be looking to have MCSEs on staff!

I will also toss in that being Cisco certified does not hurt on the network side - I had an employee that once he got his CCNA and his MCSE (he had A+, Net + and Server +) the interviews picked up BIG TIME !

Just some thoughts!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[tfg13]

I didn't mean any offense CiscoGuy, and I think we were thinking along the same lines, just may have come out a little harsh. Basically, I was thinking don't stop at the MCSA, just keep going.....Much like you were.

I will whole heartedly agree with getting Cisco certified as well. Seems a lot of companies are looking for a combo person any way. Microsoft and Cisco are the most popular certifications, and companies would rather save a buck than hire 2, when one who is not paper certed can do the job.....

 

[burtsbees]

Wow---thanks CiscoGuy---I am still looking for a networking job---I work on servers now (hardware), and I am A+, Network+, CCNA and CCNP---was wondering how getting MCP/MSCA/MCSE could help for me to get an interview. I think I am the only CCNP in the world who has never had a networking job...

Burt

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Burt,

WOW ! I think that is amazing that as a CCNP you can not find a networking job!

I think that you should save your money and look into going to Cisco Networkers convention -

Anaheim Convention Center
July 22–26, 2007

Networkers at Cisco Live
Join thousands of your peers, Cisco engineers, and Cisco partners July 22–26 at the Anaheim Convention Center for the highest caliber of technical training, onsite testing, technology exploration, industry networking opportunities, and more .....

If that is too soon, they do this every year - I went for 5 years - Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Orlando and New Orleans.

For 5 days you rub elbows with Cisco employees, venders and other people in the industry - they have about 5,000 - 7,000 networking people from around the world at these - perfect place to do some "networking" and get some ideas as well as learn a bunch, not cheap but worth it

Hope this helps!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[Cstorms]

You must not be pushing super hard, I swear if you had anything above a CCNA doors were flying open. I check the board periodically and when specifying for Network Engineer/Cisco positions CCNA/CCNP's are like all over the preferred sections. Do you use online boards like dice and such?

 

[burtsbees]

Well...
CiscoGuy33---I can afford to go, no problem...I would, but I have a 2 year old boy and a 3 year old boy---hopefully I can some year, it sounds great!
Cstorms---I do have my resume up on Career Builder and Monster---I have answered a few cals from headhunters, but that is the last communication we have had. One actually sent me two different opportunities, but they were both pc support jobs making less than what I make now, but more importantly, nothing to do with networking. People where I live (St. Louis, MO) don't have a CLUE what a CCNA or a CCNP are---a few do, but for example---I had one lady see that I was "Cisco certified"---I said that I was a CCNP---she said, "oh, well this company is looking for a CCNA---sorry". I had pushed hard at one time, calling companies out of the phone book even---that's how I got the job I have now!
I get mostly 4-6 month contract opportunities for networking, but otherwise I get things like, "I saw your resume online, and would therefor like to talk with you about a position we have open for a web page designer."
Could be the water around here, or actually too many people eating river fish...lol

Burt

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Burt,

Really mark your calender for next year or the year after - it is always in a good vacation spot so the family can play while you network your head off

Always a few adult activities after hours for more "networking".

I think you might make some contacts - I do remember meeting a guy that was doing networking in one of the hospitals in the St Louis area because we talked about the Rams and Bucs


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[aiotech]

Hello yomack,

From what I have seen in order to move into any management position you first need to have a bachelor's degree. Do you have a bachelor's degree? Also I would say that A+ and Net+ are entry level certs. I believe they are good to have but keep in mind they are entry level. I think an MCSA or MSCE would help you out more. I hope this feedback is helpful.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

aiotech,

I agree on the BS as a manager or above - when I read that he said "IT Management" I felt he just ment to get into the field of management and maintaince of the infastructure.

To move into an upper-level position as an IT manager you are looking at a BS, experience and several certs such as CCNA, CCNP, MCSA or MCSE!

Like I said earlier Cert Mag said Experience, Education and Certification - still holds very true


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +