MCSE with i.t skills anyone?

AthlonTom · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:11

My degree was 3 years, this included CCNA, I've taken some of the Hewlett Packard OpenView Certification exams since I passed as their software division is on the up.

paul8811 · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:12

daztrouk said:
Question for those who are/have worked on a helpdesk/2nd line support. Im trying to get in as a technician, but these seem the only possible positions at the moment,stepping ladder and all that. I've got a degree, a bit of previous experience in IT (working by myself, advertising my services in local papers, upgrades, dealing with spyware etc etc) and i've had a bit of feedback from agencies regarding the helpdesk role. However, there all saying i'll have to under-go training through them before i can actually start the position, i'll obviously have to pay for the training myself. Just wonderin, did you have to do the same thing, or did you simply start the position, and maybe under-go some 'on the job' training? After paying to gain a degree, im not thrilled about having to pay for training to become a helpdesk assistant

never heard of anything like that before I would advice to stay well clear. Basically 99.9% of agencies are complete scum but unfourtuatly there is little chance of avoiding them. Best thing to do is just look on www.jobserve.com.

SiD the Turtle · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:36

Watch out people. I do not have a MSCE but do make sure you know what its for. Don't just do it because it says Microsoft. Its for Wintel Sysadmins. If you don't want to be one, don't do it. For example, if you want to do webdesign or consultancy, an MSCE wouldn't be much use now would it?

VeNT · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:38

SiD the Turtle said:
Watch out people. I do not have a MSCE but do make sure you know what its for. Don't just do it because it says Microsoft. Its for Wintel Sysadmins. If you don't want to be one, don't do it. For example, if you want to do webdesign or consultancy, an MSCE wouldn't be much use now would it?

what about if you just want to do ANYTHING

SiD the Turtle · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:44

VeNT said:
what about if you just want to do ANYTHING

Then go work in Tescos

I don't have the MSCE so it would be unfair for me to comment on its worth.

From looking at your earlier post, I'd imagine you are trying to get a qualification so that you can get an IT job. If that's the case its going to come down to experience. These days the certs come after you've done the job for a while. For example an employer who sees somone with a CCNA and 0 experience is going to ignore that person. Get any IT job, what ever it is and get that golden experience.

Now on to the second hotly debated issue: degrees.

In many companies, including the one I work for, many people work there way up the ladder but then fall flat on their faces as they don't have a degree. Doesn't matter what in, its just a barrier to the upper levels.

VeNT · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:54

SiD the Turtle said:
Then go work in Tescos

I don't have the MSCE so it would be unfair for me to comment on its worth.

From looking at your earlier post, I'd imagine you are trying to get a qualification so that you can get an IT job. If that's the case its going to come down to experience. These days the certs come after you've done the job for a while. For example an employer who sees somone with a CCNA and 0 experience is going to ignore that person. Get any IT job, what ever it is and get that golden experience.

Now on to the second hotly debated issue: degrees.

In many companies, including the one I work for, many people work there way up the ladder but then fall flat on their faces as they don't have a degree. Doesn't matter what in, its just a barrier to the upper levels.

I've got like 3 years experiance of running my own business but all the jobs that I've seen down here (cornwall, gah) want a degree it seems

SiD the Turtle · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:59

VeNT said:
I've got like 3 years experiance of running my own business but all the jobs that I've seen down here (cornwall, gah) want a degree it seems

What's your business?

VeNT · 28 Jul 2006 at 21:22

SiD the Turtle said:
What's your business?

IT Support for small bussinesses and home users.
just sick of it tbh, don't like not knowing how much work I'm going to have etc.

on another note, just got a call from computeach, if I wanna do anything (MSCE, CCNA etc) I have to travel to london or birmingham twice a month (not consectuative days) for the next year or so!
bugger that!

triggerthat · 29 Jul 2006 at 01:29

Some people who have degrees do I.T. support roles, but a degree really isn't necessary for it. MCSE/CCNA is geared towards I.T. support - however you need experience. Have you had a look at the FdSi degrees? Its a part time 2 year degree which includes all sort of vendor qualifications. But the bonus is that you can do a top up year to turn it into a full Hons degree. I'd personally suggest you take this route if you are currently working. Also, if you are lucking, you must even be considered to do an industrial placement.

VeNT · 29 Jul 2006 at 01:36

triggerthat said:
Some people who have degrees do I.T. support roles, but a degree really isn't necessary for it. MCSE/CCNA is geared towards I.T. support - however you need experience. Have you had a look at the FdSi degrees? Its a part time 2 year degree which includes all sort of vendor qualifications. But the bonus is that you can do a top up year to turn it into a full Hons degree. I'd personally suggest you take this route if you are currently working. Also, if you are lucking, you must even be considered to do an industrial placement.

I'll look into that, ta.

any other name for the FdSi as google turned up nothing?

triggerthat · 29 Jul 2006 at 01:44

Sorry, its an FdSc and the course is called IT for E-Business.

Von Luck · 29 Jul 2006 at 09:03

You definitely don't need to fork out £4k+ for a MCSE. I've had friends complete it purely based on home study - only money spent was on books and exams.

I've been fortunate enough for my work to fork out for mine (originally NT4, upgraded to W2k then W2k3).

Just get some decent training books and concentrate on the area you have most knowledge in first (probably XP), get that exam and bob's your uncle, you're already a MCP

Shaz]sigh[ · 29 Jul 2006 at 09:16

I wouldn't spend £4k on an MCSE. With no experience you'll find you'll get underpaid for your associated qualification.

If you're just breaking in to the market, it may make some sense to do a few MCPs first, say... Windows XP and a couple of the 2003 server exams. This should get you a foot in the door for an interview for a support role. Stay with this a couple of years, perhaps pick up your MCSA or MCSE then look for an infrastructure based role.

I myself don't have an MCSE, I do have a CCNA, CCA (citrix) and am currently self studying towards my CCNP, however, I've just landed a role dealing with infrastructure on a largely Microsoft platform for very decent wages. This is mostly due to the experience I've picked up in previous roles.

VeNT · 29 Jul 2006 at 16:47

triggerthat said:
Sorry, its an FdSc and the course is called IT for E-Business.

only found one place doing that? is that right?
looks good tho!

triggerthat · 29 Jul 2006 at 18:38

Checkout UCAS.

VeNT · 29 Jul 2006 at 23:57

triggerthat said:
Checkout UCAS.

righty ho, gonna have to look deeper into this I see

maybe it will lead onto a good job (heres hoping!)

[edit]
I'm sure that I'm doing this wrong, the only place showing up with that course is:
Halton College

that can't be right can it?

VeNT · 30 Jul 2006 at 18:15

ok checked ucas for "IT for E-Business"

only seems to be available in the Kingston area?
is that right?

triggerthat · 30 Jul 2006 at 22:32