Certifications worth doing

[tntcoder]

Hi,

I have just finished the first year on my Comp Sci degree, and currently have virtually nothing computer related on my CV other than ECDL which isnt a whole lot of use. Now i know certifications are nothing compared to experience, but this summer im more than likely just gonna work in a pub, maybe next year I can get an internship or something, but for the time being is there any certifications worth doing that will look half decent on my CV in 3 years time when I start looking for a job.

I was strongly considering doing Cisco CCNA, but as they expire in 3 years, it will just be running out as im applying for jobs... Theres also the Microsoft certs which im not sure are worth having as every one seems to be doing them these days. Also there are the Comptia ones but im not sure how valued these are.

Any advice on what I should do? I probably want to go into either network engineering or something programming/security related? I have plently of time to self study so no problems there, just a case of what will look good on a CV to hide the lack of experience.

Thanks
Jack

 

[Bes]

Hi,

I have just finished the first year on my Comp Sci degree, and currently have virtually nothing computer related on my CV other than ECDL which isnt a whole lot of use. Now i know certifications are nothing compared to experience, but this summer im more than likely just gonna work in a pub, maybe next year I can get an internship or something, but for the time being is there any certifications worth doing that will look half decent on my CV in 3 years time when I start looking for a job.

I was strongly considering doing Cisco CCNA, but as they expire in 3 years, it will just be running out as im applying for jobs... Theres also the Microsoft certs which im not sure are worth having as every one seems to be doing them these days. Also there are the Comptia ones but im not sure how valued these are.

Any advice on what I should do? I probably want to go into either network engineering or something programming/security related? I have plently of time to self study so no problems there, just a case of what will look good on a CV to hide the lack of experience.

Thanks
Jack

Mate, from experience.... don't do any of them the cost just isn't worth it at this stage. Get a 1st and a placement (if your uni does one) and get a good job with an employer that pays for this stuff... Mine have made me a Nortel certified Engineer and will pay for an MA if I like.

 

[oddjob62]

I was strongly considering doing Cisco CCNA, but as they expire in 3 years, it will just be running out as im applying for jobs..

Remember though, if you do any of the further exams. (CCNP, CCSP, etc) this will renew your CCNA.

 

[Psyk]

Figure out what you want to do with your degree first before you do any certs. There's not much point in doing a CCNA if you don't want to go into something networking related. That's what I did but ultimately it was pointless and doing another A-level would have been more beneficial.