What Certs should I go for ? 1

[unknown2006]

I am a long time member on this forum.

I have registered with a new name to keep me; well let's say secret.

The reason why is because I may loose my job (lay off's) and some of my co-workers know I visit this forum.

What I would like to know is this?

I am a middle aged gentlemen. I have experience in working with databases, programming ( not a real snap at it, but understand logic), worked with creating VIEWs with Sgl 2000, Business application software toubleshooting along with WMS (Warehouse Management System). Also Crystal Reports v8.5. I am really good at troubleshooting

I have about 10 years of this type of experience. I have been informed that our company may be taking a tumble for the worse. I want to take a step in the right direction so I can be more likeable by the job market.

I do not have a BA in anything. I only have a High School Diploma.

What I am mainly asking here is what types of Certifications look good on a resume. I love computers. I have a lot of experience in many areas but I am NOT master in any of the areas.

My main concern is if this company goes Belly-Up what will I do. I have been on Monster looking at jobs but everyone wants a BA. I don't have the time for this at this point.

I have always been interested in getting cert'd in MCSE. I have some money put away and dont mind spending it if it is in the right direction.

I hate reading; yuk. I travel about 1 hour and 20 minutes each way to and from work. I can do cassette tapes for learning. I will read a bit like when I am sitting at my campsite relaxing.

What is involved in getting Cert'd in MCSE; should I get Cert'd there, wud it help me get a good job, any advise would be great from everyone here.

What does the cert's cost? How do I go about getting cert'd in any of the Microsoft areas?

I am not yet desperite but getting there.

Some advise would really be helpful.

Thanks so much to you all.

 

[jrbarnett]

Hello

To get an MCSE, you need to pass 7 exams covering different areas of expertise relating to Microsoft desktop and server operating systems, management, group policy, networking using TCP/IP and other related areas.

See

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

The cheapest option, if you know the product well, is simply to book and take the exam at an authorised testing centre (see

http://www.prometric.com

or

http://www.pearsonvue.com

to find testing centres near to you). The cost of an individual exam will depend on the country you are in.

However, because of the wide ranging nature of the certification tests, most people are unlikely to pass just on existing knowledge. You can combine any of self study (books, CBT CDs/DVDs), instructor led classes, learning groups to increase your knowledge. However, these all cost more money than just taking the test and it depends on your budget and the way you learn best.

What looks good on your CV? It depends on your areas of expertise and the technology areas you want to work in. If you do a lot of work with SQL Server for example, an MCDBA (or MCITP if you work with SQL 2005) is more appropriate than an MCSE.

John

 

[macleod1021]

I understand the situation you're in Unknown. Been there, done that. I agree with John in reference to looking at a different certification than MCSE. Everything you mentioned is SQL based. I would definately lean towards the MCDBA track. What I did when I was there was I looked at the highest certification available that interested me. Then I did some cross referencing to see if I could "step" my certifications. At the time I was looking at getting my MCSE. After researching, I discovered that if I took one test I got MCP, then after 3 tests(if I took specific tests) I could get the MCP+Internet, adn then on to MCSE. I chose this route simply because I didn't know when I was going to be dumped into the job market and I wanted to have something to show future employers.

As far as your bachelors, I definately recommend that you get it. However, the only time that I've seen employers consider it is if there are multiple candidates with very similar certs and experience. Then they'll look at college degrees.

If you go to

http://www.microsoft.com/learning

it will show you all of their certifications and let you review the technologies involved. Also, don't forget about non-standard certs. In addition to Microsoft, I also have Novell, Net+ and a couple vendor certs that really helped.

As far as the cassette based books, most books are hard to convert to audio. The tests are no longer multiple choice. There are simulations that you have to do in order to pass. These require experience with the technology. The only way to do that is to sit in front of the computer and actually do it. If you don't have the software, there's other ways. MS has a lot of demo software available for download, some books have them too. Theres also a new item that MS came out with called Virtual Labs. Basically, you sign up for the lab and they let you Remote Desktop into one of their server to work on it. Really nice for people who don't have 2-5k to buy server/development software for home.

 

[unknown2006]

Sorry it has been so long since I replied.

