For the life of me I can't do certifications unless I directly work with the tech
DatabaseHead
CSM, ITIL x3, Teradata Assc, MS SQL Server, Project +, Server +, A+, N+, MS Project, CAPM, RMPPosts: 2,467Member ■■■■■■■■■□
For some reason I just can't gain the energy or strength to certify in something I have very little if any knowledge in. I totally get certifying to learn in a structured format, but I just can't do it. In fact I have to be pretty damn good at the technology already before I even attempt to certify in that particular subject.
How do you handle it?
For instance I moved into new environment and have been working with a new database technology, but until I get true hands on for a sustained period of time I just can't get the motivation to start to study. Anyone else run in to this? Getting out ahead of the technology makes a lot of sense, but something internal is saying no.
It's not laziness either, I am always labbing at home with technologies I have extensive experience with.
How do you handle it?
For instance I moved into new environment and have been working with a new database technology, but until I get true hands on for a sustained period of time I just can't get the motivation to start to study. Anyone else run in to this? Getting out ahead of the technology makes a lot of sense, but something internal is saying no.
It's not laziness either, I am always labbing at home with technologies I have extensive experience with.
Comments
I was working on the RHCSA and CWNA but I'm not gonna use that knowledge unless I get a job using that information. So now I gotta work on getting Linux into the work environment.
WIP : | CISSP [2018] | CISA [2018] | CAPM [2018] | eCPPT [2018] | CRISC [2019] | TORFL (TRKI) B1 | Learning: | Russian | Farsi |
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Don't get me wrong I am super stoked about working with this new database technology and eventually will at least get the professional level certification if I stay with this technology / job long enough. But it would be nice to actually start to learn the features before I am full bore into the technology.
What happened for you to come up in that situation? Are you able to get back to the higher level position? Do you even want too?
Honestly for me .. my mindset for the first few certifications was pure anger. Having a masters such as yourself and no certs drove me to quickly collect a few to "catch up" to other employees. I'm much calmer now.
M.I.S.M: Master of Information Systems Management
M.B.A: Master of Business Administration
I did some tinkering about 2 years ago in SSMS just doing small queries as part of my job. Anything i needed help with I would ask the dba's that were working remotely 200 miles away. Their queries were clean and efficient. Whereas mine were messy. I got a $10 course from Udemy the other day for 70-461 which you have already passed and hearing the instructor explain why you should never do certain things or how to create sufficient queries makes so much more sense now, things i though were some complex objects like views for example, once they were explained in a short video made me feel silly for thinking that way before. Navigating around SSMS is getting even simpler, where before I was afraid I'd break something. The instructor is making one point very clearly. Do not get intimidated and on that I will add my point, if you just learn the basics of the technology, the software you are using or the tools your are using, your retention knowledge will increase and you will see faster and easier adjustment for the complex items. When you start think of learning something new that will benefit you for the job, not something that you HAVE to certify in, no need to put such a pressure in yourself. Start slow and build on it, then once you have the basic foundation knowledge you will be in certify mode. I have approached all my certs the same way.
Entry-level is a litttle different, because a lot of times there are few alternatives to getting a low-level cert to show your knowledge of a specific thing. But certs that take a few weeks are no substitute for a full degree that shows more discipline & planning.
Your lab will shrink, grow, and change depending on the certification you seek.
The RHCSA and RHCE are practical. Follow directly as the outline of the exam and you will be fine.
Infosec is more difficult as it has different sub topics like Pen Testing, Forensics, and Incident Handling. This is where having a lab, going to CTF's and workshops will help with a foundational knowledge.
But it helps if you already do the work. Also, Lab based certs all the way, nothing's more brain numbing that those endless theoretical topics certs.
Not my style of a place
I would be very careful if doing things like that, cheating on a timesheet is comsidered grounds for termination. I'm sure if you start looking you will get something better.