Need Learning Track Advice - MCSA vs MCP+Unix

[unc92sax]

Here's my story:

I quit my band teaching career to go into IT. I can no longer deal with middle schoolers. Based on several career self-assessments, I am a shoe-in for IT. I was advised to go into networking by some IT pros. I am taking a year off (thanks to my wife's willingness to work full-time) to get several certifications and am loving what I have learned so far. In fact I have already achieved my Net+ certification.

I am now in classes for A+ Core and MS 70-290. My current plan was to take classes to train for A+, MCSA (Server 2003), and CCNA. However, I am having second thoughts. I am VERY intrigued by Unix. Therefore, I am concidering finishing my 70-290 training to only go for MCP, foregoing the last two MCSA classes, finishing A+, and going for CCNA and Linux+. (For those of you keeping track that would give me A+, Net+, Linux+, MCP, CCNA.) Which track would best get me an entry level job and allow me to move up the ladder the most (MCP & Linux+ or MCNA). I am a very hard worker and expect to move up in any job I can get. I am in the Charlotte area. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SimonDavies]

To be honest I think you are probably getting too many certifications before having any real life experience. Slow down on the certification front and take it slowly.

If you have more of an interest in Linux then go down that route, there are certainly places that use *nix but to be honest in my 8 years in IT I haven't had to worry about not knowing *nix at all.

I would probably just stick with having the A+ and the N+ and probably the Linux+, don't advertise that you have your MCP if you get it, remember that the industry are after skilled people first and foremost, having too many certifications with no real world experience can in my opinion do more harm than good. If you want to go down the route of having all of them before getting a job don't advertise them all.

 

[unc92sax]

I do plan on getting some experience during the Spring semester (pulling cable, Geeks On Call, or whatever it takes) before getting a "real" job. Believe me, I know that experience is critical. But I've decided to get as much learning (and certs) in as I can this year while my wife works.

Thanks for the advice.