Being unemployed gives one time to think about alternative careers. I've been involved with computers since 1984 and seem to be the one that friends and family call for problems or upgrading. I've been looking into getting certified with the CompTIA A+ and MCP certification to begin with. I've taken the sample questions on the CompTIA website and missed only one of 14 on the 2 sample question pages. I've done research on local schools (JCC, Wake TEch) and training centers (mycomputercareer and Tech Skills). Also investigated the online courses as well. My question is (hopefully someone in IT can answer) does the certification help and matter to employers? Any suggestions on best way to prepare for the exams (courses, books, training)?
well your a day late and a dollar short,, we had a battle of IT self proclaimed gurus yesterday. maybe one will chime in, although one was pretty high up on some horse. allegedly
while not being certified myself (although I am certifiable) from what I have seen from people in the field, having the certifications aids in getting a job, however it doesn't automatically transfer into more money in your pocket. What it usually does is transfer into higher rates for companies who pay for external IT support, as the support companies can say that they are certified in so and so and have a certification is this and that as well.
Thanks. All I'm looking is for something to help in my ability to get a job. When you are unemployed, any salary can help. I was in a very specialized job, a Steel Detailer. All fabricators got hurt by the economy and we finally had to call it in in January. I know computers well, but having not worked in the field, I need something to get my foot in the door.
Been in the IT field for over 17 years myself. Never got any certs. Finally got a degree in Network Administration. Pretty much over the years the places I have worked I have heard the same thing over and over. All you got to do to get a cert is to be good at memorization of the answers. Most guys who have their MCSE's or other Microsoft certs couldn't even put in memory or change out a hard drive. If you feel you MUST get any certs go for CISCO or REDHAT. If it wasn't for the fact I am finally sick and tired of the IT field I would go and get the CISCO one. But I am hoping to get back into school to take up Radiology and get the heck out of IT.
I highly recommend both the Network Tech curriculum and IT Academy at Johnston Community college. The staff at JCC couldn't be any more helpful. Just make sure IT is right for you. I'm in the final stages of CCNA exam preparation and ask myself every day if I'm doing the right thing. There always seems to be a certification listed on job postings that you've never heard of and would likely take heroic efforts to obtain. I'm unemployed after 24 years in the communications industry and the last few years of IT have been dreadful. If you don't have the Masters and Alphabet soup of Certs pedigree, you'll likely work for a temp/contract situation for near starvation wages. Either way, take a few classes at JCC if for no other reason than to get out of the house.
Keep in mind, it's an ever changing field. I was Novell Netware CNE certified "back in the day" and that opened up a huge number of opportunities. Now....my CNE certificate and $3.50 will get me a tall coffee at Starbucks. Employers are going to look for one of two things - past experience in the IT field, or, if you are new to the game, certifications. Of course, a combination of real world experience and certifications is the best. While a general certification is good to have, I would suggest looking at specialty training that will seperate you from the crowd. Cisco and RedHat have been mentioned and are both strong markets. In addition, if you have any interest in things that aren't specifically hardware or OS related, look at web certifications, in particular in the areas of analytics. And, there are opportunities for other specialty areas, such as health care informatics, and network security. Spotting the next hot IT trend and getting trained up to take advantage of it is the challenge.
Today specialties is where the money is. Just a few high paying Certs to grab... CCNP MCSE+ EMC NetApp Managed Objects - Novell software (Paying 90 to 105 an hour) SCOM2007 Exchange2005 2007
Another IT field you may want to look at is GIS. And they use a lot of databases so you may want to look into becoming a DBA
imho get good at what you want to do be it windows, Linux, network related, etc and then worry about certs....Certs will maybe get you an interview but knowing wth you're talking about will get you hired.
