IT Certifications and Careers (Official Discussion Thread)

Silkk

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A coworker told me I should go for a networking cert before studying Windows Server 2012.

All I have is A+, about 1.5 years of help desk experience, and I've studied some networking basics (not much).

My short term goal is a better job. Desktop support rather than help desk. Long term goal is to be a Windows system admin. Longer term goal is probably Linux adminstration.

There's so much to learn, but I'm not sure what to study next. I've started and stopped studying for network+, mcsa Windows 7, and ccent multiple times since summer 2014.
Get on groupon and knock this out in a week

Bout to FINALLY take my Security+ friday
 

Sonny Bonds

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Get on groupon and knock this out in a week

Bout to FINALLY take my Security+ friday
A week? Didn't they just change it and make it harder? I was watching some cbt nuggets ccent videos today...
:patrice:
 

TRFG

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The latter. Never spend money on a "networking" or "IT" degree, it's a waste.

Do what you feel, but I advise brothers to stop wasting money on school unless you're doing STEM, Economics, Pre-Law, or Pre-Med. Even then, I recommend going to a two-year, then transferring to the best four-year you can.

...unless you're able to get into a top-50 out of high-school that is.

IT is a STEM degree tho :sas2:
 

Kid McNamara

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IT is a STEM degree tho :sas2:

Not really though. Check out the website of a T50 university and see if you can find a bachelors in IT. I'll wait.

Online schools (Devry, UofP, Western Governors, etc.) may be nice and convenient, but they are essentially trade schools.

You can learn more by spending two-three weeks studying for Cisco, Security+, and Microsoft exams then you can taking two-years of IT related coursework. It's a joke "degree" meant to capitalize on the fact that IT and technical support jobs make up a significant portion of the job market.

You shouldn't be taking out significant amounts of debt to learn something you can literally self-study in weeks/months. Further, you'll gain far more of an advantage working entry-level/help-desk for six to twelve months then you will attending Intro. to Computer Technology courses for two years.
 

Kid McNamara

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When school is worth the debt: @TheRealfG

Four-Year:
1. You get into a T10/Ivy and are studying anything at all.
2. You get into a T50 and are studying Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or you're Pre-Med/Pre-Law
3. You get into a position where you maximize your GPA and your stats for graduate school (GMAT, LSAT, MCAT)

Two-Year:
1. You're going to work your ass off to get into a T10/T25/T50 university so you can do one of the above.

Otherwise, what the hell are you doing?
 

TRFG

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When school is worth the debt: @TheRealfG

Four-Year:
1. You get into a T10/Ivy and are studying anything at all.
2. You get into a T50 and are studying Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or you're Pre-Med/Pre-Law
3. You get into a position where you maximize your GPA and your stats for graduate school (GMAT, LSAT, MCAT)

Two-Year:
1. You're going to work your ass off to get into a T10/T25/T50 university so you can do one of the above.

Otherwise, what the hell are you doing?

Breh, I hear you but not having a degree limits you around promotion time or trying to climb the corporate ladder.
 

Kid McNamara

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Breh, I hear you but not having a degree limits you around promotion time or trying to climb the corporate ladder.

Having an "IT" degree from no-name university isn't allowing you to "climb the corporate ladder" any better.

Not suggesting you don't go to school (not at all), simply suggesting that you make a better decision and work a lot harder if you're taking out significant amounts of debt.

Why waste four-years at a no-name, studying bullshyt, when you can use that four-years to actually position yourself for future success?
 

havoc

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A coworker told me I should go for a networking cert before studying Windows Server 2012.

All I have is A+, about 1.5 years of help desk experience, and I've studied some networking basics (not much).

My short term goal is a better job. Desktop support rather than help desk. Long term goal is to be a Windows system admin. Longer term goal is probably Linux adminstration.

There's so much to learn, but I'm not sure what to study next. I've started and stopped studying for network+, mcsa Windows 7, and ccent multiple times since summer 2014.
If you have an A+ certification, I wouldn't bother to get a basic network certification, because fundamentals of networking are already covered in A+. Aiming for a Network certificate that is basic is a waste of money. I keep a Microsoft Window 7 around and visit ProfesserMessor.com often to keep my knowledge sharp. Skip the Network+ and aim for a security certificate or go straight to Window Server.
 

patscorpio

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Ok brehs I decided I am going to go for a cert: CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional ). One of my goals set for me for this year by upper management and HR was to take courses related to what I do in my position, which is IT Business Analysis. Also the company would be actually foot whatever the cost is for taking that exam. So I'm like why not ? :manny: My HR has a training/resources website thats loaded with course on every gotdamn thing imaginable. The BA courses that I signed up for are certified for preparing for the CBAP exam. These shyts are long as hell. Like 10 online courses ranging from 2 to 3 hours long each. So starting this week I am doing 1 course a week every Friday. fridays are my slowest days so it will be easier to block out time. The exam I wouldn't even see myself doing until Q1 2016 anyways. If this can increase my professional profile even more and maybe lead to more money and a higher job position, I'm all for it :myman:
 

Apollo Creed

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Ok brehs I decided I am going to go for a cert: CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional ). One of my goals set for me for this year by upper management and HR was to take courses related to what I do in my position, which is IT Business Analysis. Also the company would be actually foot whatever the cost is for taking that exam. So I'm like why not ? :manny: My HR has a training/resources website thats loaded with course on every gotdamn thing imaginable. The BA courses that I signed up for are certified for preparing for the CBAP exam. These shyts are long as hell. Like 10 online courses ranging from 2 to 3 hours long each. So starting this week I am doing 1 course a week every Friday. fridays are my slowest days so it will be easier to block out time. The exam I wouldn't even see myself doing until Q1 2016 anyways. If this can increase my professional profile even more and maybe lead to more money and a higher job position, I'm all for it :myman:
You already work as a BA? Im probably going to do PMP afrer my Masters instead of CBAP, as PMP is more recognized/opens more doors and as a BA i already do PM stuff.
 
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