What to do? What's in demand...

[bgreenhouse]

Hi everyone

I live and work in Toronto Ontario as a web designer / database manager. I don't have any formal training in computers, but have taught myself enough HTML, JavaScript, SQL, VBScript and ASP to be able to produce 4 working websites that are dynamic and interact with an Access database.

I need to figure out where to steer my career. Although I enjoy coding, I am at heart a people person and can see myself enjoying the management side of things. I have considered taking the Microsoft Exams (DBA or MCSE), but I'm afraid those may pigeon hole may too much as a coder. I've also considered some of the "technology" MBAs that are now popping up (I have a bachelors degree in Physiology).

Any advice on what's in demand, what credentials you would look on more favorably (where you hiring) etc.

Thanks, I look forward to hearing your comments!

Ben

 

[jwdcfdeveloper]

First of all, I do not think that getting either the MCSE or MCDBA will limit you to being just a "techie", if anything it would expand your potential job pool. Second, if you go to the

http://www.mcpmag.com

you can look at the salary surveys. These surveys provide a very comprehensive break down of every almost every certification type (except the mcdba) in terms of salary, career path, etc. I found that a lot of management positions were occupied by people with their MCSE certification. I think that getting any type of certification only adds value to your resume (given that you have some experience to go with the certification(s). I hope this helps, good luck with your career path.

 

[pivan]

I agree with jwdc..

You might want to consider getting into project management.
After about 10 years it becomes real simple and the money almost allows you to feed a family

Becareful about stepping into management...I still, at times, miss the wonderous head bashing problem solving challenge of a finally compiled algorithm.

G'Luck
Ivan In not now, when?
If not here, where?
If not us, who?

Just do it!!