Thread: Certifications for Careers

I'm wondering if the TI community could provide some assistance on some certifications Microsoft offers.

Some background: I have no *official* computer training whatsoever; not even typing classes in high school. However, through trial and error I'm reasonably savvy with computers. Near what seems to be a peak without official training. I know no languages, but have good troubleshooting skills and command of XP and OS X and decent command of Windows 7. Of couse, the asterisk with that is that I am familiar with Google as well.

I've never built my own rig, but am confident in my ability to do so. I've upgrade not just my own computer, but others as well. I have a very solid, general understanding of how computers work.

Currently I am an English Teacher in S. Korea. I've enjoyed traveling, but am looking to acquire a skill (or 2) that makes me a bit more marketable long-term, and computers are what I'm most interested in. I'd prefer NOT to have to get an entire new degree (I have a BA in Poli Sci), but think it's important to be officially certified, so that there's a piece of paper that says I did this.



What would be a good starting point? What other information would anyone who can provide advice need to know about me before dispensing further advice?

Thanks to all for their thoughts and comments!

Cheers!

A good starting point would be to take an evening course at your local college.

I took this course of action when I wanted to learn photography, I started with an evening class once a week at college and got a recognised qualification at the end of the course. I then enrolled for the advanced course and got that certificate. I then went on to do a full time degree and ended up with a career in photography - proof that it does work :)
The important thing is you will start mixing and networking with similar minded people that will lead you to where you want to go. Not necessarily taking on a new degree.

It really depends on which field of I.T. you are interested on. God knows there are a lot of certifications for every skill. I myself hold a couple of Java Programming ones and tomorrow I am taking Cambridge's CPE for english (I know, not IT, but I had to tell someone :P).

The question is: what do you want to work with? Networks? Programming? Databases? O.S? Finding out exactly what tickles your fancy could save you a lot a frustration down the road (and I say this with 12 years experience in the field). Too many times I had to take on a intern or younger programmer who really would rather be on networking. Depending on that, you can direct your studies to which cert fits you.

As you mentioned MS, a good place to start, if sysadmining windows and related is your thing, is Certification Courses | Certification Training | Microsoft Certification

I think you should try the A+ certification and go from there.

CRT:
Spot on.

An update: I was able to talk to a friend who works in this field now, and he said A+ was a good starting point, as well as Network+. I found some A+ training videos, and it seems as though most of it is stuff I've learned automatically over the past 19 years I've had a computer (we got one when I was 5).

I also stumbled across the various Cisco certification options, and found some training videos for that. I've enjoyed these videos quite a bit, and am very interested in pursuing the CCNA/E cert. Can anyone comment on employment prospects in the US or abroad for that type of specialty? How difficult have you found the test?

I live in Korea now, and there are testing centers for A+ and CCNA/E here. I hope they offer the tests in English. I'm willing to do self-study and don't feel like I need a class.

Any other thoughts!

Cheers to those who have chimed in!

With ccna in California, you can make around $20 to $25 an hour. If you want to make more than that you need ccnp or higher.

Hades: not sure how I missed your post.

I do think I'd prefer networking, at least first, to programming or database admin.

Regarding the M-soft trainings--I'm not sure quite which one I'd start with. Cisco, it my initial looks at their website and M-soft's, had a much clearer picture of hierarchy and places to start. I'm not abject to the M-soft, and would appreciate some tips on where to start there.

FYI, a great way to find books, practice tests, and various preparation materials for all kinds of certification is on eLearning trackers like BitSpyder, BitMe, etc. Unfortunately, I don't know many details beyond that, not having gone through the process, but good luck!

No worries, I mentioned Microsoft certs just because that's what I got form your original post, but if networking is more to your liking, I second what was already said about CCNA and would add: Linux is crucial. Install it, use it, learn it. :)