Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries

Author

MCSA at New Horizon

smiley48

2004-05-08, 11:31 am

I just past my network+. Now I'm signed up for New Horizons MCSA class, but I was not real happy about the network+ class there was no hands on and some of the things that were on the test was not in their book or shown in the class room. I've been working with computers for 8 years now but never in a network setting. I quess what I'm asking is it worth spending the money for new Horizon training if I have never worked in the network field and would anyone hire me with no experience?

ciscosucks

2004-05-10, 1:20 pm

No it is not worth it.

If you are going to make it in any worth while career you will need self motivation, a lot of it.

Get some basic certs, A+, Net+ get your self a job on a helpdesk then study your @ss off.

MCSE/A etc is a very saturated market, look towards getting a CCNA (for basic networking skills) + RHCE (basic admin/scripting skills) and some exposure to Telephony, VoIP and IP-Telephony after this you will have a better idea of what you would like to invest yourself in. Buy some books and in your evenings study your @ss off like lots of other people here, get your hands into everything you can wherever you end up working

towelie72

2004-05-11, 2:24 pm

if you want to go for the mcse/a, heck just do it on your own. no need to pay for those jokers. I think they are very unscrupulous, as they list 'job announcements' on monster.com. They are preying on people that's for sure

curiousgeorge

2004-05-11, 5:26 pm

New Horizons is the Southwest of training companies. They have the lowest quality equipment and very dumb instructors. Almost all of the instructors have no real world experience whatsoever. But then again, most instructors have very little to no experience. They are book smart and that's it.

Bottom line- get your A+ and use the certs you have to get a Helpdesk or Desktop Support job. Don't waste your money on MCSA. Get at least 1 year of experience before you invest your time and money in mid-level certs.

towelie72

2004-05-11, 6:06 pm

would MCP cert be appropriate for helpdesk/tech support position?

Kevozz

2004-05-11, 6:41 pm

Yes. Many help desk jobs, especially above entry level, require it. Many require Net+ and A+ also.

smiley48

2004-05-11, 9:42 pm

What test do I need to take to get my MCP?

ciscosucks

2004-05-11, 10:15 pm

Actually, in my experience I have seen many helpdesk jobs that require at least an MCSE. Probably because they can not because it has anything to do with anything. You would be better to do one test and get your CCNA instead of one exam for an MCP wich is viewd as part of an MCSE ...

BigC2004

2004-05-12, 12:35 am

I think pursuing MCP, MCSA, or even the MCSE is worth it. If you find an IT job normally every 6 months to a year, you'll get a review. Pursuing those certs will show progression. If your manager asks you why you should get a raise, tell him that when you started you had only A+ and now you have your MCSE. To me that shows progression and that you making an effort to improve your skills however you decide to do that. Chances are if you work with some of the idiots that I have worked with in the IT field, just doing anything will suffice. I have heard quite a few bad things about Horizon, and would personally stay far away from them. If you're gonna pay Horizon $13,000 or whatever the heck they are charging now why not save all that money and setup your own home lab. To me none of these training institutions are any good. Now and days you can get good prices on used PCs, used books, and used simulators. All of which you could use to setup your own home lab. I am currently pursuing my MCSA, and I am not training anywhere except in the comfort of my own home. If I choose to study in the nude, thats my choice. If I want to chug a beer while going over Group Policy, then I can do that too. To me it is always best to learn at your own pace and that can only be accomplished with your own lab. If you go to Horizon they are gonna cram all that info into your head and sure maybe you'll be able to pass some of the exams, but 1 month later you'll not know what the heck you are doing. Also pray that you find a job. Thats not too easy either these days. I agree the Cisco exams and any other exam that sets you apart from the rest is good, but for someone to say that the MCSA or MCSE is not worth it is just not true. Depends on your situation. To me anything that shows progression is good. May not bring immediate results but over time you see it pay off.

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