Certification Advice

eshark89

Hey Guys,

I'm a newb to the field, and I've just found your board a few days ago and have been soaking in the knowledge, so far it seems like a great place. I was hoping to get some advice as to the correct direction I should be going in obtaining certifications.

I'm still in school with about 1.5 years left in my Bachelor's degree, I'm getting a BS in Computer and Information Technology with a concentration in Data Management through Purdue University. I'm currently taking a class (its a mandatory one) that is supposed to leave students prepared for the A+ certification exam afterwards. We're using the Meyers book CompTIA A+ All-in-One Certification Guide. I figure that I'll have that certification before the end of the class because I'm a pretty quick study and have been reading ahead, however I'm looking for which way I should be heading in order to get certifications that are going to get me into the door of working with database. I'd really like to get a head start on these certs while I'm still in school, I'm looking for some type of entry level position that I can work to have experience under my belt by the time I graduate also.

If you all could give me any advice about which way I should be heading that would be great

Humbe

First of all welcome to TE.

Most jobs nowadays require CompTIA certifications just for an entry level position. You might want to consider doing A+, Network+, and Security+. Then you will have to decide which career path you might want to follow. Some people decide Network is their thing, others choose Security (like myself). I've spent quite a bit time on every possible field in IT and I found the one that makes me feel the most accomplished.

After passing the exams I mentioned you will have a better feel of which career path you might want to head towards.

Best of luck

bub9001

I agree with the A+, Network+, then Security+ path. It gives you a very wide snap shot of the world of IT that you can then make a better decision of what you want to be when you grow up. The Network+ will give you a broad view of Networks and prepare you some for Security+. I absolutely blew through Security+ in 6 weeks and score higher then I did on any other CompTIA exam. I am heading that direction, it's a hot field with tons of opportunity for those that want to learn something new.

nerdinhiding

Humbe wrote: »

First of all welcome to TE.

Most jobs nowadays require CompTIA certifications just for an entry level position. You might want to consider doing A+, Network+, and Security+. Then you will have to decide which career path you might want to follow. Some people decide Network is their thing, others choose Security (like myself). I've spent quite a bit time on every possible field in IT and I found the one that makes me feel the most accomplished.

After passing the exams I mentioned you will have a better feel of which career path you might want to head towards.

Best of luck

The holy trinity is a great place to start. Best of luck, its a great world to live in, never a dull moment!