Squished wrote: » Do you all think I'm a little too ambitious going for 5 certifications in 5 months and then starting a Master's program?
Squished wrote: » Will someone hire a mid-senior level manager like me without the Master's degree or should I just plan on staying here for a few more years? Not sure I have it left in me!
scaredoftests wrote: » Yes, quite ambitious. Why don't you send out your resume to jobs that you are interested in and see if you get any bites?
JDMurray wrote: » You sound very motivated, but is your intent to really learn the material or just get the paper? Five certs in five months is just cramming for paper. You need to be able to demonstrate in an interview (and on the job) that you really know your stuff. Certs on your resume only help you get a first-round interview, but the education you acquire from studying for the certs is what you use to get the job.
JDMurray wrote: » How will staying in your current, dead-end job few more years make you more attractive to hiring managers? If your job is not demanding, and it pays your bills, then it sounds ideal to stay while you are working through a Masters program (1.5-3 years). Without the Masters degree you are behind all of your competition that does have a Masters. And please, try and learn something.
averageguy72 wrote: » Is the Network+ for the Masters program? If not, CCNA would probably give you more bang for the buck if you're going to be job hunting.
N7Valiant wrote: » Seems redundant. Your experience will matter far more than certs. You can just grab only the Sec+ to ensure you're somewhat up-to-date on current security threats. I grabbed all 3 because it was the beginning of my career. But if your practical knowledge and skills outstrip all that, only higher level certs would help get you noticed.
mzx380 wrote: » I'd have to agree with your initial assessment that the CompTIA suite of certifications is too basic. For some substance, you're better off jumping right into a senior certification that aligns with your career goals. Also, I'd have to agree with another post here that if your job is not going anywhere anytime soon, then you are better off completing your graduate degree. Also, have managed expectations about what the next steps are going to look like. As someone who also worked for an NGO, please note that just because you were a Director of IT there doesn't mean it will immediately translate to something in the private sector especially if your skills are stale. I've been where you are now. I made a post about this very same thing a few years ago, have a look, it might provide perspective. Good luckhttp://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/123500-my-whirwind-year-things-i-learned-2016-a.html
NetworkNewb wrote: » I think you have a good idea of what you want to do, I'm just surprised anyone cares about most of those Comptia's certs outside of very entry level positions. At least the ones you mentioned. I agree with mzx380 in going for more advance certs that aligns with your goals on what exactly you want to do. Besides the Sec+ don't know if I ever see the ones you mentioned in info sec job ads. Sounds like CISSP would be right up your alley with your experience. And then add on another cert that specializes in the area of security you want to focus on. Would be my plan anyways.
Squished wrote: » Also, for what it's worth. I've had two phone interviews already and not one, but both asked me about my technical capability given my years in management. I feel like even the basic A+, Network+, Security+ certs will help my case on this question regardless of what my response is on the phone. Maybe I'm wrong on this one?
Squished wrote: » The reason this came up for me is what I'm seeing on a lot of mid-to senior level jobs is that they are asking not only for progression in the job itself, but also progression in training/education/certification. Basically they know you're going to get experience on the job, but they also want to see you're keeping up with yourself. Which unfortunately for me, I haven't been.
EANx wrote: » What types of jobs did you apply for? If they were supervising the people doing the work then I'm not surprised you were asked about your technical ability. With some organizations, they expect the immediate supervisor to be able to understand most of the roles there. Maybe not as a SME but enough to have an opinion when presented with options and asked "what do you think?" Other organizations want the supervisor to be able to do the work if necessary. When I hire a supervisor, I want that person to know what's going on and know if someone isn't doing their job right. That's a hard thing to do when you have no technical skills. Depending on the role, the various certs may or may not be helpful. If you're interviewing as a deskside support manager, I could see A+ and Net+ helping while it would be a waste or even a detriment in other areas.
Bjcheung77 wrote: » Basically, I always recommend 3 things on this board: 1) Degree, 2) Experience, 3) Certifications. You have the degree, you have years of experience, you're missing the certifications. I would recommend the CompTIA CASP. Anyways, since you mentioned you're into CompTIA - review theirs with this link, stack-able certifications: https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/which-certification/stackable-certifications
mikey88 wrote: » Sounds like you already have your mind made up about taking the CompTIA certs. Do what you think is best. 5 certs in 5 months is difficult but not impossible. I do agree with many others posters that a masters degree or senior level certs will benefit you more.
Squished wrote: » . . . Remember, I essentially have a blank resume at the moment other than experience. . .
yoba222 wrote: » 8 years experience as an IT director is not a blank resume. In fact, I'd say that alone is worth more than every Comptia plus exam combined. Getting in five certs in five months borders on cramming just to get the pieces of paper. Cramming won't help on the advanced certs and it would have been for five pieces of paper you don't need. Once you get a new job and that aspect is stable, I'd aim for a pace of 3-4 entry to mid-level per year.
