cert path

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Any suggestions on what I should do next year cert-wise. Is it worth finishing off the MCSA (2 exams to go), or shall I have a go at something different?

I know you'd say "well it's up to you - do what you enjoy doing", but I'm not sure what I like the most anymore. Was heading in the systems admin direction (and pretty much do most of that on a daily basis now), but I seem to get a passion for more of the physical stuff - not PCs themselves, but cabling, patching things in, making up new networks - setting up the router, firewall etc - oh I get a hot flush just thinking about getting my hands dirty doing that!

Any advice would be greatly welcomed!!

Cheers,

Lee

 

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Since you called for opinions, this is mine. You started the MCSA and you only have 2 exams to go, so my suggestion is that you finish what you start. It's not like you'll not learn anything about networking from MS cert exams, so it's not wasted. Also, it's a very marketable skill set and as you said, you do use this information on a daily basis.

It's not like if you don't pursue your "hot flash" desires now, the opportunity will slip away forever. Finish the MCSA...you'll have it done in less than a year...perhaps much less, then reassess and go after your passion. JMHO.

 

Hmm getting down and dirrrty.

I'll echo what trip said, you are now so close to completing the MCSA, it would be well worth it to get it done and dusted.

 

Getting done with the MCSA is a good thing.

That said, if you like the physical stuff, what's stopping you from getting the A+ and Network+? I mean, if that's what you enjoy, those exams are chock full of it, and you just might learn something new. Plus, they shouldn't be that difficult for you, considering you're already in IT.

After that, my advice would be, "well it's up to you - do what you enjoy doing".

 

My opinion is to do the last 2 exams - not only would you possibly learn something new, but as you're already doing the job it may not to be too difficult to pass.

Not just that, none of our jobs are secure nowadays, and having those extra 2 actually make you a MCSA engineer rather than a MCP with other interests. It may be boring but sometimes we need to do what will keep us in a job/get us a new one, just in case.

If after those 2 exams you want to change, then go for it - follow your dreams
Sometimes, dreams need to be tied down just a little otherwise they'll get us in trouble!

 

Yeps - finish off your MCSA. Once you've got that under your belt you can always turn your focus elsewhere.

If you're really interested in networking you could pursue a Cisco track - start off with the CCNA then move onto a CCNP or even (since you seem to like designing networks!) a CCDA - CCDP. Bear in mind though, once you get past the CCNA, Cisco stuff starts to get a LOT harder - and, from the sounds of it, you're happy with the physical side of things more than perhaps some of the more theoretical stuff. You might actually be better off moving into a field that has a healthy mixture of both. Data centre work is moving that way with SANs, Virtualisation and all that good stuff - so you may want to consider looking at something like a NetApp cert and a VCP - though it can be difficult to persuade your organisation as to the benefits of putting you through that sort of training if they aren't already evangelical about virtualisation!

How about security? You (briefly) mentioned firewalls - most firewall vendors (Juniper, Checkpoint, Cisco etc) have a cert track for their firewall technologies. You'll learn an enormous amount if you can get your employer to put you through some classroom courses and/or sponsor some CBTs for you on the firewall platform you use. You'll also be infinitely more employable with a security cert on your CV - even if you don't want to work in a strictly security-focussed environment and just use it to augment your networking skills.

Like mentioned above, finish off your MCSA - you'll have a good, industry-recognised cert and can then concentrate on something a little more specialised.

Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy it!

 

Id definately finish the MCSA.

Remember, you are pretty much only half way through the MCSA, so still have 50% of the exams to take.

 

Wow - thank you for the responses!! MCSA it is then...

Not really looked into security...might have a little sniff...

Never given much thought to network+, CCNA etc purely because It's only in recent months that I have started to develop an interest in that side of things....might start there (after MCSA) get some books and If I like, do the exams and build path from there...

Oh, and was it my imagination or did someone say that the MCSA 2K3 is almost at an end?? I'm sure someone mentioned something about the exams finishing in feb?? (totally lost track of stuff with job being so busy over last few months!!)

 

Lol!

 

I would echo what everyone else said finish the MCSA.

Also why not get the A+ and N+, your already in the IT field so getting them shouldn't be too difficult for you then after that you could look at CCNA that is if cisco stuff is what tickles your fancy.

 

No - the MCSA on 2000 is coming to an end in March, as are the MCSA 2000 upgrades to MCSA 2003. You'll still be able to get the MCSA on 2003 for years to come.

 

Oh right. That makes sense now - it seemed a little strange being as there is still a huge requirement for 2003 administration. Going to go hide back in my box now.

 

Glad to help, Lee.

 

i agree, that is the most enjoyable part of teh job!!!

 

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I agree