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Home > Archive > Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries > November 2003 > A few questions regarding beginning certs and IT in general
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A few questions regarding beginning certs and IT in general
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| danno86 2003-11-03, 10:40 pm |
| Hi, I'm 17 years old and a junior in highschool. I love computers, and spend a good deal of time using them, whether it be for games, music, web design..whatever. the IT field is definitely something I could see myself getting into, but it seems so vast that I really don't know where to start. First off, what are some good certs to get started with. Now, I understand that's kind of a general question, simply because of ALL the different kinds of certs there are, but what is a good foundation (starting point). I like hardware and networking, so I wouldn't mind something in that area. programming isn't really my thing (at least at the moment). Are there any that are feasable for a 17 year old to accomplish while in High School?
Also, I've done a little bit of research into the available Computer degrees at various universities. A degree in CIS seems most appealing to me, but with it can I get a good job? I'm aware that I will of course need certs to go along with it.
Any advice that I can get will be greatly appreciated.
-danno | |
| Papiya 2003-11-04, 8:37 am |
| Best starting point is usually the A+ (you can pick up your CST with it as one qualifies you for both). Then maybe the Network+ . . . after that get an MCP and a Linux/UNIX cert to give you a good basic knowledge. After that you can concentrate on one of the major operating systems, or focus on internetworking. Your course may be clearer by that time. BTW, its usually a good idea to learn some programming languages even if you don't like them. The more you know, the better tech you'll be. | |
| ANDRONDA 2003-11-04, 11:57 am |
| It is good to get the basics: A+ and Net+ and don’t listen to people who say they are worthless. The MCP program seems a good next logical step. I do not know from that point where you want to go. It seems good to go ahead and finish the MCSA/MCSE program unless you just hate Microsoft and want to get into something else. I think what Papiya said seems like good advice. Basically play to your skills. If you find you have an aptitude in a certain area then go for it. Stay away from “fast track” programs such as Trascender because you will really want to learn the stuff well. At your age you are not in a hurry. Any chance you get to have “hands on” will go a long way for you. Finally, do not listen to nay-sayers who say that you will never get a good job or whatever negative things they say. You are in control of your future to much more extent than people would have you think. | |
| curiousgeorge 2003-11-05, 3:19 am |
| Danno
Most CIS degrees include a lot of programming classes. Back in my day, I had to take FORTRAN and Cobol programming classes.
The key to getting a head start is hands-on work. Seek out internships. They will be invaluable when you graduate. You will probably learn more on an internship than you will in the classroom. | |
| jackiechan 2003-11-05, 10:03 am |
| Your I.T career will end by the time your 30. | |
| bloodshotx 2003-11-05, 10:10 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by jackiechan
Your I.T career will end by the time your 30.
Nothing will end unless you let it end. If you choose to stay stagnet then that is your fault. I have always been a firm bieliever that knowledge equals power.
But if you had a management degree you could move into management. Not every techie makes good managers. | |
| DSComputers 2003-11-05, 12:53 pm |
| Is there any reason jackiechan has not been banned yet? Nothing but a troll and bastardization of a cool name.
BTW, the lead network admin where I work is in his mid-30's...still going strong, reading books, taking classes, getting pay raises. Hell, my dad is damn near 60 and he's in IT as a DBA. He just started learning another new language a few weeks ago...
But, back on topic, I'll agree with everybody so far  a+, then network+ and take your time, learn everything you can since you aren't yet under pressure to get certs. After that MPC is a great way to go, maybe linux+ to mix it up a bit.
So far, you should just be learning, and the cert is proof to yourself that you are learning. IMO your main goal shouldn't be certs to show companies...yet.
After some of the basics, it'll probably be time to reevaluate what you want to do. There are so many places to go from there it would not make sence to list them all here.
Good luck. Computers are fun stuff, even when they're a pain in the XXX. One thing I think a lot of people going into the field don't understand is that it is never ending. Technology changes so fast, you should NEVER stop reading and updating your skills. When your making $100,000 a year (a figure I hope to be close to by the time I'm 30, hehe), you better be reading and keeping your skills sharp, getting new certs, learning new things whether they apply directly to your job or not. If you fall behind, failure is yours. But if you enjoy this stuff as much as most people here, that'll never happen. | |
| Papiya 2003-11-05, 12:57 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by jackiechan
Your I.T career will end by the time your 30.
Tell that to Linus or Gates. | |
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| Once u finished basic certification, try to focus on specific skill. | |
| Euro-Crash 2003-11-06, 3:24 pm |
| Best bet is to think about your goals and what your interests are. If you are new to computer technology or just starting on tha career path, the best certifications to start with are the A+ and Network+. These will make it possible for you to get a foot in the door and possibly begin work at an internship.
Following these two certifications, it would be a good idea to demonstrate proficiency in at least ONE operating system. IMO, it would be a good idea to go for your MCP. After this go on to acquire your MCSA, then MCSE certifications. If you are truly addicted to technology, then you will pursue the coveted MCDBA certification, which I believe is the best of both worlds (development and systems engineering).
After you have elevated yourself to the upper eschelon of technical knowledge, you can take the remaining CompTIA certification exams (Server+, Security+, I-Net+, and Linux+). Later in your career it would be wise to acheive a MASTER level certification as well (CCIE, CISSP).
Oh, BTW...Go to college to. Get a Bachelor's Degree. A BSCS is a good idea, but not entirely necessary. Most employers want to know that you at least graduated from college. If you get bored working and gettting certified, you will at least have some homework to keep you busy...and if this isn't enough, return to attend graduate school (this is what I intend to do).
Albeit, this path may not be the best for you...but it is the path I have set myself on. I already have work experience (9 total, 6 professional)...I just need the certification. The reason for this choice is quite clear when one considers what a highly certified, college educated MCDBA earns in comparison to those without certification. If money doesn't motivate you, I don't know what will...my advice, follow your interests and feel for the pulse of the industry. IMO, MCDBA is the way to go...but get the milestone markers along the way (A+, MCP, MCSA, MCSE).
Regards | |
| danno86 2003-11-07, 12:57 pm |
| Well, after doing some brief research, I think that the A+ certification probably is a good place to start. My question is this: are there any materials that I need to buy, and do I have to travel somewhere to take the test....(I'm guessing there's no such thing as taking a cert exam online)....approximately how much does it cost, and how long will it take for me to learn the material required to pass the exam. If I'm doing it at my leisure, then I can take as much time as I want. Also, do any of the microsoft certification's require programming knowledge? I've tried to teach myself basic programming, and while I've been able to create very basic things, I feel as if there is something missing...having a college professor teach it is probably better than learning on your own out of a book. If they allow minors to take the exam, it's definitely something I want to consider.
-danno | |
| DSComputers 2003-11-08, 11:01 am |
| http://www.comptia.org/certification/a/default.asp
It'd help to have a computer to take appart, but its not required. I'd pickup one big book (sybex is what I used) and then an exam cram book...maybe some flash cards, or make your own which is the way I do it. | |
| ANDRONDA 2003-11-08, 12:29 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by jackiechan
Your I.T career will end by the time your 30.
Don't mind him. He currently has not yet developed the character to be successful in any field and his only purpose here is to be discouraging to to others. Hopefully this is only a temporary state of being. | |
| Euro-Crash 2003-11-12, 6:05 pm |
| The MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) track requires programming knowledge. My suggestion to you would be to develop some skill with HTML, and to learn some Visual Basic. Though it is not a "higher level" language such as JAVA or C++ it is still and invaluable language that is still employed my many organizations. Knowledge of a computer programming language, even at the rudimentary level can be a powerful asset. |
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