What Next?

Well, I just recently passed the A+ exam (2009 objectives) and am debating on what my next cert should be.

Right now, I know that the only jobs I have experience with are Desktop/help desk support roles so that will be positions that I'll be targeting right now.

What I would like to get into is a server/system administration type of role, but I know that will likely be a year or so down the pipeline due to my lack of experience in that type of role and being with a company where I can grow into that type of position. Now, should I focus short term on getting the MCITP in Server Administration? (the 640/642/646 tests) Or would I be better served to go for the Microsoft desktop support MCITP's in the short term? (the 620/680/etc)

Or should I look at the Network +? I don't want to rule out network admin as I may enjoy that as well. I do have a bachelors in CIS, so I have that too. I'm 3 years into my career and know that I want to eventually move out of the help desk type of roles and move into a different type of role. I am just not sure what will help me now, and what I'd be better off putting on the back burner for the time being until I'm getting closer to moving forward.

I appreciate any advice that you all may have here and thanks!

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Comments

Hyper-Me

It may be helpful to get good with the client stuff before moving to server.

I was exceptionally good at windows client support when i started looking at server stuff, and knowing what i did about the clients helped me understand what the servers were....serving.

stephens316

1 Comptia Network +
2 MS 70-620 or 70-680
3 Comptia Security +
4 MS 70-640
5 CCENT
6 MS 70-642
7 Linux +
8 MS 70-646

Best path for you right now, as I see it. Keep an eye open for free voucher and other deals posted online. Get experience with are Desktop/help desk support roles and move up as you can.

Norbie

MeanDrunkR2D2 wrote: »

Well, I just recently passed the A+ exam (2009 objectives) and am debating on what my next cert should be.

Right now, I know that the only jobs I have experience with are Desktop/help desk support roles so that will be positions that I'll be targeting right now.

What I would like to get into is a server/system administration type of role, but I know that will likely be a year or so down the pipeline due to my lack of experience in that type of role and being with a company where I can grow into that type of position. Now, should I focus short term on getting the MCITP in Server Administration? (the 640/642/646 tests) Or would I be better served to go for the Microsoft desktop support MCITP's in the short term? (the 620/680/etc)

Or should I look at the Network +? I don't want to rule out network admin as I may enjoy that as well. I do have a bachelors in CIS, so I have that too. I'm 3 years into my career and know that I want to eventually move out of the help desk type of roles and move into a different type of role. I am just not sure what will help me now, and what I'd be better off putting on the back burner for the time being until I'm getting closer to moving forward.

I appreciate any advice that you all may have here and thanks!

Not sure if I can help but here has been my plan. Back in July I decided I wanted to get my A+, Network+, Security+ and Server+ before the end of the year. I got my A+ in August. My Network+ in September. My Security+ I recently failed the first time last Tuesday but jumped right back on the horse and passed it this Tuesday (and yes it hurt my bank account).

I'm 3/4 of the way there. After I get those four I want to use my A+ & Network+ as the elective for my MCSA. So I will have to take 3 exams for my MCSA. I want one of those to be the Vista exam so I will be MCP and MCTS:Vista. After I get my MCSA One more security exam plus my Security+ gets me the MCSA: Security specialization. Then I can worry about turning the MCSA into MCITP I guess.

There are also a few other CompTIA certs I want just because I want them (Convergence+) not because I expect to make more money having them.

I think the trick is having small goals to reach before you jump into something heavy like the MCSE or CCIE. The small victories build up your confidence.

RobertKaucher

stephens316 wrote: »

1 Comptia Network +
2 MS 70-620 or 70-680
3 Comptia Security +
4 MS 70-640
5 CCENT
6 MS 70-642
7 Linux +
8 MS 70-646

Best path for you right now, as I see it. Keep an eye open for free voucher and other deals posted online. Get experience with are Desktop/help desk support roles and move up as you can.

I would like to second this path but suggest you take the 680 and forget the 620.

I would also suggest that you consider adding the Server+ or subbing it for the Sec+. Comtia exams are not cheap.

All-in-all, this puts you on astrong path to be a good, well rounded, Jr. Admin.

MeanDrunkR2D2

stephens316 wrote: »

1 Comptia Network +
2 MS 70-620 or 70-680
3 Comptia Security +
4 MS 70-640
5 CCENT
6 MS 70-642
7 Linux +
8 MS 70-646

Best path for you right now, as I see it. Keep an eye open for free voucher and other deals posted online. Get experience with are Desktop/help desk support roles and move up as you can.

Thanks for the path here. I have had 3 years of experience as help desk and desk top support, so I am at least not wet behind the ears. I had put off certs because I thought they were not needed, but I found in my job search that I was being excluded from interviews or selections for jobs by not having the cert.

I'd pass on the Vista cert in favor of the Windows 7 cert as most companies will be skipping Vista and going to 7 when it comes to updating. Also I have been playing with Windows 7 Ultimate the past month and enjoy it so far.