What is your reason behind of Certs?!

Lexluethar

I mainly do it because employers require it. Realize that even though you might have a degree in IT, after a few years the material you studied for is old. Realize that a degree this year will cover Server 2012 R2 and all of the technologies in that software, but in two years server 2016 will be the norm. How do you bridge that gap? You surely aren't going to go back to school for it, this is where certifications come in handy. I can be certified in Server 2012 R2 and show that i'm knowledgeable in the software, then when a new version comes out I can show I know that as well by taking that exam.

Do realize most software you can get certified on change every 3 years or so. It's not as simple as saying well i'm getting it because it's new, with new comes new technologies. With server 2008 came a new VPN protocol in server called direct access, a new way to optimize WAN connectivity with Branchcache, new encryption, new ways to manage file shares, ect. In 2012 they changed a few things and came out with a half dozen other new technologies that we need to know for our jobs. Not because it's a piece of paper but because I can legitimately save my company money or improve security directly based off these items.

Sure you can read some technet articles on the technologies and that's probably going to be enough if you are currently employed, but if you want to move to a new company you generally have to prove your knowledge which comes in the form of certifications.

I agree with you, when I see someone with a dozen or dozens of certifications, all in different area's i see someone who doesn't know what they are doing. But if you are focused they provide a great benefit and value to you as the employee.

twodogs62

There may still be or was a Zenworks option at one time.

twodogs62

Initially did it to move in Network Admin position. So, Job advancement
Then for more pay and advancement.
Now for following reasons:
1. Job growth for annual reviews
2. Keeping marketable
3. Job advancement
4. Knowledge
5. Challenge
6. Keep ahead of coworkers
7. Professional development

advanex1

The certifications that I recently completed are to get ahead of the power curve at WGU. I would like to already have the certs completed before I get there, saves time.

The certifications in the future provide me with the confirmation that I understand the material and can accomplish the tasks (CCNA/CCNP). These certifications also provide me with a surefire way into the Warrant Officer Corps - which I'm currently applying for.

jpg10

+1 for the comments about continuing to learn. You need to keep current or at least always look to broaden your skillset.

Originally didn't bother with certs as a contractor you have to pay for everything yourself and have contracted solidly since the late 90's without them until recently so didn't see the point as I continuously studied/learnt anyway. I've worked a lot by word of mouth, but decided I need to back up and proove my experience when dealing with non technical hirers.

Probably cynically I took the view that as you are a marketable product you want to make that product tick as many boxes to get through the process of landing a role.

Typically an agent advertising a role has to be convinced to select you for one of the choices (normally 3-5) they get to put forward to the client, each client normally has a set of agencies that are on the preferred supplier list (normally 1-3) so the interviewer will probably need to sift through 3-15 CV's for each role just to choose whom they want to interview.

If you have a directed goal (eg for security or networks) then it there are better informed than me whom have already put up some pretty good roadmaps (see this one for ideas on security http://www.techexams.net/forums/security-certifications/24759-need-helping-chosing-security-certification.html).

If its for work and they are paying, then look to what you think you can achieve and is most relevant to both what you do and more specifically what you want to do.

If its just to broaden your skillset then look to both what is marketable in your commutable area (or at least where you want to live) and work backwards to gain any of those desireable skillsets and then also look to what seems interesting to you. Both of these should then at least make you a more engaged in studying when you can find there's plenty of reasons not want to.

I suspect there will be differences in job markets in each country and also subtleties between the permanent and contract markets also, but you need to be aware what you are studying for, why and what benefits you expect to gain from it as there is no point in being highly certified in a skillset that isn't much in demand in your area or that will either pay or demand that level of certification.

HTH, j

TechGromit

Iristheangel wrote: »

One thing everyone forgot to mention: The chicks. Totally get them for the chicks

What would the pick up line be? Hey baby want to come over to my place and see my certifications?

danny069

Iristheangel wrote: »

One thing everyone forgot to mention: The chicks. Totally get them for the chicks

I can use the line "Hey baby, I'm A+ certified"

Iristheangel

Pickup lines? Please. Having your certs is like wearing a three wolf moon shirt. No pickup lines are needed

Sidenote and fun fact: I wore a Three Wolf Moon shirt on the day of my CCIE lab.

JustFred

Mostly to expand my knowledge and also for jobs. Most job ads i come across want someone with certs besides a degree.

danny069

Iristheangel wrote: »

Pickup lines? Please. Having your certs is like wearing a three wolf moon shirt. No pickup lines are needed

Sidenote and fun fact: I wore a Three Wolf Moon shirt on the day of my CCIE lab.

