"Free" time?

I'm graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems in less than a month; I have no idea what to do with myself! I'll have a lot more time to play with the baby (not really a baby anymore), but I need suggestions for me time! Here's a list of potential pursuits in my near future:

- Read all of those non-fiction books that have been piling up from Christmases/wistful purchases from the past four years.

- CCNA

- MCSA

- MCITP: EA

- Learn a dead language (Sanskrit/Greek) or Icelandic

- Work overtime

The excitement is palpable! What to do?!

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Comments

ptilsen

If you're close to finishing MCSA, do it, because it will likely be gone in a year.

Otherwise, CCNA or MCITP:EA, depending on what your direction is.

Don't work overtime. Study!

Essendon

Hit the gym maybe?

I bought the books to learn Spanish, but never got around to cracking them open. Very difficult to find spare time.

Roguetadhg

Hit the gym, and listening to spanish using mp3 player?

Asif Dasl

Forget MCSA at this stage IMO, it depends how long you will be swanning around...

if you wanted to do MCITP:EA 2008 and then do the 2012 upgrade, then the material would be fresh in your mind. But you could go CCNA then MCITP:EA 2012... you don't say what interests you most. If you wanted to learn a language... learn Chinese.

paul78

Just my two cents but I dont expect that too many people lay on their death bed thinking that they should have gained that extra certification or studied more. What free time that I have, I spend with my family. There's always a balance to be struck. I already spend enough time on my career. If ypu are looking for something extra to advance your career, what is yor current job now?

SteveLord

paul78 wrote: »

Just my two cents but I dont expect that too many people lay on their death bed thinking that they should have gained that extra certification or studied more. What free time that I have, I spend with my family. There's always a balance to be struck. I already spend enough time on my career. If ypu are looking for something extra to advance your career, what is yor current job now?

+1. Took the words out of my mouth.

eserfeliz

paul78 wrote: »

Just my two cents but I dont expect that too many people lay on their death bed thinking that they should have gained that extra certification or studied more. What free time that I have, I spend with my family. There's always a balance to be struck. I already spend enough time on my career. If ypu are looking for something extra to advance your career, what is yor current job now?

I am a "Network Analyst" with less than one year's experience at present. Unfortunately, in my organization, that involves a lot of finger pointing, hand waving, pouting, whining and preparing for pity parties. I've been given the FNG's tasks around here, which do not even include systems administration in any meaningful manner. I'm given spreadsheets, circuit/air card/phone bills, clerical work, cell phone troubleshooting, etc. In other words, I'm looking to secure some experience or certifications so that I can prepare for a serious senior systems analyst position somewhere else.

eserfeliz

Asif Dasl wrote: »

Forget MCSA at this stage IMO, it depends how long you will be swanning around... if you wanted to do MCITP:EA 2008 and then do the 2012 upgrade, then the material would be fresh in your mind. But you could go CCNA then MCITP:EA 2012... you don't say what interests you most. If you wanted to learn a language... learn Chinese.

I think if I had to choose a route, it would be systems administration. The few advanced responsibilities that I do have are comprised mostly of network equipment; I don't think I have what it takes to be a hardcore gearhead. I like systems and information security, I think.

I was thinking about finishing up MCSA (two more tests) to upgrade to MCITP: EA later; I can get the student discount pricing on 290 and 291. Is this worth it, or not so much?

Asif Dasl

eserfeliz wrote: »

I think if I had to choose a route, it would be systems administration. The few advanced responsibilities that I do have are comprised mostly of network equipment; I don't think I have what it takes to be a hardcore gearhead. I like systems and information security, I think.

I was thinking about finishing up MCSA (two more tests) to upgrade to MCITP: EA later; I can get the student discount pricing on 290 and 291. Is this worth it, or not so much?

Server 2003 is quite old now, that's why I wouldn't be starting with that now, even 2008 has been out 3 years now. It's up to you what you want to do...

Green text means you have already passed it:

MCSA to MCITP:SA - 680 290 291 MCDST -> 648 646 (4 tests)
MCSA to MCITP:EA - 680 290 291 MCDST -> 648 643 647 (5 tests)

MCITP: SA - 680 640 642 646 (3 tests)
MCITP: EA - 680 640 642 643 647 (4 tests)

eserfeliz

Asif Dasl wrote: »

Server 2003 is quite old now, that's why I wouldn't be starting with that now, even 2008 has been out 3 years now. It's up to you what you want to do...

Green text means you have already passed it:

MCSA to MCITP:SA - 680 290 291 MCDST -> 648 646 (4 tests)
MCSA to MCITP:EA - 680 290 291 MCDST -> 648 643 647 (5 tests)

MCITP: SA - 680 640 642 646 (3 tests)
MCITP: EA - 680 640 642 643 647 (4 tests)

Thanks, I just assumed the upgrade would be an easier path. I have all of the MCITP books and a copy of Server 2008 already.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.