What is the next step after CompTIA A+? Newbie here starting a career in IT..

Navi+

Hello everyone,

With no degree and no experience, I know it is going to be hard to get a job. I'm hoping that with a CompTIA A+ cert, I can at least land an entry-level position somewhere. From there, I can get some valuable experience and keep moving forward. I'm 24 years old so I don't have much time to waste. I recently changed careers from Graphic Design to Information Systems.

Now that I'm working on my A+, I'm left wondering what to do next. I've read online that many in my position go for Network+ and Security+ certs next, but what do you guys think? I've heard obtaining an MCSA is way better and worth the time and effort. I'd like to know what you guys think.

Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks

srabiee

Depending on your knowledge level, you may also want to consider the Server+ cert. Unlike A+, Network+, and Security+, it doesn't expire

The route I personally went was A+ ---> Server+ ---> Network+ ---> Security+ ---> Storage+ ---> MCSA: Windows 7

From that point you can delve into Windows Server technologies, or pursue other avenues depending on what you want to do or specialize in. Linux, VMware, Citrux, etc.

I am personally working on MCITP: Enterprise Administrator (before it retires in January) and MCSA: Server 2008. This, and my WGU degree.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Navi+

Are the CompTIA + certs worth the investment (I've read contradicting reports here and there) or can I skip them to go straight for an MCSA cert?

Would you recommend going this route?

A+ ---> Network+ ---> MCSA: Windows 7

Or would I benefit more by getting the core CompTIA + certs first?

Thanks

lsud00d

@srabiee, no offense, but I wouldn't recommend that path. It's a low ROI route.

@Navi+, that is a better route. Depending on what you want to do you could substitute the N+ for the S+. In general, having the S+ at any point is a good idea as it shows you have a decent understanding of security principals which is applicable at all levels of IT.

srabiee

The same can be said for most CompTIA certs. I went that route for educational reasons, and not necessarily based on ROI. Depending on the OP's personal experience with IT technologies, he may want/need to start with the A+ and then gradually build on that base level of knowledge, or skip CompTIA altogether and pursue more valuable certifications based on ROI and you mentioned.

In other words, I think it comes down to: "How much do you already know?"

eansdad

What part of Jersey?

People bag on the CompTIA trio but push come to shove if you have all 3 (A+, Net+, Security+) and understand the material you will get a job in Help Desk/Desktop support. At the very least you'll find some short term contracts that will get you a wealth of hands on exp. They are entry level certs for a reason and would lay a good foundation to your IT knowledge base. After that if you want to focus on desktop support then the Windows 7 certs (680 and 685) would be next for you. Just remember that even though the MCSA: Windows 7 is a mid level certification it will pigeon hole you as a desktop person. I don't consider it a good cert to get if you are looking to move up from lower level roles. You would be better served with the M$ server series exams or Cisco (if you want to get into networking).

Ismaeljrp

eansdad pretty much nailed it.

Navi+

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

@srabiee All of the knowledge I have about computers and networks comes generally from helping family and friends. I've had no actual "work experience" anywhere. With that said, I think the N+ and S+ certs would help tremendously to strengthen my knowledge.

@eansdad I live in a town in Union County, 35 mins away from NYC. If I can't find any job openings here, I'm thinking of going there to continue job hunting. I've heard IT jobs are highly competitive, yet abundant in big cities.

My plan is basically this:

Get A+ certified, then compliment it with Network+ and Security+

However, while I work on getting N+ and S+, I'll go job hunting, apply to as many positions as I can. Get hired (easily said than done) and then gain exp to move up the chain.

Help Desk vs Desktop Support

It seems those are generally the two entry-level positions everyone starts from.

Since I like getting my hands "dirty" and would hate to be on the phone all day, would you guys recommend I start off as Desktop Support?

Will I be able to get a job in DS with just the CompTIA trio certs?

Navi+

Woops, double post.

lsud00d

@srabiee I'm assuming it was part of your WGU curriculum which is cool but IMO outside of schooling I wouldn't bother with the Server+ or Storage+, neigh Network+ if you could put a little more effort into getting the CCENT.

A+ is a good foot in the door and the Security+ is a DoD mandate that is widely recognized, is what I was getting at with the ROI bit. With CompTIA exams being more expensive in general, the return on investment (both time and money) is better spent on the mixed bag.

eansdad

The CompTIA trio and some creative writing on your resume (not lying) about your hands on exp should get you into a DS role. At the least it will get you into short term deployments which will get you more hands on then a HD position would.