What next?

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by mattwest, Aug 30, 2007.

  1. mattwest

    mattwest Megabyte Poster

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    Hey people,

    I'm leaving my current job next week and on the 17th i'll be starting my new job with a large IT Services company as a "Technical Specialist". This will involve working on 3rd line type tasks such as monitoring servers, AD, SQL and Exchange administration, server hardware, networking etc.

    Anyway i'm taking a slight break from certification to focus on my new role. For example i know they use MOM Server 2005 so i'm going to make it one of my goals to become up to speed with that ASAP after starting.

    Now i'm one of those people who likes having something always on the go (on the back burner). For example i'm currently reading a book on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning as it interests me and will also help with the upkeep of my CISSP certification.

    Given the training and courses i've already done (see below!) would anyone have any suggestions what i could tackle next?

    I'm thinking along the lines of improving my networking knowledge by redoing my CCNA and looking into the CCNP material.... or doing some more information security study.... or maybe looking into VOIP technologies?

    I'll just add i'm not really after anymore certs, but want to improve my knowledge... and if there is a cert that goes with that subject and i have time, i might do it....

    IT Certification & Training

    · CompTIA A+
    · CompTIA Server+
    · CompTIA Network+
    · CompTIA Linux+
    · CompTIA Project+
    · Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
    · Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
    · Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
    · Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 (MCSE 2003)
    · MCP: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
    · Citrix Certified Administrator for Citrix Presentation Server 4.0 (CCA)
    · Master CIW Administrator
    · CIW Security Analyst
    · PRIMERGY Blade Server Specialist
    · Cisco Wireless and Site Survey Course
    · Microsoft SQL 2000 Administration Course
    · Microsoft IIS6 Administration Course

    Business Skills

    · Prince 2 Practitioner
    · IT Infrastructure Library Foundation Certificate (ITIL)
    · Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
    · Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
    · ASET Certificate in Business Finance
    · Advanced GNVQ in Business Studies
    · Intermediate GNVQ in Business Studies


    Any ideas?? :blink
     
    Certifications: See my signature...
    WIP: Maybe re-certify my CCNA
  2. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    Looking at your list, it's quite long :) How about something non-IT (or something along those lines) like technical writing, either for a mag or writing a book. Or doing a trainers course like the JEB, etc. Just a thought.

    I'm like you, I always have to have something on the go, however in the last few years suffered from burn out. So be careful :)
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  3. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    To be honest, I dont really know what you could add to what you already have. From looking at all of your qualifications you seem like you know your stuff.

    I have the same type of idea as you do in a sense where I would like to combine my IT knowledge with business.

    It looks like you got the IT aspect pretty much covered. Maybe you could do a little more on the social/business part of your career. Then again I dont really know how advanced you are in the business aspect of your career. I see you have qualifications but I dont really know what they teach so I'll have to do some research to see what each course has to offer.

    Aside from that Matt, it looks really impressive. Keep up the great work mate and good luck on your new job next week.
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA
  4. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    If you're going to do Microsoft-based server work, it'd be easy for you to pick up the MCSE on 2003 certification. But once you've built a solid career, the field is open to whatever you choose to learn... do whatever your heart desires.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  5. mattwest

    mattwest Megabyte Poster

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    Thanks for the comments guys.

    I'm currently reading a book on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning and i am going to write a review of that book when i'm done (i earn points to help keep my CISSP qualification up to date).

    BosonMichael - i achieved my MCSE in 2003 last year so thats done and dusted.

    I think what i might do is look into MOM 2005, SQL 2005 and Exchange 2007, just to keep the skills up to date as my new company use these newer technologies.....

    After that i'll wait to see what way my career goes in the new job and decide from there.... maybe do some Cisco work or look into some management training - it all depends what they offer me!?! :blink :D

    Thanks and any other advice greatfully received! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: See my signature...
    WIP: Maybe re-certify my CCNA
  6. ajs1976

    ajs1976 Byte Poster

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    How about working towards the MCSE:Security. It should also get you some CPE for the CISSP.
     
    Certifications: MCSE, CCEA, Sec+, L+, N+
    WIP: 2008, CAG, or CCENT (not sure)
  7. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    Ah, I saw the list (without looking at your sig) and assumed that was what you were trying to decide which to choose from.

    I'll agree with ajs... the MCSE:Security is worth grabbing.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!

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