Which MCSA should I get to qualify for Desktop Support jobs?

Hello everyone! Here is a little background on me before I ask my question.

I'm currently a senior in Computer Science, B.S. at Wayne State University and I'm graduating next May. I worked at my on-campus helpdesk for about 1.5 years, did a 4-month summer internship at Quicken Loans and I'm currently working a desktop support position for one of our departments on campus. I really want to get into Desktop Support when I graduate and eventually move into Desktop/Server administration.

For now, I'm looking to get another certification before I graduate and I'm currently looking at Microsoft certifications. I looked at the MCSA Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008R2 and Windows Server 2012 exams. I want to take the one exam that will give me the best ROI and will allow me flexibility in choosing among entry level positions as I have limited financial resources. Which of these exams would provide me the best ROI for entry-level desktop support jobs? Are there any other certifications that would be better suited to what I want to do than these certifications?

I have little interest in networking and security; would it be necessary to learn these skills beyond the basics to do administration type roles in the future?

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

MrAgent

I would suggest getting the MCSA in Windows 7. Two exams for that which count towards an MCSE as well.
MCSA: Windows 7 Certification | Microsoft

If you like it and gain more experience, you can work on an MCSE in Desktop Infrastructure.

greatman05

OK. What would I get the Server 2012 certifications for? Would that certification help me any at this point?

MrAgent

The MCSE in desktop infrastructure would help you learn more about VDI etc. IMO you should know what's going on behind the scenes with the servers to effectively troubleshoot the desktops as well.

j23evan

Desktop support would be the OS's Windows 7 and Windows 8. They are a great introductory entry level certification to hold, once you have mastered it, or no longer want to do just Desktop Support then look into the Server OS's to build upon and expand your knowledge. Entry level does not mean easy though, and Microsoft is increasingly merging their subject matter in each Exam where you need to know more than just the topic at hand which can be frustrating.

eansdad

If you had to choose 1 exam I would say the 70-685. Don't worry about getting an MCSA: Windows 7 as it would be extreamly rare for anyone to even ask for that level of certification. Then move to the MCSA:2008 for server side. 2008 might not be the newest but most shops will still be running it and I know a few that still haven't upgraded to it yet. I would then role that into a MCSE:2012.

When I started out in technology I used to think that I would be set if I could get a desktop job making good money. Well I have it, been had it and I want out of it. I want to move up to something less customer facing and either more back end (networking, security) or management. Don't get caught up with the job title. Find the role you want and the path you want to take. Personally I'd take a good hands on NOC position over desktop anyday.

MSSoftie

I disagree with some of the others. First - You have experience on helpdesks so you I would not be as concerned about getting certs for either 7 or 8 (if you had to go with 7). I suggest you go for an MSCA in 2012. First, it will show you know technology (if you have the server level cert employers are forced to assume you should be trainable for desktop level work plus you have the experience already) . Second, if you know 2012 then you have knowledge of how things work and you can easily understand 2008. Third, while 2008 is still very widely used, 2012 is growing quickly because of so much movement to the cloud. Lastly, The MSCA is the starting point to all the other MSCE options. With the MSCA you show that you are ready or near ready to be the Sys Ad you want to be. It also gives you more time to decide which MCSE path to take.

Good Luck.

eansdad

MSSoftie wrote: »

I disagree with some of the others. First - You have experience on helpdesks so you I would not be as concerned about getting certs for either 7 or 8 (if you had to go with 7). I suggest you go for an MSCA in 2012. First, it will show you know technology (if you have the server level cert employers are forced to assume you should be trainable for desktop level work plus you have the experience already) . Second, if you know 2012 then you have knowledge of how things work and you can easily understand 2008. Third, while 2008 is still very widely used, 2012 is growing quickly because of so much movement to the cloud. Lastly, The MSCA is the starting point to all the other MSCE options. With the MSCA you show that you are ready or near ready to be the Sys Ad you want to be. It also gives you more time to decide which MCSE path to take.

Good Luck.

Issues with this are that:
1. Most resumes are picked over by keywords and as such currently and for the next year will be looking for server 2008 not 2012.
2. A lot of employers try not to hire people over qualified. IT move on fast enough and they don't want someone who can potentially move on in 6 months.
3. The OPs question was certs for entry level jobs and as such an MCSA/MCSE 2012, while impressive, will not land him an entry level job without exp unless he gets lucky and lands a jr admin role. Not to mention OP stated 1 exam to take with the best ROI which would be the 70-685 to get into a desktop role.

Not going to disagree that the 2012 certs will be worth while just not right now for OP.