Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries - What could constitute "foot in the door" experience?

Author

What could constitute "foot in the door" experience?

HotSith

2001-04-18, 9:27 pm

Here are my circumstances. I am an Australian with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (different to the American system, it's basically an undergraduate business degree). I have seven years' experience in various forms of marketing, including strategy, communications and advertising. Through this time I have risen to what I would call expert user status in a number of OS's and software packages, including database apps and desktop publishing & graphic design. I have designed, implemented and managed a few corporate websites, and am currently in the processing of moving into more ebusiness management activities. However, I would like to move into a more "pure" IT role. I am currently studying for A+ and MCSE. I have a particular interest in network security.

My main question is this: With the type of experience I just outlined, would I still be considered a "paper MSCE"? How would I go about translating my previous skills and experience into something employers in the industry would be interested in?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on this. I can provide more detailed info on apps and ebus experience if necessary.

Cheers,
HotSith

slapyomoma

2001-04-19, 9:47 am

Hey HotSith!

That truely depends on what area you plan on pursuing. Say for instance you received your MCSE and you wanted to go into software developing and you knew the OS side of things, that would make you valuable. If you wanted to go into System Administration, Networking or Hardware Engineering, you would probably have a hard time. If you really wanted to get into eBusiness (which it sounds like your background is), you should focus more on the Business side of things and perhaps be a DBA or Web Developer. Create eBusiness solutions. One good thing about being MCSE, it doesn't necessarily mean that your a Network Person. Skills like yours are valuable in a since that you can talk the lingo if you have a sales background and can relate to investors and other business persons. Most IT people are specifically IT and could care less about selling or developing. This area will make you valuable.

my $0.02 worth

sym

kwftide

2001-04-30, 11:05 pm

To expand on the previous post, ask yourself what you'll do when the server displays a "blue screen of death". The MCSE does an okay job of preparing someone to configure server items, but a lousy job of preparing him/her to handle a crisis. That only comes with time on the job and is one reason employers want experience.

Also, network administration covers such a wide area that the skills take time to develop. Further, those skills are to be taken for granted, because now they want people who have areas of specialization -like SQL or Exchange. I've even seen a job posting on www.computerjobs.com for .Net servers. Are they available yet? Not sure myself, but how can someone be an expert in that area???

The hardware side is a tough market to crack. I've been in the field a little over two years and have been fortunate so far. But I have seen the dark side enough to realize it's a long, hard road. Anyone who says otherwise is either selling something or deluding themselves with ideas of quick and easy money.

Kasor

2001-05-01, 7:04 am

Did you ever use your MCSE knowledge to do any of thing the you mention?

You knowledge is more toward to the regular business side. So, if you want "Pure IT". YOu need to move to more technical field.

Depend on your come out of the degree. IT can be divided into three main fields: hardware, software, and management.

Base on your experience, ISM will fit yor profile very well.

Go to your school advisor or career center and ask for further advise.

HotSith

2001-05-01, 7:04 pm

Thanks for your input, all.

After much question asking and reading, I've decided to go down the Web Developer path. This builds on my history and current working environment. I'm doing it this way: 1st, iNet+ and learning Java, ASP, XML and SQL. I can easily put most of these into practice in my current job. The idea is to develop these skills on the job, then study for the MCP + SB. Move on to a better position, then get right into an MCSD, buliding on the MCP + SB. I figure this will make me a more well rounded developer, with the skills gained in marketing to discuss and develop solutions with clients that hit the nail on the head with regards to getting their message across on the web.

Any further guidance or feedback?

Thanks,
HotSith

BootData

2001-05-02, 2:51 am

i believe we share a similar path:
mine:
1. finished my I+, N+
2. self study ASP (VBScript), i don't do JAVA, yet

3. go for CIW-Ecommerce and/or Site designer
4. go for MCP+SB
5. self study Visual basic and VB.NET (soon) --> get my MCSD

to me, your chosen path makes absolute sense
goodluck HotSith..

kwftide

2001-05-02, 8:59 am

It sounds like you are following the right path, based on what you've said about your current job. And, that path will surely be a lucrative one.

If I had it all to do over, I would get a CS degree and become a programmer. Those guys get to make a product. We network guys have to sell our services. If you have a saleable product, you can sit back and watch the money roll in.

Ahh, that's the life...

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