What are your thoughts on these qualifications? 4

[drago762]

I'm considering pursuing the following qualifications but not sure whether they are worth the time and money spent.
I currently work as a Programmer/Analyst while I also have additional duties (help desk work, database administration w/SQL Server, project management). I have nearly 10 years experience in the field. Would any of the following be worth pursuing?

1) MCDBA (2000 and/or 2005): I already have the books and test exams for 2000, but have nothing for 2005.

2) PMP certification

3) MBA

The three areas that I'm most interested in are databases, project management, and merging IT with business, so that is why I am pursuing the above qualifications. I don't have one concrete goals but I can see myself in one of several positions: DBA, project manager, systems analyst, consultant, or manager in the future. I can't see myself being a code monkey for the next 30 years (even if it were possible). Does anyone have knowledge of these credentials that you can share?

 

[IT4EVR]

I would say the MBA would constitute the most valuable item of the three, with the PMP second and the MCDBA the third.

An MBA coupled with your computer experience would offer a great asset to any company as well as pad your wallet pretty well. An MCDBA pigeon-holes you in one technology, whereas a PMP provides a broader appeal.

 

[eyetry]

Perhaps an MIS would be good or other IT related masters degree. Might meet several objectives as far a qualifications and resume.

 

[jrbarnett]

Whilst SQL Server 2000 is still in widespread use, SQL 2005 has replaced the MCDBA with the MCITP and MCTS certifications.
If you were to consider this route, I would seriously consider doing the newer 2005 exams instead.

John

 

[DeMann]

wow, I'm pretty much in the same boat.
Thanks for the advice!

_______________
[cN]

 

[Craig0201]

There's a whole world of difference between a technical certification, a relatively minor certification and a course that requires you to spend the equivalent of a year at University.

Strangely enough, the one that requires the most effort is worth the most.

My advice is decide what you want to do and then find the learning that will get you there and not compare apples with oranges.

 

[SQLDenis]

A certificate is only valuable if you know your stuff. I have interviewed a bunch of people for a SQL position (see some of the questions here How Well Do You Interview And Do You Use Wizard Driven Programming?)

There were people with 7 certifications who didn't know what a primary key was or the difference between a clustered index and a non clustered index. The people who did best were the ones without any certification, it looks like the ones with a certificate did a braindump/testking

To anwer your question if you want to go towards the business side of IT then go for the MBA because MCDBA won't be usefull for that

If you want to be a contractor then a certification might be useful

Denis The SQL Menace
--------------------
SQL Server Code,Tips and Tricks, Performance Tuning
Google Interview Questions