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advice would be appreciated
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| rolladollar 2001-02-26, 1:42 pm |
| Please could I have your opinion.
I have never worked in IT before but would one day like to. my friend who does, suggested I begin
to study an mcse track in win2k pro which I have
been studying for the last 3 months and feel almost ready for the exam.
So my question is do you think that this is the right path to take to get my foot in the door,
with a job in IT.
And if I do pass as i have no working experience with computers would this first exam alone put me in a position to apply for a junior role.
thank you | |
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| Going for MCSE is a Great route, though I doubt you will find many offers with just having passed 70-210. Do you have any other credentials?
I Think A+ would be a good start for a Junior tech, Or if you have a basic knowledge of how computers work.
Good Luck  | |
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| I have to agree with Daviet. A+ is a great way to get into the industry and it helps to prepare you for alot of the terminology that you will use in the IT world. It's also a fairly easy cert and much cheaper than the MCSE track so it can be a real confidence builder without spending a fortune. I did my MCSE first and remember thinking how much easier it would have been if I had done the A+ first. I took on alot of volunteer work on the weekends to build up my experience (who can complain when it's free!) I also did a couple of part time jobs as a level # help desk technician. That is what they call "doing time in the trenches" and it is part of the evolution into the IT industry. Most people at this level have only an mcp or A+ but are working on stuff like maniacs. the IT industry isn't for everyone. It's definitely not like the comercials you see on TV. "get your MCSE and earn 80,000$ per year in six months!!! not gonna happen. My first IT job paid 10$ per hour. Be prepared to work long and sometimes weird hours. Alot of the stuff we do has to be done when everyone else is gone, IE afterhours, weekends, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I love this stuff and so do all the other "geeks" out ther but it's not all fun and games.....
I will now get off the soapbox. | |
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| thanks for the help, daviet and supergeekster
i think i'll do my best with this mcp whilst
i'm nearly there and then look into A+ as you've
suggested.
thanks again. | |
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| I read an interesting article recently. It basically defined two levels of "Paper MCSE's".
The first is a vapor MCSE -- the ones that simply memorize dumps and don't put forward any effort to find answers for themselves or to actually learn.
The second is a "paper MCSE" -- to me this is a valid certification. This is an individual that is trying to break into this industry, who puts in the time (3 months) to learn and doesn't just memorize answers.
I think you are on a great path. Just don't set your sights high (the $80,000 job). Start at a help desk or something like that. Be proud of your certification but don't try to fake anyone out about your experience. Many businesses would rather train people their way, especially someone that does not already have an inflated ego 
Good luck!!! Keep with your approach and keep sending the resume out... | |
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| Thank you also sasisan.
I appreciate your help, and don't worry I know
I know nothing i'm just striving for the day
when i may feel i know something.
And would just love to get a job alot of the stuff
i'm sure would be easier understood if seen in
practice.
thanks | |
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| I think your best bet is to go for your A+ then Network + before you venture onto your MCSE. A+ and Networking + will teach you what you need to know (ie. IRQ's, Hardware configurations, basic software, and basic networking)about systems and networking. It'll be much easier for you when you start studying MCSE and it will put you in position to get an entry level job, whereas MCP in W2K professional with no experience really doesn't say much.
If your 3/4 of the way complete with your 70-210, you should finish up and take the test. Don't be discouraged if you don't meet your goal at the first shot, seriously consider taking up A+ and Net+ before pursuing much further. It'll definetly be a + for you.
That's just my 2 cents worth.
sym | |
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| I agree with all above. I would also recommend starting with the CompTIA certs first, then moving on to the MCSE.
Let us know if we can help! |
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