Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries

Author

Fresh graduate blues

StealthGuy

2003-07-21, 9:19 am

Hi all,

I am a fresh computing graduate looking for a job at the moment. Can see that IT market is very much saturated, hence pretty tough to land an IT job. In the end tried IT sales, but realised isn't my cup of tea afterall. My strengths are mainly stuffs relating to IS theories and practises, E-Business strategies. My main weakness is programming, but I do have interest in SDLC and web technologies.

Questions:

1. Can certifications enhance my chances of stepping into the IT industry?

2. What certifications are most suitable for fresh graduates to take up?

3. Anymore advice for a newbie?

Thanks!

bloodshotx

2003-07-21, 12:41 pm

quote:
Originally posted by StealthGuy
Hi all,

Questions:

1. Can certifications enhance my chances of stepping into the IT industry?

2. What certifications are most suitable for fresh graduates to take up?

3. Anymore advice for a newbie?

Thanks!

1. Very much so. You should have prepared in college for this.

2. It depends what field. You say your not good at programming. Well, e-commerece is built on this, along with databases. If you like networking I would recommend you work on cisco. Its recommended you get your MCSE or CNE before you get into the high end cisco certifications.

3. Hopefully you land a decent job. Like I said before you should have a decent background on this already since you have a bach. Unless, you don't have a "PASSION" for technology. Good luck and hit the books.

StealthGuy

2003-07-21, 1:21 pm

quote:
Originally posted by bloodshotx
1. Very much so. You should have prepared in college for this.

2. It depends what field. You say your not good at programming. Well, e-commerece is built on this, along with databases. If you like networking I would recommend you work on cisco. Its recommended you get your MCSE or CNE before you get into the high end cisco certifications.

3. Hopefully you land a decent job. Like I said before you should have a decent background on this already since you have a bach. Unless, you don't have a "PASSION" for technology. Good luck and hit the books.

Thanks for the prompt reply bloodshotx.

1. Guess I'm very ignorant of the actual IT industry while studying, hope it is not too late to do some catching up.

2. I have only some basic knowledge of networking. I'm willing to learn, that includes improving my programming skills. So is it a good idea to start off with MSCE? What other certifications can I consider?

3. Thanks! Despite bad times for IT industry, the more brilliant course mates did managed to land system analyst or software engineer jobs, while some went into non IT fields. The question lies on whether I can persevere and not waste my IT degree.

4. Anymore advice for a newbie?

bloodshotx

2003-07-21, 2:47 pm

Location is a big factor also. If your willing to apply for a million jobs on Monster and move to the city where its located you will have better chances.

I can't really give you any advice about the MCSE. But, I want to say that you must decide what you like. I don't want to point you in the networking direction just to find out that your misreable in that position. You must try all aspects of technology and find what part of it you like.

Do you like to be a manager?

Do you like Engineering?

Network Administration?

Security?

The list is endless.

Delphis

2003-07-22, 12:10 am

StealthGuy,

Answer this one question.

What is it that you WANT to do? What keeps you up at night thinking about how to do something better, make something work harder and more effecent? What is it that you have a passion for?

Once you figure that out, it's much easier for people to give advice on what you need to do to get where you want to be.

If the only reason you're in the IT field is because you think you can make the bucks here then get out while you still can. There are too many people that are passionate about it, that will leave you in their dust.

deren

2003-07-22, 1:14 am

StealthGuy, i am having the same problem as you, i just got my degree, and having hard time to find an IT job, so right now i'm starting to do some certs...hopefully it will help, i do not like programming also and weak in it too(java, c/c++), well, doing ok in Database/sql... i know i'm more into system administration, so i started with A+, and did the Microsoft 270, 215 exams, i will keep doing the cert till i am able to find a job, then i will see what i need to do to get me a better job...keep learning, keep my brain working....

i heard the job market is really bad in HK, good luck...

ANDRONDA

2003-07-22, 1:16 pm

You have to be tough to land a good job these day. Ninety five percent of those who post here are not tough, but mostly feel sorry for themselves. Many of them are weak, and do not apply themselves but expect someone to give them something just because they have some certification or degree. Try not to let them drag you down if you choose to participate here. So that is my advice. Be prepared for a tough road. If you apply yourself and “cowboy up” you will rise above it. Get the certs becasue they will help. But mostly, be a man and work hard to get that job and do not let anyone drag you down.

