Windows 2000 track general - Recommendations for elective to complete 4.0

Author

Recommendations for elective to complete 4.0

puthupa

2001-04-18, 9:23 am

I blew it by not finishing 4.0 with IIS - I didn't know the exams were extended until the end of Feb. Looking for the easiest exam to finish 4.0, preferably dealing with Win2000. Any suggestions?

Much thanks,

Arp

vr2zjw

2001-04-18, 11:15 am

NT4 MCSE will be expired at the end of this year. Why not start upgrade to Windows 2000 now. The upgrade exams only avaliable until the end of this year.

There are no easy exams in Window 2000. Beside the 4 core, you have the option of the 3 design exams, which are not easy. Others including Exchange 2000, ISA server 2000, SQL 2000, they are not easy either.

puthupa

2001-04-18, 11:19 am

I need to finish 4.0 first to help along my job prospects, and I know 4.0 cert will expire. The quicker I get 4.0 done the better, so what I'm looking for is a good suggestion on a test to finish 4.0. Perhaps migrating 4.0 to 2000? That would be applicable to jobs involving rollouts and such.

vr2zjw

2001-04-18, 11:29 am

Then I would suggest

70-244 Support and maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network.

This one count as the elective in Window 2000 track. And it test you NT4 knowledge in Windows 2000 environment.

puthupa

2001-04-18, 11:30 am

Thanks - I will check it out.

SasiSan

2001-04-18, 11:40 am

I am assuming you just have the core four done???

I agree with Puthpa that you should just upgrade to W2K, but I will still recommend three exams:

SQL Admin
IEAK 5
Migrating NT to W2K

You would be better served to take one of the mandatory electives(219,220,221 or 226) but if you are steadfast on your path... The above exams won't expire anytime soon. The migrating should give you the basics for W2K. IE 6 is already out so I don't know about that one... But it would be easier than adding in Exchange and SQL.

Let me just stress again, that if you need the MCSE to get the job then you are not selling your MCP on resumes. You shouldn't need the MCSE -- then you are an entry(?) level guy with an MCSE and will be expecting more $$$ than maybe they will pay (that was my attitude when I saw an MCSE and no experience. I would rather higher an MCP with no experience).

Don't rush it and put in effort where it doesn't belong...

Just my two cents! Good Luck!!!

puthupa

2001-04-18, 11:48 am

SasiSan,

Much thanks for the response. I have the core 4.0 done, as well as TCP/IP. I've been dragging my feet on the last one, and have been searching for a job unsuccessfully for about 6 months (NYC). I'm guessing MCSE would sound better than MCP, but my experience is somewhat limited and the market seemingly flooded with candidates, it seems like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I like the IEAK idea, though I was unaware the IE 6 had been released. My real objective is to get a better job and then work towards the next step. I have no real interest in SQL - I've seriously considered it but I would prefer to just finish my certification in the most expedient manner and spend more time learning about web design out of personal interest. Any advice on how to play up my MCP status in my resume would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Arp

SasiSan

2001-04-18, 12:01 pm

Play up the MCP... Well, some people actually don't put the logo on the top of their resume. So start there -- when I was going through the piles it always helped to see that.

I would focus on what you have down for experience. You don't want to list none but you don't want to lie -- so get creative. Volunteer at the local library or around town to help with their systems and then put it down. Set up networks at friends and then put that down. Do not exclude the setting up of your home network -- I would list "set up home network" but say that you sucessfully implemented a network of x computers... etc. 'embellish' but don't lie. Microsoft has a volunteer organization too that you can help out orgs around the computer -- teaching at the Y or setting up networks that kind of thing.

The other thing I would look at is the types of jobs you are applying for -- help desk jobs are great entry level. I mentored someone last year. He started as almost a gopher on Jan 3, 2000. It was a small to midsize company so the pay wasn't great and he was thrown into everything. You learn fast in those environments. He is now the network engineer for a company make 2X what he made barely a year ago.

And lastly, when you get the interview -- don't lie. It used to piss me off when someone tried making up an answer rather than saying, "Geez, I don't know but if you give me a couple of minutes I could find out." How??? Technet, on line groups, reference material and help... I loved hearing that kind of shit...

You asked for my opinion... Hope I didn't offend anyone!

San...

puthupa

2001-04-18, 12:08 pm

Sasisan,

Much thanks for the real world view. Does the logo make that much of a difference? I kinda thought that was an idea by MS to toot its own horn.

I have some experience, so that's not a problem. I think I could have been employed had I not wanted $50k, but at this stage in my life, anything less than $45k is unacceptable.

I have been applying to help desk jobs since the beginning, but it just seems as if NYC is an awful place to find a job, as some recruiters have told me. Since I own a car, I have been looking beyond into some of the 'burbs as well.

Thanks,

Arp

SasiSan

2001-04-18, 12:15 pm

If the company is looking at printed versions it does, or it did to me. So much black and white text... I would pause when going through if I saw something that made the resume stand out from the others. Again -- that was just me.

As for the salary range. I understand where you are coming from but, if you get an offer for less, but have to work a night job to make up the difference (or moonlight) then at least you have experience and a current job on the resume. Within 6 months you can move up to the level you want. Within a year you should be above it.

Good Luck!!!

puthupa

2001-04-18, 12:20 pm

I'd take $45k if the job was right, but there haven't been any offers at all (aside from a mediocre $20/hr for a Win2k rollout - my wife makes $17/hr sitting at a desk doing nothing). As for moonlighting or working the second shift, due to the fact that I'm not single, I can't go for either.

I was doing a lot of thinking in the last couple of weeks - I think what I really want to do is work towards web design, graphic arts - creative stuff. So the objective is to get employed, finish 4.0 & 2000 and then just do what I enjoy. Just started working on a website and am finding it way more interesting than anything I've done so far.

Again, thanks for the insight.

Arp

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