Should I even bother with MCSE?

[NoLimit]

It looks like you need a lot of time to study for those MCSE exams. Should I even bother getting those or should I concentrate fully on getting a four year degree in computers at a university (yes I also know experience counts too)? In the end, which one has more significance when trying to get that great computer job?

[Redwolf]

There have been many other posts on the supbject. I cannot speak from personal experience, but most of the responses to your question I see are to go for the College degree. I will say that if you plan to work with UNIX/Linux/BSD/Plan9/whatever systems MSCE won't help much. If I were you though, I would get both the degree and the cert, as some colleges offer MSCE as a course. Then I'd go learn Linux while working as a Windwos guy (or learn BSD) and get an even better job with knowledge of BOTH UNIX/Linux systems and Windows systems .

[mpc]

Get the degree...worry about certs later.

[Chiguy]

I agree, go for a degree. It'll be worth it in the long run.

[SeanC]

Go with the degree, it is still valuable if you ever decide to change careers. Certifications aren't.

Sean

[ChubTub]

As above - a degree in anything will help.

I have a Criminology/Sociology degree and it helps me get jobs even in the comp field, for the simple reason that I have one.

[MDdan]

As already stated, degree is way more important than certs. Alot of places won't even consider you without the degree.

IMHO, the MCSE is particularly diluted from the "cert mills" that churn out clueless MCSEs. I think for many in the field, "MCSE" and "paper MCSE" are considered to be synonyms. Not fair, but....

However, some employers require the MCSE, so it is worth taking.

I have 5 certs, and none of them is an MCSE, even though I'm a microsoft guy. Why? cause it's a whole lot of tests for minimal benefit. CCNA is one test, and seems to carry as much weight (when you look at job postings, etc).

I'm still planning on doing it someday, but I may never get around to it. Just not worth the time and money to me.

If you want to learn the stuff, the MCSE may guide your studies. Just don't expect too much from being "certified"

[SeanC]

Originally posted by MDdan
IMHO, the MCSE is particularly diluted from the "cert mills" that churn out clueless MCSEs. I think for many in the field, "MCSE" and "paper MCSE" are considered to be synonyms. Not fair, but....

I agree it isn't fair but it's true. A few years ago the MCSE was "THE" certificate to have. It got you in everywhere. Now it's value has dropped significantly.

I've always thought that if you've supported and used Windows, Exchange, SQL Server and IIS for a few years in a real work environment and have an MCSE that makes you much more valuable then just having the MCSE.

Sean