Choosing training?

Ok, so I've been out of work for a while. I'm loosing my mind I need something to get me jump started again. I have an A+, N+, Security+, MCP and MCTS. I've mostly done Windows Administration with some Exchange. Eight years experience.

If you had 2k to 5K to spend on training and you been out of work for more than 10 months, what would you choose?

I need something to not only jump start my brain and skills, but also something that I could perhaps market? Any input would be great!

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ipconfig.all

Get your MCSA and MCSE. I think those qualifications would be ideal for you since you have the experience, and it will be relatively easy for you since you have 8 years of sys admin experience.

texasit

Pryanjames wrote: »

Ok, so I've been out of work for a while. I'm loosing my mind I need something to get me jump started again. I have an A+, N+, Security+, MCP and MCTS. I've mostly done Windows Administration with some Exchange. Eight years experience.

If you had 2k to 5K to spend on training and you been out of work for more than 10 months, what would you choose?

I need something to not only jump start my brain and skills, but also something that I could perhaps market? Any input would be great!

If I was in your situation I would get my MCITP Enterprise administrator certification.If I had 2000 to 5000 to spend total I would buy the whole mspress MCITP Enterprise administrator kit and I would also invest in the cbt nuggets training series for the MCITP Enterprise administrator.All that plus the cost of tests would cost about $2,000.

ipconfig.all

Not much employers know what MCITP EA OR SA means.

Plantwiz

Pryanjames wrote: »

...
If you had 2k to 5K to spend on training and you been out of work for more than 10 months, what would you choose?

I need something to not only jump start my brain and skills, but also something that I could perhaps market? Any input would be great!

5K is quite a bit of money to start a business, why don't you take your skills and create your own consulting business? You shouldn't need 5K for this, so put aside $2K and buy a few books and add to your knowledge bank.

Otherwise, depending on your State (or Country, but guessing US) check out your local CC. Some States off classes at GREAT prices. You may not achieve an entire 2year degree....but possibly get close...work on the side, and up the degree.

SephStorm

It was suggested in another thread to go MCSA-MCITP:SA/EA. That might work. Personally If I am looking at windows training, I would look at edulearn's training bundles. EDULEARN: MCSE Training | A+ Certification | Microsoft Office Training | AutoCAD | MCTS | MCITP | Online Computer Training Software

@Plantwhiz, what kind of consulting could he offer?

ajs1976

Pryanjames,

What MS exams have you completed? What versions of Windows and Exchange do you have experience with?

earweed

Welcome to the forums!
You might want to start by editing your details so that people know what certs you have and can properly address your question. With that much to invest in training you could get a lot done. Check out your local JUCO and see about taking some classes toward a degree.
You might also see about going the MCSA route (less tests) and either go MCSA>MCSE>MCITP:EA or even just MCSA>MCITP:EA.

lunchbox67

SephStorm wrote: »

It was suggested in another thread to go MCSA-MCITP:SA/EA. That might work. Personally If I am looking at windows training, I would look at edulearn's training bundles. EDULEARN: MCSE Training | A+ Certification | Microsoft Office Training | AutoCAD | MCTS | MCITP | Online Computer Training Software

@Plantwhiz, what kind of consulting could he offer?

I just found edulearn.com today ... has anyone here used their training? Any feedback?

techdudehere

Task #1: Get back to work!
Task #2: Figure out if you want to be a generalist or specialist. Basic consultant these days knows Windows OSes, some Linux, basic networking, and hyperv and maybe little VMW. To be above the lowest rung, you'll need to do better than that.
Task #3: Do you want to work for yourself or someone else? If self employment is desired, now would seem to be the time. Forget the certifications and go straight to the business and marketing plan. You can get a lot of low cost assistance with this through University, community college, and government. Lots of services will send you jobs that can keep you busy while you build your client list.
Task#4: If self employed, figure out what skills your lacking and develop them. What don't you know how to do? What areas are you weak in? Will you be a general (basic) consultant or a specialist called in for specific tasks? If not self employed, look up 25 help wanted ads for the job you want. What are nearly all of them requiring? Call them and find out what they're not willing to budge on then get that.

I'm excited for you as I think you could be onto something big in the next few months. All I can say is aim high and at worst you'll probably land somewhere in the middle.

Valsacar

Necro much?