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Home > Archive > Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries > January 2005 > Which Certification Should I Go For?
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Which Certification Should I Go For?
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| drakelacy 2004-11-08, 9:48 pm |
| My CCNA cert just expired, and I've never actually tried to use it to get a Job. I'm now renew my efforts to break into the IT industry, and want some advice on which cert to go for next.
My biggest concern is QUICKLY getting an entry level job, and self studing for certs. Doesnt matter if it's hardware or software... I know there are a lot of factors to consider, but what would any of you suggest someone trying to get in to IT. I'm messing around with the idea of going for an ORACLE DBA cert, but that's only because those kinda jumped out at me when I checked monster.com and hotjobs.
Any advice would be much appreciated. | |
| walterbyrd 2004-11-09, 8:48 am |
| The A+ will get you a job. Most likely a crappy job, but a job. If nothing else, you can do those contract rollout install jobs for $15 - $25 an hour.
I don't know if an Oracle DBA would be the way to go. When it comes to that sort of thing, employers general say: "a cert is nice to have as an extra, but several years of verifiable recent experience is an absolute must." | |
| Storminator16 2004-11-09, 3:32 pm |
| If you are interested in learning skills for accessing and manipulating databases, the basic thing you will need to do is learn SQL since Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and others basically use SQL. The only difference is that the different "flavors" have some propriety commands. A good book to learn the Structured Query Language is "Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes". It's cheap, effective, and awesome.
Also, another skill to consider is to learn Visual C# and ADO.Net. Course, Visual Studios isn't cheap. | |
| drakelacy 2004-11-09, 5:08 pm |
| Thanks for the info... I was actually studying for the A+, and could probably take the test after a little refresher... I'll be sure to pickup that sql book too...
Anymore insight? | |
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| Right now... it is very difficult to get a entry job on Tech.
Programming and Application Developer have more open, but look for experience...
Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft are good to get because a lot of required those skills | |
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| around here, PHP is also a good skill to have. Not sure about your market. Linux admins are also often in demand, and an RHCE sure opens a lot of doors. | |
| walterbyrd 2004-11-14, 5:06 pm |
| Many skills have mentioned as "good to know" i.e. Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, SQL, PHP, etc.
I just want to mention, that there is a big difference between "good to know" and credentials that will actually get you a job.
You can study oracle, sql, php, etc. all you want, but if you can't verify experience - that stuff will very rarely help you get a foot in the door. In this evironment, employers absolutely demand years and years of verifiable experience. Try telling a prospective employer that you read up on SQL and see how much good that does you.
As to the RHCE, from what what I have seen, it is rarely a credential that employers for. Still, even if an employer doesn't specifically ask, I'd imagine that - all other things being equal - an RHCE would have an edge over somebody without the cert. Even for job that was a different type of Linux - or even UNIX.
All JMHO, of course. | |
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| The RHCE is not in demand in your market? Where do you live? | |
| Storminator16 2004-11-15, 10:59 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
Many skills have mentioned as "good to know" i.e. Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, SQL, PHP, etc.
I just want to mention, that there is a big difference between "good to know" and credentials that will actually get you a job.
You can study oracle, sql, php, etc. all you want, but if you can't verify experience - that stuff will very rarely help you get a foot in the door. In this evironment, employers absolutely demand years and years of verifiable experience. Try telling a prospective employer that you read up on SQL and see how much good that does you.
As to the RHCE, from what what I have seen, it is rarely a credential that employers for. Still, even if an employer doesn't specifically ask, I'd imagine that - all other things being equal - an RHCE would have an edge over somebody without the cert. Even for job that was a different type of Linux - or even UNIX.
All JMHO, of course.
Aren't you a cornucopia of hope. I swear, it seems like many of you have a stick up your butts. I'm sorry if that's the impression I get. I know you are trying to help, but some of the posts I've read the past 3 weeks are sort of gloomy.
Don't take it as if I'm Mr. Cheery because I spent 11 months unemployed. I just don't believe in steering someone away from learning new skills  | |
| freak 2004-11-15, 11:08 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by Storminator16
I just don't believe in steering someone away from learning new skills
that makes two of us  | |
| drakelacy 2004-11-15, 11:56 am |
| Thanx for all of the input, good and bad...
It's true, I don't really hear anyone say anything good about the prospects of breaking into the IT industry, and if worse comes to worse I could always go to the local college where I live (Flint, Michigan, USA), take classis for a year, and get a job at the hospital. Autoclave operaters make $30K for example. Or 6 months to a year for Dental assistant (but medical benefits are hard to come by). Or three months to be a Nurses assistant (but you have to be willing to clean up incontinance!) These two also make $30K
But the thing is, I enjoy computers, and IT. When I look on monster and see the HUNDREDS of job listings in nearby Detroit... (that number usually stays at 550) I wonder... There just HAS to be a way to one day qualify for one of those positions.
It's true, I was very naive when I decide to go for my CCNA. When I passed the test, I expected the job offers to just pour in. I know better now, and the day may come where I do try a different field. But for now, I'm going to take a SERIOUS crack at IT.
So... am I still naive? | |
| drakelacy 2004-11-15, 11:59 am |
| quote:
take classis for a year
And yes, I know classis is spelled wrong  | |
| curiousgeorge 2004-11-15, 12:00 pm |
| I think you guys were missing the point of the thread. Drake wanted to know what could get him a job quickly, not nice to know stuff.
Actually, I agree with Walter. All the certs/skills suggested are nice to learn, but it won't get Drake a job.
Most people jump into IT at the bottom. I would suggest getting your A+ and take one M$ exam so you can put MCP on your resume. Those are the certs you can obtain quickly.
Look for helpdesk, desktop support, technician jobs. Or you can contract for rollouts if any are in your area. Once you land a job in IT, then you can look at the other certs/skills mentioned above.
Hope that helps.
Good luck my friend. | |
| drakelacy 2004-11-15, 2:44 pm |
| That sounds like some pretty solid advice. Thanx George. | |
| 117wik 2004-11-29, 1:54 am |
| i couldn;t agree more with curiousgeorge.
If you are looking for entry level jobs in IT, go do entry level exams... (A+ and MCP are two good starting points), also you might want to make up your mind whether you enjoy doing programming more or dealing with hardware/network/support etc.. try talk to a friend that's already in IT to get an idea of what it's like working in differnet IT field.
Don;t bother doing all the advance stuff right at this moment (eg Oracle, RHCE, Security etc) as all those jobs are meant to be for people with certain experience... once you are in IT go from there and decide which area to specialise in.
Good luck to you. | |
| LioKaiser 2004-12-23, 8:36 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by freak
around here, PHP is also a good skill to have. Not sure about your market. Linux admins are also often in demand, and an RHCE sure opens a lot of doors.
Good thing I'm stydying for RHCE, CCIE R/S and a couple of MCP's then.
I also belive that BSD can be nice to know about in the future.  | |
| freak 2004-12-23, 10:25 am |
| brother, looks like you're going to be busy!!! | |
| LioKaiser 2005-01-20, 8:32 am |
| Heh, yea i guess so
BTW freak, your study guides are absolutely among the best out there.
Your an valueable asset to all IT people.
( Well at least those on these boards. ) | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by LioKaiser
Heh, yea i guess so
BTW freak, your study guides are absolutely among the best out there.
Your an valueable asset to all IT people.
( Well at least those on these boards. )
Thank you for the kind words... you just made my day |
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