MCSE ???

[Wombat]

I quit my job a few months ago (no future) as a personal assistant/Systems manager (for his company). I am A+ certified and want to enter the tech field... Having not received any call backs I am once again considering doing the MCSE tract.

Does it still mean something in the real world?


Paul

[PresterJohn]

>Does it still mean something in the real world?

it does...provided you have the relevant job experience and real world knowledge to back it up.

I would say "No". No offense to all you MCSE's out there, but I just replaced an individual that was an MCSE/MCDBA. I too am only CompTIA A+ certified (for now anyway) and had to do a lot of cleanup from what they had done. This person took a crash course and in one month became an MCSE (I believe the term is "Paper MCSE"). It showed and the people that employed this person are now wondering why they gave this person a raise for having such certs. I am in the works for getting CompTIA N+ and then CompTIA Security+

I would advise the same Wombat, if you're going to learn N+ and Security+, you're more than likely going to learn it in a Win* and *nix environment. Don't limit yourself to just Win*.

Now, all you MC's can call me names.

[John Prophet]

This person took a crash course and in one month became an MCSE (I believe the term is "Paper MCSE")


My hats off to ANYONE who can actually do that, lol...they must have a different type of brain than I do......we are talking 7 tests here.....and to me they are no joke...the 70-210 and 215 might be fairly straightforward...but I took a "cram" class for 70-216.....wayyyyyyyyyy over my head...I wouldnt even have wasted money trying to actually pass the actual 70-216 test. I need an ACTUAL class on the server and then work into that level of knowledge.

(I am DEFINITELY a "paper" mcp, lol...)

[PresterJohn]

Originally posted by EvilRick
I would say "No". No offense to all you MCSE's out there, but I just replaced an individual that was an MCSE/MCDBA. I too am only CompTIA A+ certified (for now anyway) and had to do a lot of cleanup from what they had done. This person took a crash course and in one month became an MCSE (I believe the term is "Paper MCSE"). It showed and the people that employed this person are now wondering why they gave this person a raise for having such certs. I am in the works for getting CompTIA N+ and then CompTIA Security+

the operative word in your tale is Paper MCSE. there are however, knowledgeable and skilled mcse's out there. that is why i said...experience and real-world knowledge are an absolute necessity.

i would blame whoever screened/hired this guy you wound up replacing.

[blubomber]

I have my MCP in windows 2000 pro, and that may be all i ever get. I beleive that more and more employers are looking for experience over cerifications. If you just browse through the tech jobs, you can see they are asking for 3+ years experience and certification being a plus, not necessary.

But, an MCSE or MCSA can also help get your foot in the door if you have no experience. I was some what lucky getting the job i have now where i am gaining alot of experience.

So, dont rely on Microsoft Certifications to get you a job, but it might not hurt.

Originally posted by PresterJohn
i would blame whoever screened/hired this guy you wound up replacing.

That is soo true.

I'm not saying all MC's are "paper". It's almost too easy to get certified because of places like Braindumps and other sites that offer "actual exam questions".

I think CompTIA certs are by far more valuable than M$.

[PresterJohn]

>I think CompTIA certs are by far more valuable than M$.

i hate to burst your bubble, but i'm prety sure they have 'braindumps' or other crammer stuff for the comptia stuff as well.

the cert market is crazy nowadays....

I know they do for just about everything. I just feel CompTIA's are better M$. With CompTIA and CCN's . . . you can conquer the world!

[Wombat]

I'm finding the job market very tough at the moment and I want to increase my knowledge, unfortunately I am not a book person so having a lab and good instructed/leaders is a must, also finding a company that also has good job placement is important.

I did my A+ in 2000 at NACC in Glendale in Los Angeles. I found them to be very knowledgeable and that is why I have been considering doing my MCSE. They charge $4500 for the course; I had a friend complete it after passing her A+ (I should have done the same)

I can't seem to find many place near me that teach N+. Most of the schools/colleges I have contacted say that if I am going to do the N+, I may as well just do the MCSE and not bother about the N+.

I seem to be in a bit of a quandary, I left my job with visions of find new employment in the field that I like.. Times are tough!


Paul