What to do after MCSA

Discussion in 'General Microsoft Certifications' started by noel123ie, May 8, 2009.

  1. noel123ie

    noel123ie Nibble Poster

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    Hi all,

    Im just finishing up MCSA in 2003

    Ive done

    70-620 Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
    70-290 Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
    70-291 Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

    I must just finish Sec + as my elective and Ill be done!

    I work in level one at the moment and I understand I could be accused by being overqualified but I can always not put too many certs on CV if I think I will look overqualified for any job I may go for.

    My questions are as follows

    1 Would I be better doing 70-270 "Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional " next as most companies have not switched to Vista or will this help my job chances?

    2 What is IT market like Ive been here for 2 years now and pay is very poor?Im Cork based but would moave for better job.

    3 Im 34 does this matter from a companies perspective?

    4 What to go for next?

    Thanks folks
    Noel
     
    Certifications: MCSA Sec+
  2. JK2447
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    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

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    Hi Noel, as you say I suppose you would be wise to leave off anything higher than your MCSA until you have at least 6-12 months relevant experience (2nd level support).

    To answer your questions, bearing in mind this is just my humble opinion from working in a large blue chip company:

    1) 270 will teach you a great deal about XP which as you rightly say is the prevalent Client operating system in the majority of businesses BUT doing it won't get you any closer to your MCSE (which I'm assuming your aiming for?) so if I were you, I'd skip it now that you have your Vista and MCTS. I would however consider brushing up on your XP installation and configuration knowledge with perhaps an exam cram 2 book.

    2) The IT market world wide is poor. Before all this I was set to go to Barclays but they put a recruitment freeze on :rolleyes: So if I were you I'd stick put unless a really good opportunity came along because to be blunt, any work is good work in the current climate. Instead try talking to your manager about expanding your current role to utilise those skills learned in 290 and 291.

    3) In theory it shouldn't matter. Just yesterday I was sent on a morning session with a consultant on how to write a modern CV and they advised me your DOB is not required. They are big on not disclosing your age in the states so I think we are catching on.

    4) Me personally, if I were you? 70-299 to get your MCSA a nice :Security after it. Then I'd crack on with 70-293 and 70-294 to aim for my MCSE. As one of our Server lads put it to me, loads of people have an MCSE, tailoring it to be an MCSE: Security stands out just a fraction, if you like security subjects that is as you are studying for the Security+ as I am.

    Hope this helps

    James
     
    Certifications: VCP4, 5, 6, 6.5, 6.7, 7, 8, VCAP DCV Design, VMConAWS Skill, Google Cloud Digital Leader, BSc (Hons), HND IT, HND Computing, ITIL-F, MBCS CITP, MCP (270,290,291,293,294,298,299,410,411,412) MCTS (401,620,624,652) MCSA:Security, MCSE: Security, Security+, CPTS, CCA (XenApp6.5), MCSA 2012, VSP, VTSP
    WIP: Google Cloud Certs
  3. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    I would work towards the MCSE and if you are concerned about about being over qualified for some jobs just leave it off your CV.
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  4. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    Most companies will be staying with XP and then upgrading to Windows 7 when that gets released. I would say if you are inclined to do another MS exam, then go for the 70-270. Other than that, you may want to look at other certs like ITIL v3 foundation, certs that may not be technology specific, but will help with the implementation of IT Services within the organisation.

    Currently, it's seen better days, but that's due to the resession. It will change, when I don't know.

    No... Skills (hard), skills (soft), personality and of course your CV/cover letter does :)

    Since, currently you're at tier 1 and you have almost completed the MCSA, I would say try to build up your other skills, & not just your hard skills. Take a look at ITIL v3 foundation, Prince2 Foundation/Comptia Project+/ISEB Foundation in Project Management, some sort of wireless cert (wireless#, ICT Wireless level 3 training, etc), etc.

    Depending on your current level of vocational and/or academic qualifications - you may want to do the NVQ 3 in IT Support (if you don't already have a level 3 qual already) to assist in gaining the ICTTech credential offered by the ECUK (via the IET and soon the BCS).

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

    jfk New Member

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    If i were you I will study towards full MCSE, then specialise in Internetworking with full Cisco ccna or more. There would be demand afterward, if not in the UK, probably somewhere round the world where you will enjoy a better salary and quality of life. At the same time money could be tight. Why not try www.******.com for all the training available
     

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