Hahahaha I know which shirt you're talking about too! I'm dying.

NetworkNewb

Iristheangel wrote: »

One thing everyone forgot to mention: The chicks. Totally get them for the chicks

Gives a new definition to those "cert chasers" !

no!all!

I always thought of them as a good way to prove you have knowledge about a specific topic. Someone on TE once said "Certifications get you your foot in the door and your knowledge gets you the job".

capwap

Iristheangel wrote: »

One thing everyone forgot to mention: The chicks. Totally get them for the chicks

Ya. Can't count how many times the ladies have said, "Hey, you're not building a tunnel to my port without a CCIE first."

renacido

Iristheangel wrote: »

One thing everyone forgot to mention: The chicks. Totally get them for the chicks

I wore a three wolf moon shirt and held up my certificates for my Tinder pic and crashed their servers from all the likes.

fullcrowmoon

Iristheangel wrote: »

One thing everyone forgot to mention: The chicks. Totally get them for the chicks

It's true. Chicks dig certs.

Iristheangel

@renacido - My new business cards after successfully passing my CCIE:


I mean... Chicks, wolves and CCIE numbers. Who wouldn't want to work in IT?

:P

Just teasing.

Lots of great input in this thread and whether it's getting your certs for continued education, more money, more opportunity, etc, I'm glad there are people like you out there that choose not to get stale in your careers and keep working towards goals. You guys are not the average in IT which is why you will succeed if you keep working on continued education and never settle. In my years on this forum, I've seen people who joined around the same time as me who's lives transformed and got so much better thanks to the support, encouragement and advice of the people on this forum.

thatguy67

TechGromit wrote: »

What would the pick up line be? Hey baby want to come over to my place and see my certifications?

Just tell them you are a Licensed Penetration Tester. It commands authority and respect.

danny069

@Iristheangel now that is a kick ass business card!

thatguy67 wrote: »

Just tell them you are a Licensed Penetration Tester. It commands authority and respect.

^ That's so dirty

Dakinggamer87

Iristheangel wrote: »

@renacido - My new business cards after successfully passing my CCIE:


I mean... Chicks, wolves and CCIE numbers. Who wouldn't want to work in IT?

:P

Just teasing.

Lots of great input in this thread and whether it's getting your certs for continued education, more money, more opportunity, etc, I'm glad there are people like you out there that choose not to get stale in your careers and keep working towards goals. You guys are not the average in IT which is why you will succeed if you keep working on continued education and never settle. In my years on this forum, I've seen people who joined around the same time as me who's lives transformed and got so much better thanks to the support, encouragement and advice of the people on this forum.

Agreed the biggest reason why I stick around is the community. This group is awesome.

Polynomial

My certification and education initiatives this year not only significantly increased my worth but redefined who I was professionally and provided me complete job security in such a hot market right now.

That peace of mind is priceless.

techfiend

I think it would be very complicated to be active in this community and not studying for certs. So much inspiration and encouragement! And of course the chicks, those framed certs and business cards are more than gold to them!

capwap

Iristheangel wrote: »

@renacido - My new business cards after successfully passing my CCIE:


I mean... Chicks, wolves and CCIE numbers. Who wouldn't want to work in IT?

:P

Just teasing.

That's excellent. Cisco must be a fun place to work.

capwap

Iristheangel

You, sir, win the internet.

capwap

Iristheangel wrote: »

You, sir, win the internet.

Thanks I'd rep you if I could, but I guess I'm too new.

Mike7

Wow. Now I am motivated to do CCIE.

Kore

thatguy67 wrote: »

Just tell them you are a Licensed Penetration Tester. It commands authority and respect.

LOL ....she will get the hint.

UnixGuy

CCIE study group anyone

fuz1on

Validation of my skill set and it's sorta became my hobby.

sidninja

TacoRocket wrote: »

I do it for the knowledge. I could care less about the certification. The thing though is once I do the learning the certification is the next step.

I don't mind dropping money for a certification. ROI or not.

I don't like it when people don't continuously improve themselves after they finish school. It leads to antiquated thought (as evident by the Server 2000 and 2003 machines at my current workplace). People get complacent. I don't believe you should be in this industry.

I like that reply; I got my CCNA late August and my new job wont require the A+ that I am studying now; I am merely doing it because It will give me a fuller foundation for tech and I love that new learning feeling