BA; sorry cant do it. Just dont have the time!!

MS Cert's - Well I think I will try n get cert'd step by step so I have something to go in with.

I really dont think I have enough experience with Databases to get my MCDBA. I pitter with the database. Did I not hear that this cert is out dated?

Oh God what will I do. I don't have much money to take tests that costs so much money!!

I guess I am "SOL". Time is getting close for me!!

Thanks for yr help n suggestions anyway.

 

[macleod1021]

All of the certs that Microsoft come out with get replaced by a new version of the same technology. From the sounds of it, you're more of a power user than a tech. I'm not the best "psychology" person (I tend to not care what others think), but I would say you need to sit down and do a hard evaluation on your experience. If you go into an employer and say you have 10 yrs experience it IT they're going to jump up and down with joy. However, if that 10 years is more of a high end user; they will fire you quickly.

If you're basically a high-end user, then you'll probably need to start at the bottom and work your way up. By bottom, I mean a help desk position/entry lvl programmer/etc. A good way to get experience is to get into a larger corporation that has a tiered support system and work hard. If you show them that you're eager to advance then when a position above you opens up you'll have a good chance at getting it. Also, if you stay there for a while and no positions look like they're opening, then you can move to another companies "next" level.

When you go in to an interview, don't lie to them. Let them know exactly what your skill level is. If you say you're an expert at something and you're not...you will ruin your chances of moving up.

I guess the final note on this is that it's completely up to you. Getting a ton of certifications without "real" experience won't get you a high paying job(although the brain-dump sites want you to believe that). You need to take the path that you can afford to take. I recently moved from Support side to Programming side of IT. I've always been a hobby programmer and wanted to do it professionally, so I bit the bullet and took a 50% pay cut to get into an entry level position. Finances are tighter, but I'm estatic at the opportunities that lay ahead of me.

 

[irigoyena]

Go for the easy certs first, A+, Net +, then one MS test to get your MCP then work hard for the big one: CCNA. After that continue on the MS track, That's what I did... The more certs, the better your resume looks and if you have managers comparing resumes, you're going to want to have as much as you can to make yourself look better.

-Iggy, MCSE, MCSA:Messaging

 

[IT4EVR]

Good advice MacLeod.

The wisest people are those who are smart enough to realize they don't know it all.

 

[IT4EVR]

I'm not trying to dissuade you but I think a lot of places are reluctant to hire people over 40 for entry-level positions or you may find yourself feeling uncomfortable working with 22-year old kids just out of college.

But that's my opinion and I could be wrong.

If you say you're an expert at something and you're not...

Anybody who claimed to be an expert at something in an interview to me is probably an idiot.

The wisest people are those who are smart enough to realize they don't know it all.

 

[lapptopp]

Hi jrprgrmr,

Why do you think a lot of places are reluctant to hire people over 40? Just curious - are you over 40? Is this your observation? Or are you in a position to hire people and you are reluctant to hire 40+ for entry level?

Thanks for your response.

 

[macleod1021]

No company in their right might would "admit" to doing this, however it does happen. There's three distinct schools of thought on this:

1) A company wants to get the longest possible work availability out of their entry-level hires. By hiring someone over 40, you're shortening the possibility. This is becoming less and less prevalent as companies are starting to fail more often.

2) Companies feel that older people are no longer able to keep up. In some industries this is the case. In IT, as long as your mind is still sharp and you have all of your fingers, you can do the job (fingers optional for some tasks).

3) Companies look at new hires for their enthusiam and willingness to learn. These companies are the ones that will hire an 80 year old for a coding job as long as they can do it.

Personally, if I get the idea that the company follows 1 & 2 I avoid them. When I was a manager, I never considered a persons age in the formula. I looked at their attitude and willingness to do the job needed. If a 24 y/o fresh out of college came in with 3 degrees and a lazy attitude, I would pass him over for a 40y/o with no degrees that was anxious to learn new things and do the job right. I've done it a couple of times and haven't regretted it yet.

Long story getting a little longer...Basically, if you run into a company that doesn't want a 40 y/o entusiastic worker, then find another company.