Another one of them "what now?" posts

Kai123

Hello,

I completed the A+ a few months ago and came home today after getting my N+ (yay!). I am now A+ and N+ certified!

I am not working in IT, and the goal is to go for a entry level IT job. There are plenty about and from looking about I know what area I need padding in. I wanted to ask that for the purpose of gaining a entry level IT job, what should be next? There are certs I want to get like the Security+, or the MCITP, or even the ECDL since alot of entry lvl jobs want you to be fluent at Office.

Any advice? I assume the MCITP is the missing part of my CV for entry level employment. Have I answered my own question? :P

Edit: Actually this is a valid question, just checked the MS certification site and now im confused. Which one is entry level?!

Kai.

Everyone

I really don't think MCITP is entry level.

With A+ and N+ you should be ready to find that entry level job, just keep looking. Security+ certainly wouldn't hurt.

Bokeh

I think a lot also depends on where you want to go in IT. The Security+ can never hurt you. Are you interested in sys admin? Then go MS path. Interested in networks? Cisco. Wireless? cwnp certs.

See what the jobs in your area are looking for, and base your next cert and knowledge on that, especially if it is something that you truly have an interest in.

Kai123

So far I have applied to 1st line support roles and helpdesk positions. Most of the positions are MS heavy but its hard to cut pass the HR padding.

I just read that someone got an interview with the N+, but his current studies on Security+ got him through the interview. I like the idea of going for the S+ since I am so familier with the Comptia setup.

Thanks for replying btw, was a terrible thread really

Kai.

jjasso21

Not at all. I am actually following the same path with CompTIA. I have the materials for the MCITP: Desktop Support Technician and have been going through it slowly. But as it was mentioned, I'm not sure if it is exactly entry-level. I'll get that and was thinking of going for MCITP:SA once I am actually more advanced.

kurosaki00

Everyone wrote: »

I really don't think MCITP is entry level.

With A+ and N+ you should be ready to find that entry level job, just keep looking. Security+ certainly wouldn't hurt.

Depends on where you live.
Here A+, Net+, Sec+, CCNA and MCITP desktop technician will get you an entry level, and you still gonna strive.

Roguetadhg

kurosaki00 wrote: »

Depends on where you live.
Here A+, Net+, Sec+, CCNA and MCITP desktop technician will get you an entry level, and you still gonna strive.

Be open for relocation.

Kai123

around 80% of the entry level jobs ive seen for helpdesk and 1st line support all want windows server experience.

I have never looked into servers, exhanges etc. I figured it would be the next step after I got an entry level job as a 1st line support. Should I be going for a server cert or is it recruitment BS?

kurosaki00

Roguetadhg wrote: »

Be open for relocation.

You have no idea.
Working on it lol

ptilsen

MCITP:EDST would be entry-level, or just barely above it. MCITP:SA and MCITP:EA (and others) are by no means entry level.

You should begin studying the 70-680 (MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring) material. Upon passing, you will have another cert. From there, if you are still unemployed, the 70-685 (Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician) would get you MCITP:EDST, which should help. If you are already employed by the time you finish 70-680, it would make more sense to start into MCITP:EA track with the 70-640 exam (MCTS: Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring).

Security+ is a good certification, and probably a bit easier than MCTS:Win7. That said, I feel that MCTS:Win7 is more likely to get you employment in the short-term. You'll want to plan on getting both at some point anyway.