Can't decide what cert to do next (if any)

RKDus

I've been a generalist Windows admin for two years now (with a little bit of VMware), and am trying to decide what direction I should go with my career and certifications.

Currently I hold the following certs:
MCSA 2008 & 2012
VMware VCP550
CCNA - expired in 2011 so it's a long time since I did this one


So my options I've laid out as follows:

ITIL - looks good on CV, easy cert but SO BORING, I'll probably knock this one out soon regardless

MCSE (Server Infrastructure) - again looks good on CV for a windows admin, but I'm starting to question the true value of MS certs. They seem to have a lot of focus on obscure technologies (at least at MCSA level) and I don't feel as though I actually learned a huge amount of practical knowledge from my existing MCSA certs.

VCAP - Strong contender! I enjoyed studying for the VCP and quite like the technology, but I hardly ever see it mentioned in job ads, so I'm not sure of its value.

MCSE (Private Cloud or Messaging) - Considering one of these maybe just to mix it up, not sure if they are worth doing or not...

Citrix - As above

CCNA (renew) - might revise the material but probably won't bother with the exam

RHCSA (or some other Linux cert) - might be interesting but I have no experience with Linux so would be starting all over from scratch!


Alternatively to all that I would actually like to be a programmer! I've put some effort into scripting recently (lots of Powershell) which I've thoroughly enjoyed. But I've got A LOT of work to do to make a career out of it!!



TLDR; I'm starting to question WHY I actually am considering any of these certs. Do I just want a pretty CV, or do I actually want to LEARN the technology? Because my experience so far has told me that the two don't necessarily go hand in hand! What do you think?

abyssinica

1. Nobody here can decide for you
2. Similarly we can't answer your final question
3. I wonder why you don't seem to be considering Security at all.