What's the Best Route for Me - Advise Pleeease 1

[MilinPCH]

Hello...
Hoping to get advise from you experts. Although I did read that 200+ postings thread about certifications -and it definitley was a downer - I think I need to go ahead and get something, but as a newbie I would like you advise of the best methods to use.

In brief, I am in my mid 30's with a Master's degree in (classical)Music Performance and currently work for a nonprofit as an internet. In the past, I have worked as a market research manager and market research analyst. In my past two jobs I have been a DBA and report writer of two industry-specific systems for a whole group of people. I have also created my own custom Access databases (using VBA)for work, and build some relatively simple VB6 utilities being used at work. I also dabble in Macromedia Director. I have done all this on my own (with a music degree! - HA)

I'm not applying for a job here, but I find I can't break into a real IT position - I'm smarter than the average Joe, but not with anywhere enough experience or credentials to hang out with you guys out there. So I enjoy the VB programming thing and would like to try to really learn it and get some education to get me in the door. MCD / MCSD sounds appealing to me at this stage of the game.

Would appreciate your advise: Do I keep trying to self study (hard with two young children and dayjob)?, e-learning program?, full IT degree (don't really want to spend years)?, other routes?

FYI - I DON"T want to do one of those cert boot camps - I really want to spend the time to REALLY learn VB.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Marc

 

[MilinPCH]

oops!!!! Well, I don't work as an internet - that sure would be QUITE the profession, but as an internet researcher

- just wanted to clarify

 

[CharlieJax]

Heh..

It is going to depend on what you want to do and feel is the best way to reach your goal. (Sure, that doesn't answer your question, but hold on...)

Personaly, I am self studying because I will learn the same in a class as I will on my own and many of the concepts I already know as I work on my MCSE it only helps to improve my skills.

For a VB programmer it will be hard to get your foot in the door unless you can do a good job of selling your skills. Of course I'd go with a microsoft degree since they own VB... but in your case I am not sure a full IS degree is the answer.

A better course to follow might be to take some VB classes at the local community college (Often the teachers there are the same as at the local 4 year college if your lucky to live in a city like St. Louis where the teachers can work at Washington Unversity and the Community Colleges.)

I often suggest the CC route to people who want to get into IS but are not sure of the path they want to take as the cost is low and you can get a good sampling of what is out there.

I would go to cramsessions.com and download a couple of the crams there and see if you can handle the workload, but none of the Microsoft exams really focus on VB.

An MCSE & MCDBA will always help you get your foot in a door, but if you are intrested in learning VB I'd take some classes at the CC, then start using it to impove your job and see where that takes you. Proving to future employers how your VB code saved your old company a few million is always a great selling point over the guy just out of college who thinks ROI is the new car from Nissan.

IS is hard to break into these days, there are a lot of people looking for jobs in our field and there is always someone more qualified. CJ
- Paper MCSE in training

 

[jnielsen]

Marc,

No matter what anyone says, if you want to learn - do it! I do not recommend pursuing a "paper" MCSE because you may miss out on real-life laboratory testing and experience. And, of course, an instructor to help you along. I spent the past 1 1/2 years in class on Saturdays and Sundays pursuing my MCSE for Windows 2000 and do not regret it a bit. It has helped me both financially and professionally. Research schools in your area and make sure that they are Microsoft training partners. It may be tough for you starting out, but if you believe in yourself and strive for the best - you will make it. Best of luck and success to you!

J. Nielsen
A+, MCP, MCSE

 

[svanels]

If you want to learn VB, I suggest to do some self study, buy a decent VB book with apllications. There are lots of topics like database programming with vb, excel programminmg with VB etc. I personally do not use VB, but I know there is a lot written about VB.

Regards S. van Els
SAvanEls@cq-link.sr

 

[SteveTheGeek]

Milin,
If you've been "dabbling" to that extent in VB and reporting, I'd selfstudy the MCSD or MCDBA exam track and get the cert while continuing to job-hunt. "Hobby skills" generally don't play well with prospective employers, but a certification earned largely with hobbyist knowledge will (and it's a terrific way to show enthusiasm and initiative). You won't necessarily hang out with the big boys any better than you do now, but at least hiring managers won't look at you like you're a high school dropout trying to get your PhD.
-Steve