What's more attractive to an employer?

Alright, now that I am FINALLY an MCSE, I need you guys to throw some suggestions my way. I have changed my mind multiple times, but that time is here where I have to make a decision, and this i where I officially stand at the moment:
A+ IT Technician, Network+, and MCSE (270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
Because I took the 299 as my elective for my MCSE, I now need only one more security elective to complete my MCSE:Security specialization. I am torn between:
Option #1 - taking the Security+ now (exam cost of $250 and the price of a book) and essentially adding 2 new things to add to my resume at the same time (Comptia's Cert and MCSE:S)
or
Option #2 - take the 70-284 MS Exchange exam (Academic discount so exam is only $60, plus free second shot, I have already purchased study materials for it, and would leave me only one exam short of having the MCSE:Messaging Specialization).
I know that Exchange or SQL skills are frequently listed in job ads, but security is a popular "buzzword" these days and I cant decide which might get more attention when applying for a new job. I am counting on you guys for your usual sound advice. Don't be shy people!
A+ IT Technician, Network+, and MCSE (270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
Because I took the 299 as my elective for my MCSE, I now need only one more security elective to complete my MCSE:Security specialization. I am torn between:
Option #1 - taking the Security+ now (exam cost of $250 and the price of a book) and essentially adding 2 new things to add to my resume at the same time (Comptia's Cert and MCSE:S)
or
Option #2 - take the 70-284 MS Exchange exam (Academic discount so exam is only $60, plus free second shot, I have already purchased study materials for it, and would leave me only one exam short of having the MCSE:Messaging Specialization).
I know that Exchange or SQL skills are frequently listed in job ads, but security is a popular "buzzword" these days and I cant decide which might get more attention when applying for a new job. I am counting on you guys for your usual sound advice. Don't be shy people!
A+ IT Technician, Network +, Security+
MCSA:M, MCSE:S
(MS 270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
MS Exchange 2003 (70-284)
MCTS: Server 2K8 Virtualization(70-652 & 70-403)
MCSA:M, MCSE:S
(MS 270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
MS Exchange 2003 (70-284)
MCTS: Server 2K8 Virtualization(70-652 & 70-403)
Comments
I think you know the answer already, and it's "both"
MCSA:M, MCSE:S
(MS 270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
MS Exchange 2003 (70-284)
MCTS: Server 2K8 Virtualization(70-652 & 70-403)
M.B.A. (Technology Management)
I, personally, would get CompTIA certs second. Lots of people don't have respect for the vendor, so my immediate plan if I had a CompTIA and another cert to get would be to get the other cert first and follow with CompTIA second.
If I Take Security+ in addition to the 70-298 and the 70-299 exams which I have already taken, I will have the MCSE:S. I take it that you are not aware of these specializations by the looks of your comment. I never said that I would consider myself a "security specialist", but that is MS's terminology, not mine, and the goal is to stand out from other applicants. This is straight from Microsoft.com/learning:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/default.mspx
MCSE on Windows Server 2003
Specializations
• MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2003
• MCSE: Security on Windows Server 2003
MCSA:M, MCSE:S
(MS 270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
MS Exchange 2003 (70-284)
MCTS: Server 2K8 Virtualization(70-652 & 70-403)
I gotcha..."Security Specialist" actually sounds good, I was just noting that you'd want to add to it and say "Security Specialist on Windows Server 2003". That would be refreshing to see on a resume, in my opinion.
Good luck to ya.
What are you currently working as now if working?
I have to agree with Darkerosxx on this about giving the specialist title some context. Using specialist is like using the word "expert". It may get you past the HR department but chances are at the interview you'd probably get hammered on some obscure questions on Merkle-Hellman or such.
Security is great to have, but in the last two jobs I have had (Network Admin), the messaging cert is more important than the security- unless you don't know security at all.
Currently working towards MCITP: Enterprise Admin
Current Title: Network Administrator
Actual Job Functions: Network / Server / System Administrator, Tier-3 Help Desk, Jr. Project Manager, and "The Closer"
MCSA:M, MCSE:S
(MS 270,290,291,293,294,298,299)
MS Exchange 2003 (70-284)
MCTS: Server 2K8 Virtualization(70-652 & 70-403)