I would like to hear your opinion on this issue as to what you think employers prefer most. But I still think the bottom line is experience as a lot of people just memorise a book on an MS OS product and pass the mcse exams without hands on skills for the product. On the other hand a lot of universities just teach the theoretical aspect of computing, I think in terms of opinion someone with a degree is likely the same as an mcse, in short some employers would give preference to the mcse. This is with exception to a few who are actually working in an IT field with mcse accolade.

However, I'd also like to use this medium to encourage individuals to try and get as much hands on experience working with the product. This can be done by setting up a little home network with low cheap spec PC's, NIC, Hubs and even Switches using a CAT5 cable. Learn to troubleshoot, because when you do land an interview for a support role the IT guy, would throw real life scenario questions on you testing your knowledege, troubleshooting skills and people handling abilities.

No dis-respect and I mean that as there's alot of people in this forum with lots of certifications but no practical knowledge of how to troubleshoot the subject matter. Why, there is a lot of people who have earned their MCSE's with hard work and determination, these few folking into the IT field with no real intentions of working hard to get some where spoil it for the others. I hope I've not offended anybody as all am trying to get across is that people should be willing to get real hands on experience and not just think that getting an MCSE or even a degree is a licence to get an IT role.

One last thing, happy learning and remember knowledge is attained through making and deciding on an informed opinion, or maybe you have a different opinion.

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Well, interseting post, well employers look for varied things to be honest. But to pin it down you need to have good experience, that is vital. In the question regarding a degree and an mcse, my friend whos a recruitment consultant, said they look for ceretificatin as well as a degree. They said a degree shows the abiity to learn quickly?! But said the certification is very important, as is experience. All in all a mixutre of experience and academics helps, but it all depends on the role and yourself. Many people who have no expereince can come across well and have a good mind and will be taken on. Its a tough market today and experience counts, try anything including volutary work for a firm to boost up the cv.

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In a nutshell Bannaman, you have sumed it up and thanks for your honesty as most people like deviating from the real issues.

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Great points bannaman.

What I'd like to know is how do you really get your foot in the door.
I left my job to study for my MCSE,,I came from engineering not I.T,, and if I have to do all the crap just to get in the door then I will as I see this as my only chance to do it because I couldn't afford to do it again.
And when companies say they want experience, how does the experience happen when the product changes so often.
Oh It's a tough,tough world.

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And when companies say they want experience, how does the experience happen when the product changes so often.

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Well said Mrfixit, I think it's about time people realise this fact. It's a tuff world out there and we all have to be willing to start from somewhere even if it means earning less money. However, I think your words were quite harsh mrfixit as this article was to enlighten people who think a paper mcse or a degree would get you into the IT field. Don't get me wrong the degree is very important it goes to show you can reason as well as absorb and dissiminate information. The mcse on the other hand shows that you can troubleshoot and administer MS products. So, both have their bearings. The point is that some people want to go the easy way thinking that aquiring these qualifications is a straight right to getting an IT job.

It is important to remember that there are people out there like "Themindseye" determined not just to get the paper but a chance to learn and advance within that same career field. On the other hand there are others who just strife to get cert upon cert without no knowledge of what it is that they really want to achieve. Happy learning and more knowledge to those who are really serious. My advice is don't give up you'd soon see the light at the end of the tunnel but it wouldn't come without hardwork and some sacrifice. I can't tell you how long I've been into IT, from wannabe to be or how long since I started learning. One last advice play with the OS, install a device, if it doesn't work try resolving the fault, you'd be surprise how much you'd actually learn and know it for sure.

Last edited by onoski on 01-30-02 at 03:15 PM

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However, I think your words were quite harsh mrfixit

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Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to use the Net and he won't bother you for weeks.

What goes up must come down. Ask any system administrator.

If a trainstation is where the train stops, what's a workstation...?

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quote:

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Get onto a helpdesk, or perhaps an entry level repair tech position. You can always move up, but if you start at the top, there is no place to go but down

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It has been my experience that there are always employers out there willing to give a sincere person the opportunity to prove themselves. Everyone has to start somewhere, and given the opportunity and the right mindset, anyone can succeed.

Good luck in your endeavours!

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Keyboard not functioning. Press F1 to continue....

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to use the Net and he won't bother you for weeks.

What goes up must come down. Ask any system administrator.

If a trainstation is where the train stops, what's a workstation...?

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At last the point has hit home, keep up the hard work and determination. There might just be something lerking in the corner.

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