StealthGuy

2003-07-22, 1:46 pm

Thanks for all the advice guys, I will work hard, learn and develop along the way

StealthGuy

2003-07-24, 7:23 am

After some thinking about 'What I want to do' advised by Delphis, a programmer job is certainly not at the top of my list because I'm not strong in that aspect. Sadly in Hong Kong, most IT graduates are not aware of what they really want to be in IT industry, most ended up 'forcing' themselves to become software testers/programmers to the extent they are complaining every now and then. Now after hearing some good advice from you guys here, I got some new options - System admin/helpdesk, networking, databases and security. Guess from there I can gradually determine my direction better

At this moment, I'm seriously considering getting myself MSCE certified just for a kick start. I was thinking with some luck I can land myself an entry-level IT job and self study for MCSE.

Any advice for me guys?

bloodshotx

2003-07-24, 1:26 pm

you have to be really self disciplined to do self study mcse. It took me one year to complete my self study. That was while I was working and going to school.

How do you know you have a passion for computers? Work 10 hours with them at work then get home and study for your MCSE. It will be very hard but you gotta love it to do it.

This is a hard industry because it changes so much. You must stay current and keep learning, or move into managment.

StealthGuy

2003-07-24, 1:52 pm

quote:
Originally posted by bloodshotx
you have to be really self disciplined to do self study mcse. It took me one year to complete my self study. That was while I was working and going to school.

How do you know you have a passion for computers? Work 10 hours with them at work then get home and study for your MCSE. It will be very hard but you gotta love it to do it.

This is a hard industry because it changes so much. You must stay current and keep learning, or move into managment.

Thanks for the advice bloodshotx. I understand it will be tough. Alternatively I was thinking doing MCSE full-time before I start some serious job hunting. Is that rational?

oddduck

2003-07-24, 10:46 pm

It really depends on how much time you have and money saved up. Maybe you could get your mcsa and then start looking for a job and finish up your mcse within a few months of finding work. I was able to do my mcsa in 3-4 months (while attending college 35 hours a week), I'm sure if your doing it 8-10 hours a day it's possible to do it in a little less, but I wouldnt try and push it to fast. You don't want to know enough to just pass the exam, you want to know enough to do everything you could possibly need to do well.

StealthGuy

2003-07-25, 12:55 am

quote:
Originally posted by oddduck
It really depends on how much time you have and money saved up. Maybe you could get your mcsa and then start looking for a job and finish up your mcse within a few months of finding work. I was able to do my mcsa in 3-4 months (while attending college 35 hours a week), I'm sure if your doing it 8-10 hours a day it's possible to do it in a little less, but I wouldnt try and push it to fast. You don't want to know enough to just pass the exam, you want to know enough to do everything you could possibly need to do well.

Thanks for the advice oddduck

I will manage my time and money well.

DivxGuy

2003-07-25, 4:41 am

quote:
You don't want to know enough to just pass the exam, you want to know enough to do everything you could possibly need to do well.

Memory fades rapidly and steadily if acquired knowledge isn't used (I can hardly remember anything from my MCSE exams). Also, trying to get a high score might drag out the study process to the point where new tracks start before old ones are complete (I think a number of users here are in that position). Finally, as experience is paramount in this industry, time spent studying for certs is time that is arguably better spent in working in the field.

BTW I spent several months full-time studying for 70-029, and yet I only got 816 out of 1000. Sometimes you gotta take what you can get and be thankful that you're passing on the first try.

RD

Kasor

2003-07-25, 7:04 pm

Depend on your goals in the IT field.

Certification help on Network Support, but Application development still back to the Programmer..

StealthGuy

2003-08-14, 9:35 am

Good news from me today

Just being offered a 24 X 7 helpdesk services in application systems support position! My first IT job! Although it's a level 1 IT job, I guess it is a good opportunity for me to learn. Starting work next week. Wish me good luck guys

oddduck

2003-08-14, 10:48 am

Great Job

StealthGuy

2003-08-14, 12:28 pm

quote:
Originally posted by oddduck
Great Job

Thanks oddduck

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