Setting yourself apart in the IT field.

kevozz

I've enjoyed reading the thread "Being Underpaid in IT". Lots of good advice:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15259

After reading the following comments by strauchr and sprkymrk, I started thinking about what certs, specifically what combination of certs would set you apart from the crowd.

For example before the .com bust, the CCNA and MCSE was a great combination to have.

Now, biometrics and/or wireless are popular.

Short of getting every cert out there, what have you done to set yourself apart?

sprkymrk wrote:

strauchr wrote:

Just think "Bigger picture". Guys like you at your level are dime a dozen, just remeber that before you starting throwing around demands and claims of unfairness.

Not to be too insulting, because ITNYC seems like a nice guy blowing off a little steam here rather than on the job, which is a good thing, but what stauchr says is correct. There are a lot of guys that can perform this kind of work at a decent skill level. Even in my position as a Sr. LAN Admin there are definitely others just as capable or more so that could fill my shoes in a second if I left.

ITNYC, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and from your last couple of posts I think you have chosen a good direction. You'll do well with that attitude. I'm glad you were able to find some good advice here. Best of luck to you!

strauchr

Well for me having my MCSE in 2000 and 2003 has helped set me apart from the crowd.

In other cirumstances its the projects and type of work I have done in the past. I carefully choose what work I will do, what projects I'll work on etc. to boost my career, that way I don't waste time on things that I don't think will help me. Thats what interests potential employers the most when they interview me.

So that combination is a winner for me.

I also add a couple of other entry level certs to make me a bit more flexible. CCA is usually enough to get me on a Citrix job which is usually just coupled with an MS job. CNA used to be useful but is no longer. CWNA or the security specialisation has not made an impact for me at all. I haven't been to market yet with ITIL.

And so far I have not once chosen a job for money, its always been for career advancement. The money has come naturally.

"Money is a by-product of success"

JDMurray

kevozz wrote:

I started thinking about what certs, specifically what combination of certs would set you apart from the crowd.

Do you want to set yourself apart from the crowd, or find a high-paying, respectable career? These goals are not necessarily mutually inclusive. If you place yourself too far off the norm you'll not be considered for many employment opportunities that you are, in fact, qualified for. Sticking with the larger, more recognizable certs, and less on the more highly-specialized certs, is probably the safest way to go.

Having a CCIE would certainly set you paprt from all those CCNAs.

garv221

Resumes set you apart before anything. Invest some money & have someone create you one.

Munck

I have contacted a professional graphical agency, and they have made a very nice looking folder with my CV, exam papers, certs. etc. When I come in for an interview, it NEVER fails to impress potential employers. I don't have to talk about me being a dedicated professional with attention to detail - the folder speaks for itself. I can highly recommend spending $ this way. It's all about selling yourself.

When at an interview, use your emotions. BE passionate about what you do. BE positive. Smile. BE genuine. Don't just say that you like xxx, SHOW it.

In everything I do (education, certs., jobs) I always have my "market value" in mind. [Value = certs. + education + job exp.] Next year I'll have "to many" certs. compared to my educational level, hence I'm going back to school for a Master degree.

When I'm employed I focus on creating value for my employer.

sprkymrk

Munck wrote:

Don't just say that you like xxx, SHOW it.

Whoa? That works? I don't surf xxx, nor do I like it. Should I lie?

SRTMCSE

sprkymrk wrote:

Munck wrote:

Don't just say that you like xxx, SHOW it.

Whoa? That works? I don't surf xxx, nor do I like it. Should I lie?

so THAT'S what i've been doing wrong all this time!

avx

I'm thinking about going for some Linux certs, since everybody seems to be going for MS certs......I think this will help me to stand out