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Microsoft?

swisschris104

So I have been looking at jobs and noticing, Im no where near qualifying for Networking Jobs. But was working on CCNA but have limited Cash to get both CCNA and some Microsoft Certs, So my question is do you think i should get some Microsoft certs 1st, if so which exams?

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Comments

Xyro

No, I think with you already having A+ & N+ you should keep working on getting that CCNA. If $ is an issue you could do ICND1 & then ICND2.

N2IT

Yeah save up and go for the ICND1 first unless you really like MS technologies and want to prove to someone you are realllly good at a particular set of skills.

swisschris104

Okay will go for CCENT first, but do you think it opens up an more job oppurtuinites for me to get foot in the door?

DoubleNNs

CCENT? Probably not. But The CCNA most def will.

When you say foot in the door, do you mean into Networking or your first IT job?

Mrock4

When you ask which opens more doors, I think it's important to ask: what doors are you talking about? If you want to land a helpdesk job, MS certs are pretty helpful. If you want to get into a strictly networking role (which seems to be where you're looking at), then the CCNA wins hands down.

spicy ahi

Is your intention to get a networking job, or to just get a job? If it's the former, I'd say continue on your CCNA path as far as it will take you. If it's the latter, I'd tell you to look at the jobs that you think you can apply to and see what they require. I'm just guessing, but if you're short of funds to fully fund your CCNA pursuits it sounds like you fall in the second camp. If you do, study what will get you the job to pay the bills and fund your pursuits, then go back and study what you want to do and apply for those jobs once you get the certs to validate it. For example, if MS certs are in demand in your neck of the woods, then go for them and get a helpdesk or sysad job and once there, go back to the CCNA. The added bonus is that once you start applying for networking jobs, you'll have valid IT experience to reference. And if you're really lucky, you might latch on to a company that gives you access to hands on experience with network equipment and be able to have working experience to reference later on as well as have practical experience to help cement the knowledge you gain while studying. Good luck!

Xyro

swisschris104 wrote: »

Okay will go for CCENT first, but do you think it opens up an more job oppurtuinites for me to get foot in the door?

Your A+ should help you get your foot in the door from what I've seen. That cert is usually a preferred qualification on job listings.

As for the CCENT itself, I assume the knowledge that comes from studying the material should help you in the interview process. At least this is what I've read so many times from others more experienced than I in the interview process.

networker050184

Mrock4 wrote: »

When you ask which opens more doors, I think it's important to ask: what doors are you talking about? If you want to land a helpdesk job, MS certs are pretty helpful. If you want to get into a strictly networking role (which seems to be where you're looking at), then the CCNA wins hands down.

Exactly this. What are you trying to do?

swisschris104

Yeah i want to get into networking but I thought I would have to do some help desk/desktop support roles first cause most require experiences that i do no have.

DoubleNNs

Review your resume and make sure that's not the limiting factor. Try applying thru Craigslist and Temp Agencies. Also set up a LinkedIn and do some old school networking.

Not even 2 weeks after getting my A+ I got 2 offers. Turned down a higher paying one for one that I believe would give me more experience and gave me a great impression of the company when I visited. Additionally, I'm still getting requests for interviews and contacted by recruiters. Not even a month ago it was near impossible get anyone to contact me back.

Your A+ should help you immensely and aid you get your foot in the door. Whereas getting MS certs will almost def help give you more entry level opportunities I don't think it's necessary. If you're already in the middle of studying for the CCNA, no need to back track and change directions.

Xyro

swisschris104 wrote: »

Yeah i want to get into networking but I thought I would have to do some help desk/desktop support roles first cause most require experiences that i do no have.

& this is where your A+ comes in. Help desk is the "foot in the door" as far as I understand because it gives you that experience you're lacking in.