Seeking advice about next Cert.

seuss_ssues

Well as you can see I have my Network+, Security+, and MCSA 2003 certifications as well as a B.S. in Computer Information Technology.

My main question is what would be my next best move? I graduated in May 2006 and have not landed a job yet. Im looking for another cert to help me get my foot in the door somewhere and then I hope to start getting more into the security side of things.

Initially i was going to go for CEH / MCSA security, but i dont beleive that it will help me land my "first" it job.

My best bet is to probably look into linux+ and/or CCNA.

I was just looking for some advice from anyone in the field that may be sitting on the hiring side of the table, what else would you want to see next to my name?

avx

I'd go with a cisco cert next...my teacher tells me M$ certs & Cisco certs go together nicely. Than go for the Linux+..


As others will tell you,since may isn't that long,but what types of jobs are you applying for? System admin jobs or helpdesk?

Non-Profit Techie

yeah, i agree. try for ccna

agustinchernitsky

Well, It depends on what you want to do... If you want to be a sys admin, CCNA is a good choice... but do something in Linux also... Maybe MCSA security is a good idea! you are talking about 2 more exams (299 and 350 is a good choice)...

Good luck!

sprkymrk

I agree the CCNA would round you out nicely. A linux cert would be good in some situatons too, but the CCNA is probably going to open more doors than a linux cert.

seuss_ssues

actually since I already have my security+ I only need 1 of the MS security exams.

So i will probably start looking into finding some cheap routers and going for my ccna. Ive been putting it off due to the fact that it either requires that you have routers or a good sim.

Ive actually been applying for all types of jobes. Computer support specialist, Sys admin, .... you name it. Ive just got to be patient, but my student loans arent

and relocation isnt an option right now.

rcoop

seuss_ssues,

I would agree that CCNA is a good option to open doors and continue expanding your knowledge base.

It is good to hear that you are looking for any "IT/IS" related job, but since you are looking for your "first" IT job, you might consider looking for a somewhat non-technical business role in a small company, that would allow you to either be their primary technical liason, or work into that capacity (along with the responsibilities of the hired role).

Some of the best technical employees I've had, I've pulled internally from mailroom (where there is heavy application usage and mail-related hardware) and even from business support personnel who showed an apptitude for computer related items and had a willingness to learn.

I would recommend getting a job in an industry that is heavily tech related, such as financial, insurance, and manufacturing, and stay aware from retail (Best Buy, Costco, etc...) as they will allow you to gain necessary business experience that will compliment your technical training and knowledge.

Take Care,
Rcoop

Olajuwon

If you can't land a job with your current credentials , having a CCNA is not going to make you land a job. Maybe you need to change the way you look for jobs. Maybe your resume is poorly written. How many interviews have you gone to since you started looking? Do you have any experience? Maybe you need to start small.