Why Should I Be Frightened? /b 2

[ElijahBaley]

I look after a small 25 user network running NT and Netware concurrently - it seems to me that Microsoft are trying to scare off people like me, by stating that the Windows2k MCSE is aimed at Network administrators/managers who are exposed to great huge wide area, multiple server farmed networks!

However from my humble beginnings, I do aspire to stradle these international CAN's (Continental Area Networks - I just made it up!) is the MCSE for me or should I be afraid, should I be very afraid...

G

 

[butchrecon]

Nope, as long as you continue to learn and apply what you study in books to a network you may have set up you should do fine. 2000 pro and Server will be easy to pass as long as you work with them. Developing security and Active directory along with network infrastructer will be the tuff ones. Dont let what anyone writes intimidate you. As long as you strive to learn you will pass. Make take some time and a couple of tries, but you should get it.

It is also very much worth it. HR and IT managers that hire will choose some one with little experiance and an MCSE in most cases over someone with tons of experiance and no certification. Happens a lot. The certifications will get your resume looked at.

 

[Voyager1]

That's the key, butchrecon - The certifications will get your resume looked at. It amazes me - as a network engineer, manager, and trainer - how many people expect an offer letter in the mail with their certification. It just doesn't happen.

The certification gives potential employers a third-party view of your technical capabilities. No matter how you pursued your cert - training, boot camp, self study - it still requires knowledge and discipline. This gives you a leg up on someone who only has experience, and could potentially have a very narrow breadth of same.

Go for it - it is very much worth it! - Bill

"You can get anything you want out of life, if you'll just help enough other people get what they want" - Zig Ziglar

 

[airnlmac]

I just started school for the MCSE and so far its very extensive and a little scary. I think you are in the best position ever to try for your certification because you will be that much more marketable in the IT field. Im jealous! I know that, or least I was told that 2000 was the last year that Microsoft would be passive with the certs. But then what does that mean? Microsoft doesnt exactly rule the world, or does it?

 

[MMB]

As an MCSE myself here are my thoughts on the Certification.

MCSE to me anymore is an indication of entry level proefficiency. I do not see this cert as a high level cert that should obtain the holder of the creditional a large sum of money. This cert indicates to me that you have a either a base knowledge of selected Microsoft products or can remember practice test or brain dump answers.

Yes an MCSE is better than no Cert, but I would prefer to hire somebody with experience and a proven track record of supporting Microsoft products.

In the End, Microsoft has "created" certification as a whole new product line. Smart.

 

[Voyager1]

MBB, you are correct. I first got my MCSE in 1994 under NT 3.51, then went through 4.0 and now 2000. Once upon a time, the MCSE was considered a "premium" certification. Heck, I got a $12,000 raise the day (in 1994) I passed that last exam.

No longer the case. Microsoft, along with training centers and boot camp providers who sell certification as a "destination" have served to dilute the market for the rest of us. Getting your MCSE is a stepping stone - not the end of the road. If you ever believe that you have learned enough in this industry, then you are lost and should consider driving a truck or something.

Certification, coupled with field experience, is the only way to advance in this market. Without experience, your certificate is just a peice of paper...

IMHO - Bill

"You can get anything you want out of life, if you'll just help enough other people get what they want" - Zig Ziglar