Advice on MCSA or Linux certification

Treylmoore83

I will start with a bit of my background. I am Trey and I am 30 years old with a Trade school diploma in computer network administration in 2010 focused on Comptia A+ and Net +, windows 7 and server 2008 and a associates degree in Computer Support Specialist. I hold certification in CompTia A+ and Net +, and my past job experiences have been technical support for xbox live, time warner cable help desk and a blend of application/ web support and customer service for FedEx contract. I really have got sick of being on lower levels and trying to move up in the world of IT. I wanted a bit of advise as I have been looking to continue my education and currently I am enrolled in a Linux + certification training class and feel there is some potential in this path but honestly I feel more into the Windows side but I guess it seems like a task easier and relevant to me. I have always wanted a MCSA and MCSE although it cost to get there a nice bit of money. My biggest fear is that the Microsoft certification path seems flooded more with talent and seems like a lot of jobs I see and researched are asking for skills in Linux or even Cisco these days and I am in Texas just trying to do better for my family and two kids. Is MCSA or MCSE still a valuable certification or is it really in a decline in the IT market more and more? Anyone give me advise on choosing between Linux + or MCSA/MCSE path and which has better future growth and career stability?

Chitownjedi

Treylmoore83 wrote: »

I will start with a bit of my background. I am Trey and I am 30 years old with a Trade school diploma in computer network administration in 2010 focused on Comptia A+ and Net +, windows 7 and server 2008 and a associates degree in Computer Support Specialist. I hold certification in CompTia A+ and Net +, and my past job experiences have been technical support for xbox live, time warner cable help desk and a blend of application/ web support and customer service for FedEx contract. I really have got sick of being on lower levels and trying to move up in the world of IT. I wanted a bit of advise as I have been looking to continue my education and currently I am enrolled in a Linux + certification training class and feel there is some potential in this path but honestly I feel more into the Windows side but I guess it seems like a task easier and relevant to me. I have always wanted a MCSA and MCSE although it cost to get there a nice bit of money. My biggest fear is that the Microsoft certification path seems flooded more with talent and seems like a lot of jobs I see and researched are asking for skills in Linux or even Cisco these days and I am in Texas just trying to do better for my family and two kids. Is MCSA or MCSE still a valuable certification or is it really in a decline in the IT market more and more? Anyone give me advise on choosing between Linux + or MCSA/MCSE path and which has better future growth and career stability?

You fine going down either one... honestly. No worries. just study hard learn and you will be fine. Those certs will just get you in the door, but selling yourself will be just as valuable or more. For as many people how may get certified in Windows, I've never had one resume come across my desk with someone who had a lot more than A+ and a degree in computing. So for entry to mid level, having an MCSA will put your in a nice place.

Linux being more difficult is the reason i started to learn it lol... but Windows provides really nice stability.