Where can I go next, Training to be provided.
EspiOne
Member Posts: 62 ■■□□□□□□□□
I am currently working in small Federal Agency, the circumstances of my initial hiring have kept me locked in a certain pay level. As I was hired at a lower position due to actual job experience, (less then 1 year) vs my skill base.
Those that work in Federal, know that an IT Specialist is consider a specialist Field and falls into a certain category. (2210 Series). I have been a 'computer assistant' for the last 5.5 years and don't see the possibility of myself being promoted to a IT Specialist, as I have been told we have met our staff requirement, even though they just hired a new IT Specialist (Customer Support/Web Design).
Essentially, I am a GG 6-4, with no possibility of GS-7...why, in my opinion, they are getting the milk for free, I do the work and they don't feel the need to pay the extra.
I felt, when I first started that if I increased my skill base, maybe it would help in my promotion potential.
I am certified up to Window 8, to include, MCITP: EDA in Windows 7, to include CompTia A+, Net + and Sec +, but over 4 years old.
My last Cert. was in Dec 2013,MCITP: EDA in Windows 7 , as I finally just gave up and decided to look for employment elsewhere.
No such luck, as my area has limited to very low or no employment opportunities in IT.
Most recently, my supervisor has made a remarkable recommendation, (due to our changing infrastructure, moving from Novell to Microsoft), that the agency provide us with unlimited Microsoft Training, with a Training agency, we will get a pass for online training for one year. (Cisco will be provided to our Network Section)
Of course, my plan is to milk this opportunity and get as much training and obtain maybe one to two (maybe three) Certs...
So, if you were in my shoes, what certifications and training would you be looking into for the next year??
Those that work in Federal, know that an IT Specialist is consider a specialist Field and falls into a certain category. (2210 Series). I have been a 'computer assistant' for the last 5.5 years and don't see the possibility of myself being promoted to a IT Specialist, as I have been told we have met our staff requirement, even though they just hired a new IT Specialist (Customer Support/Web Design).
Essentially, I am a GG 6-4, with no possibility of GS-7...why, in my opinion, they are getting the milk for free, I do the work and they don't feel the need to pay the extra.
I felt, when I first started that if I increased my skill base, maybe it would help in my promotion potential.
I am certified up to Window 8, to include, MCITP: EDA in Windows 7, to include CompTia A+, Net + and Sec +, but over 4 years old.
My last Cert. was in Dec 2013,MCITP: EDA in Windows 7 , as I finally just gave up and decided to look for employment elsewhere.
No such luck, as my area has limited to very low or no employment opportunities in IT.
Most recently, my supervisor has made a remarkable recommendation, (due to our changing infrastructure, moving from Novell to Microsoft), that the agency provide us with unlimited Microsoft Training, with a Training agency, we will get a pass for online training for one year. (Cisco will be provided to our Network Section)
Of course, my plan is to milk this opportunity and get as much training and obtain maybe one to two (maybe three) Certs...
So, if you were in my shoes, what certifications and training would you be looking into for the next year??
Comments
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trueshrewkmc
Member Posts: 107
If it were me and the certs *had* to be Microsoft, I'd consider 410, 411, and 412 to pick up MCSA in Windows Server 2012. If your agency is migrating from Novell, I'd assume it's Server 2012 or higher. Then consider moving on to MCSE (now Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert).
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-certification.aspx
If it didn't have to be Microsoft, I'd aim for something in a security cert like Sec+ (to start), CASP, or CISSP.
You might also consider picking up an IT degree of some kind. For 1590 series jobs aim for computer science. Once you finish your degree (bachelors or masters) you will be eligible for Pathways jobs for 2 years. (I am a former GS 4 student intern and GG11 [2 separate positions] who missed the $$$ available as a contractor, so I left government service.) -
trueshrewkmc
Member Posts: 107
Can't say I have actually taken Microsoft Virtual Academy courses, but they are free.
https://mva.microsoft.com/
There's a whole MS community for people pursuing Microsoft certs. It might help you keep on your multi-certification path.
https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/