Switching careers into IT. MS cert first before linux?

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I've been working as an SEO the last 8 years or so and I'm planning to switch to the IT field. I have worked with both linux and windows server stuff consistently to manage some of my sites, but never part of my job description, and mostly toy with them when something breaks. I know how to code in RoR and Java, maybe medium ability, but I haven't developed any large scale sites, more of just hacking.

Since I'll need to start from the beginning again because of my lack of experience, I was thinking of starting at a support role. Do you guys think it's better for me to get a MS cert before switching over to Linux. I originally planned to get my Linux+ since a lot of the technologies I currently use are hosted in Linux, but from the current job market and the people I know in the Seattle, are all microsoft shops. Does it make more sense for me to get a MCITP Enterprise Administrator cert first instead of the Linux+ cert? I'm also planning to get CCNA down the line (went through the first course last year, not a huge fan, but I know it's a necessity). At the moment, I'd really like to get my foot in the door and get real world experience even if it means doing low level helpdesk.

 

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The starter cert is the A+. The Enterprise Admin qualification is a very high level qualification.

 

Sorry to say this but you're not really experienced enough for the MCITP EA certification, that's aimed at the server engineer with 18 - 24 months working with the product, not someone just coming into the field.

Also the CCNA is not a necessity, yes I took the exam years ago but I can honestly say it hasn't held my career back by not having an up to date CCNA certification (I couldn't do anything with a router\switch these days simply because I don't have the experience of the cli).

As Ade has mentioned I would probably go down the A+ or N+ route first, get some experience under my belt and start looking at more advanced certifications once you have that experience.

Experience is key when it comes to work, certifications really are a second requirement rather than first.

 

Isn't a A+ kind of pointless? I've actually been building and troubleshooting computers since the mid 90s as an hobby. Got a decent paying help desk job right out of college ($18/hr) without any certs, till I got a better offer as an SEO. Now I look back, wished I stayed in IT. doh.

 

What Sparky said.

The 70-680/70-685 pair might be a way to go with Microsoft. That gives you the EDST (Enterprise Desktop Support) certification. And I beleive the 680 also counts towards the Enterprise Administrator certification if you want to do that later...

 

You dont have a cert to get the foot in.... Just write what you do... Administrating your own sites for example is good enough for web admin position... be clear of what you wanna do... Jack of All trades and master of none wouldnt get you anywhere.... If you prefer Linux then go for Linux... Take RHCE instead MCITP... If you want Linux plus then go for it... Learn Apache and Websphere.... and be web admin...

 

...and now you will also receive the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.