IT Technician at Secondary School -> MCSA?

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by fatp, Jan 22, 2009.

  1. fatp

    fatp Byte Poster

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    Hey Guys.

    I have mentioned before I am an ICT Technician at a secondary / college school in the midlands.

    BECTA, the organisation that 'overlook' ICT in uk education suggest that:

    "After one year as a school technician working at Level 2, the normal progression is from client support to server support or peripheral specialisation at Level 3. Now may be a time to specialise a little by taking qualifications like:

    Comptia Server+, Project+
    Microsoft MCSA
    Cisco CCDA
    specialise, eg Linux+ Oracle Lotus"


    I have spent a year doing 1st (helpdesk) / 2nd (desktop) support. My skills and knowledge have grown considerably and are still continuing to grow. I am waiting for the 2009 release of the A+ / Net+ to tkae these exams and gian the certs.

    My question is: Should I be studying for the MCSA? What about all the feedback from the members of this forum who say that without server experience, you should stear clear of these high end certs...

    FatP :)
     
  2. Gingerdave

    Gingerdave Megabyte Poster

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    You are being given the option of what to study for so a couple of questions spring to mind

    1) Are you planning on moving jobs any time soon?
    2) Which do you want to study?
    3) How much server experiance do you have?

    I ask because if you are happy where you are pick on that you want to study and will be useful to you at work. I fyou are moving look at the kind of jobs you would like to do and if necessary do the certs that bring you in line. Lastly the MS certs are to show that you can do something and while they are often sed that way (and I am doing it as well) that was't the intention behind them

    Hope this helps
     
    Certifications: A+,MCP, MCDST, VCP5 /VCP-DV 5, MCTS AD+ Net Inf 2008, MCSA 2008
    WIP: MCSA 2012
  3. Gareth.Harle

    Gareth.Harle Bit Poster

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    I'm a systems manager at a secondary school in Yorkshire and completed the MCSA last year. I think the big question you need to ask is do you want to learn server side support at this stage or get some less complex certifications under your belt. The stuff for the MCSA is nothing too hard and I found that virtual machines etc are the way to go so you can have a good play around. I'm not sure how much exposure you get to servers or how much guidance you get from your superiors. I love to give trainees or staff as much training and guidance as they want/need as it helps me out if they have more to offer.

    It’s good if you have a 'buddy' that can give you some support at your place but if you do decide to go for the MCSA and need some distance support, I would be happy to lend a hand.

    Gareth
     
    Certifications: MCSA, MCT, MCITP:EST
    WIP: Not sure yet
  4. Jiser

    Jiser Kilobyte Poster

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    I would mate. Lets face it your not gonna earn any money working in schools unless you end up working for RM or get moved during BSF to an outsourcing organisation in a decent position.

    I certainly plan to anyway! N+ A+ as electives.

    Also good luck at getting the money from the school to help you with that ; /

    IMO I.T. pro's should always be expanding their skills and qualifications as experiance is gained. + Also MCSA Is hardly gnna be that much of a big jump from what you may generally be doing.
     
    Certifications: BSc (Hons), PGc, MCTS:Win 7, MCSA W7/MCITP EDST, ITIL Foundation, Prince 2 Foundation, C&G: Web Design, MOS 07: Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook.
  5. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    I would say go for it, as:

    1. You're already working in IT
    2. Technically speaking as you're already studying for the A+/Network+ that's already the elective covered.
    3. As you're already doing level 1 & 2, the client exam should be easier for you

    -Ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security

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