Another Newbie

Retrogames

Hi everyone I have a degree in law and live in the UK. I want to get certified as I have no experience in IT and need to demonstrate I will not at the very least break the computer. I'm looking at getting into entry level job. I have to do something because it is likely I will loose my job in the next few years due to the government scrapping all the stuff I specialised in and work in plus my company is trying to replace us all with online forms. They hope it will take 2 years but I think they will take up to 5.
My only experience with computers comes from my freelance web design projects I had in 2010.
I was looking at doing comptia A+ and then a bunch of MTA's with Microsoft. But I have seen others suggest the Comptia trio instead. However Comptia is OK out here but not everyone knows about it. My company asked for Microsoft and another, I think it's called CCNA?
Are the MTA's worth it or should I stick with Comptia? Apologies for asking you all to repeat yourself as I'm sure many newbies ask these things.

TheFORCE

If you thinking CCNA go for the Network+ first. The CCNA might be a little to much for someone that is just starting. I think the Microsoft certs are a good start too.

si20

My personal opinion is that you do the A+ followed by an MTA in either security, networking or servers. Why? Because the A+ has alot of core fundamental material and the MTA will get you two certs (one of which will be an MCP). Then you'll have 3 certs on your CV and suddenly, your CV will automatically be a bit more tailored to the job. After the MTA Networking, you could then go onto the CompTia Network+ , then ultimately CCNA and beyond.

However, what I will say about IT is this: it's very, very competitive right now. The problem (and this should be a thread on its own) is that lots of graduates are being churned out of university and taking 21k jobs. The amount of graduates willing to work for **** salaries means that professionals with years' worth of experience aren't getting offered great money either.

Let me put it to you like this. Last week I was offered a digital forensics role for 21k. I asked if they could up it by just 2k to make it reasonable. They didn't even reply to me. Why? Because some graduate with no certs and no IT experience will probably take 21k and think they've hit the jackpot. It's a funny industry at the moment. You need to study it well to understand what's going on.

Retrogames

As someone coming from law I completely understand the competition in the job market right now. However I live in a very deprived area you would be lucky to get people with maths and English and many don't own computers (but they all have iphones) so it is a very different climate I think we are a part of England that got forgotten or something. I still worry about getting into IT though. I appreciate you being hopeful. I'm hoping my own company that I already work at might take me into their IT dep.

Retrogames

Sorry I meant appreciate you being truthful.

triadmatt

I am not sure about the A+ certification. I hear so many things about whether or not it is worth it to pursue. However, the Network+ and Security+ are good foundations for anyone and you can get decent free online training for both at professormesser.com

Also, do not go where the money is. Go where your heart is, because if you love what you do it will make you more passionate about learning and your job

Good luck to you