should i pursue a server 08 cert if i have no on the job experience?

TechieComedian

Im just looking for some general advice based off of what i've heard from different sources. Ive been in a technical school (job orps) for over a year studying for my IT certifications, so far i have my A+, Net+, MCTS (70-680) and i'm scheduled to take my MCITP (70-685) cert test next week. pending the test results, im up to study for the network infrastructure configuring for server 08 (70-642). now mind you, these certifications are all payed by for by job corps, its a government funded program if you've never heard of it, so staying longer would cost cost me anything but time. additionally, i would probably be have other certs, like active directory and maybe even CCNA afterwards. however, i'm eager to start working to get my life started and would like as many as my certs used as possible for any entry level job i can pursue.

I've read that you wont find a enrty level position fixing/configuring servers starting out, which is understandable. I've read that you wont find a enrty level position fixing/configuring servers starting out, which is understandable. but i would like my entry level postion to utilize as many of my certs as possbile. i feel ive took the time to get them, mine as well use em.


so my questions are a.) can attending a vocational count as valid "work" experience on a resume and b.)should i leave after getting my 70-685, or just stay and continue to study server 2008 as well as 1-2 more certs that might be available.

also, would there be another certification you would recommend me pursuing if not the 70-642, if any

thank you very much for any feedback given

ptilsen

Yes, you should. In fact, the MCSA/MCITP:SA on Server 2008 is the most logical next step if you are looking for getting work as a systems administrator in a Microsoft shop.

TechieComedian

well my question wasnt really should i pursue it at all, im thinking you just just read the title, hmmm

anyway, i feel like an update is in order since i last posted here. well i passed my 685, and i recently got offered a job at sanofi pasteur as an OSS technician, its pretty much working in the migration from windows xp to windows 7. the project is only scheduled for 4 months but the recruiter has told me it can lt coudl last alot longer than that. but yeah, obviously wont be staying here to work on my server because i feel i need some real world experience before i continue any deeper. plus ive heard that this is a great company to work for, jsut the name on the resume can lead to various opportunities, so how can i pass that up

DoubleNNs

I'm not too sure I understand your question.

Would it be possible for you to get an entry level job and still work on certs? Would you still be able to get your certs paid for by job corps while working?

I'm working at my first IT job now and starting on my CCENT/CCNA. It's harder to schedule time and energy in to study, but I'm starting to find a balance.

TechieComedian

its really not possible since i live about two hours away, and also job corps classes are 8 hours a day. so id rather go home and start at a good company and hopefully get a job that will sponsor my training. i can easily find time to study for about 2 hours a day after work.

coreyb80

DoubleNNs wrote: »

I'm not too sure I understand your question.

Would it be possible for you to get an entry level job and still work on certs? Would you still be able to get your certs paid for by job corps while working?

I'm working at my first IT job now and starting on my CCENT/CCNA. It's harder to schedule time and energy in to study, but I'm starting to find a balance.

How is the gig coming along?

DoubleNNs

You live 2 hours away from the classes?

If the job offered is good enough, you should take it. And self-study (if possible for you as an individual) when you can.If the job isn't good enough, and if taking classes would accelerate your learning, then probably focus on that.

It really depends on how much faster staying at job corps would give you the certs vs how great of a job you're accepting. The certs aren't crazy expensive, so if you get a good enough job the cost of exams shouldn't even be a problem.

DoubleNNs

coreyb80 wrote: »

How is the gig coming along?

Sup Coreyb. The job's been pretty good so far. It took me a little while to learn enough to do the job well. That in addition to the energy and time working takes has slowed my cert goals down, but I've been gaining enough from the experience I'm getting to make up for it.

How's the job search/cert studying been going for you?

TechieComedian

well i stay here on center, so i dont commute lol meh the job pays 13 an hour, im doing it more for the prestige of the company and the location. ive heard from a couple people that just having that name on my resume can open alot of doors. and youre right, the certs are not expensive, and time is money. so spending 5 months here just to save 25 doesnt seem worth it

olaHalo

If you have the opportunity to get a job now then take it.
The experience is more valuable than any cert. And you can study on your own. You'll have a job and you can pay for the cert yourself.

Waiting until you get this next cert just to save some money isnt a good idea. and why 5 months? Is that how long the training is for the cert?
In 5 months you can have real world experience and probably enough study time for the exam anyway.
Also your first job is unlikely to be administering servers. So you might as well knock out the Tier 1 job right away so you can move on to what your really want to do.

About7Narwhal

Does the Server 08 path have the same upgrade from the MCITP:7 EA like the 2012 does?