Now what?

[directlyconnected]

I plan to acquire A+ within a week, and Security+ and I-Net+ soon thereafter. But I also notice that in a lot of companies I go into and a lot of jobs on Monster seem to want people to have a sort of server based and users, permissions, etc. experience, like MCSE. I tried looking on the Microsoft career website, but just got more confused. My questions are these:
What all is required to say that one is an MCSE, or does one claim the cert with a specialty in SQL, Server admin, security, etc.? Also, what is required for MCP, and is it like the fundamental Microsoft cert? Finally, what about MSCA? I like hardware, but can fire off acl's in Cisco routers and vlans/vtp in switches like nobody's business. Should I have a Microsoft cert? I think myself I lean toward security, like preventing hackers and DoS attackers, not necessarily unauthorized users who get into servers and say, "I wonder what this regedit thing does...".

 

[Wishdiak]

directlyconnected,

All of the above Microsoft certification questions can be answered at

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/default.asp.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[CiscoGuy33]

directlyconnected,

If you like security and Cisco routers and switches then you should do CCNA and then CCNP or CCSP.

Security will be BIG in IT for some years to come!

Just my thoughts!

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

 

[directlyconnected]

+
I already am a CCNA and Network+ and will be A+ the end of this week. It's hard to find a job as a CCNA---any clues as to what sort of business to look into for a job?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

directlyconnected,

Depending on where you are CCNA and A+ are entry level network support jobs unless you have a ton of experience.

Try to determine what area exactly you want to work in and then get the next level, if it is LAN Admin then get your MCP then MCSA and finally MCSE. Once you are MCSE you can always go further depending on what the job market is looking for. Get some computers on Ebay and get hands-on experience with all you do in MCSE so that you have real world knowlege to go with the cert.

If you are into routing and switching or security then go Cisco CCNP or CCSP.

Lots of networking jobs go unadvertised in the paper - if you have a school or college near you check their website for a job board or job webpage, also local and state governments such as an airport authority might have a job page on the website - that is how our airport authority does it and they just hired 4 CCNAs for wireless expansion.

Check with the local cable co or telephone co. I have Verizon in my area rolling out FIOS and they can not find enough installers as well network support.

Check the job boards like Dice, Monster, Career Builder etc. and post your information there.

I hope this helps!


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

 

[directlyconnected]

Yes, thank you! I am actually going to try starting my own business as a home and small business networking company.