Hi all, I am beginning preliminary research on obtaining my first industry cert. I have earned my BS in Business Management/MIS this spring and am currently working on my MS in Information Systems with a concentration in Network Administration. This should be completed in 2013. I am currently employed as a network/computer technician at a school district. I have a lot of experience in hardware, software, and end-user support. My future aspirations are to obtain a position as a network administrator and then maybe in technology management further down the road. I feel that I am beyond getting my A+ with my work experience and formal schooling. Would a good first cert be a Microsoft cert? (MCSE? MCSA?) Just looking for some general guidance. Thanks in advance for any help!
The question is what your daily work look like? Do you use Microsoft system, networking, or Linux systems? Just stay within the area that you're doing daily; therefore, when you're trying to move senior position. You have both experiences and industrial certification.
I mainly work with Microsoft clients/servers and networks. I'd love to invest in a Cisco cert down the road but feel that I should acquire something more general first.
Since you are getting an MSIS in Network Admin, I would think something networking related, such as Network+, CCENT, or CCNA would be a good idea. ITIL v3 is also a good certification to obtain. If you want to stick with Microsoft, MCSA or MCSE is a good cert as well.