I lied, got the job, how do I go legit now?

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by Blag, Aug 23, 2012.

  1. Blag

    Blag New Member

    3
    0
    1
    Having been into hobbyist computing since 1988 (generally programming, hacking and trying to outdo other nerds at school), I began in the PC world with Windows 3.5 and have used every version since.

    Around 2000 I was planning to do the MCSE. Bought all the books and studied them. Set up networks at home and installed a Windows 2000 advanced server to learn RAID, TCP/IP, DHCP, NAT, RAS etc, but never got to do the exams as ran out of money being unemployed.

    Tried looking for work for over a year, but got nowhere due to lacking formal experience and certifications.

    Just found a boring admin job and took it. Stayed for 6 years. Helped the certified IT guy configure devices on the network as he had no clue what he was doing but had the paperwork.

    Anyway fast forward to a couple of years ago and I'm out of work again (plus a lot more cynical but thats another story).

    I tart up my CV up embellishing it with lots of nice Microsoft certification logos.

    This gets me 3 interviews within weeks and then lands a well paid 3rd line support role.

    Landed right in the fire, but I got on with it.

    Configuring Exchange servers, working with AD, installing an ESXi box and doing some script programming in a language I'd never heard of until a mate gave me a heads up about.

    Coming out of this contract at the other end, successfully completing all I was asked, gave me a lot of confidence, but made me kick myself that I had wasted 10 years not doing this earlier.

    Now I want to go legit, but I think I would like to specialise in SQL and Citrix virtualisation technologies.

    Would you guys recommend I do a full on Microsoft certification like an MCSE first to fill in the gaps I have in MS server technologies, or would it be feadible to do MCTIPs in core technologies like AD, Exchange etc before studying my specialist subjects.

    Unfortunately, not only do I still not really have money on my side, but I no longer have youth either :D

    Thanks for reading my life story :)
     
    jvanassen and BraderzTheDog like this.
  2. jvanassen

    jvanassen Kilobyte Poster

    322
    2
    47
    Im afraid i cant advise on this but nice read, found it interesting :)
     
    Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT
    WIP: ICND2 200-101
    BraderzTheDog likes this.
  3. Coupe2T

    Coupe2T Megabyte Poster

    590
    43
    67
    I saw the title and was expecting avery different read. Thought you was going to say you had simply lied to get a job without knowledge.

    Unfortunately I can't help you either though really, I am not in that area of IT as such. As you know most of what you probably need to know about the MCSE type stuff though then I would probably say it's worth doing it properly and getting the certs. String cert to have on your CV and should be fairly painless and quick to get it on there, and so hopefully allow you to find work much sooner.

    Then you could go and do the specific exams seperately once you are back in work and stuff, as they are likely to need more training/study time I would think based on what you have said!?!

    HTH
     
    Certifications: ECDL, Does that Count!?!
    BraderzTheDog likes this.
  4. jvanassen

    jvanassen Kilobyte Poster

    322
    2
    47
    Lol that's what I was expecting to find also
     
    Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT
    WIP: ICND2 200-101
  5. dmarsh
    Honorary Member 500 Likes Award

    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

    4,305
    503
    259
    10 years in IT and still no cash to get any training or qualifications, yep you must be doing something wrong...

    The original 'MCSE' is scheduled for retirement in July 2013 so if you want to do it you'd better get on with it FAST.

    You could try MCITP:SA or wait for the new MCSA 2012 instead.
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2012
  6. Blag

    Blag New Member

    3
    0
    1
    You don't read too well mister.

    I've only been working in IT for about 2.5 years at the moment.

    But nice post demonstrating what assumptions make out of (mostly) u :D

    Thanks Coupe2T....cheers mate
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2012
  7. dmarsh
    Honorary Member 500 Likes Award

    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

    4,305
    503
    259
    I read this as Systems Administration... add on your contract and the time in PC world and yes it would be ~10 years, I can only go on what you write, this is an IT forum so admin has multiple connotations.
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2012
  8. Blag

    Blag New Member

    3
    0
    1
    Oh right. Fair enough.

    When I said admin, unfortunately it wasn't IT at all :(

    I think I'll start with Citrix CCAs until Server 2012 MCSE is and software is finalised.

    I've already got some Xen experience and I quite like the Citrix stuff. Will get the 2012 stuff after.
     

Share This Page

Loading...
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.