Need some advice!

[xsubxwooferx]

Hey all, I have about 5 to 7 classes before I will have a AAS Network Specialist Degree along with Help desk, Microsoft Advanced Networking,Network Technician, PC Repair, and Computer Forensics certificates. I was wondering what Jobs I could search for in my area for entry level? I have yet to find a job that would want a fresh out of college guy but are wanting 2+ or 4+ years experience. Also, for my best terms, should I go ahead and go for bachelors in Technology Management/ or Management Information Systems, or find job with AAS degree for few years than go for bachelors?

Any help with my future is greatly appreciated!

Also, When going for network specialist with microsoft option...The books are for MCSE and I'm wondering if ill even get a certificate for any of those certificates if I complete all the required courses since they say nothing about having to pass a exit test or anything?

 

[Lexluethar]

Sorry for my ignorance, is AAS an associates?

What certifications do you have? What are the actual names of the certifications or what certification numbers are they?

With an associates (assuming that is what an AAS is) and a few certifications you are still going to have to get an entry level position. Not many companies are going to hire someone with no 'real world' experience into a high level position. Your best bet if you really want to get a job straight out of school with those certifications is to get a job doing desktop support. Hopefully with a company that allows you to get your hands into other fields like networking or even possibly helping them with their server equipment.

If it were me, I would stay in school and get my bachelors. The market is improving right now and even just in the past two months i've seen the amount of IT jobs in my area about double. With that said it hasn't fully recovered, we are still recovering and th unemployment rate is still around what, 9% or so? With that I would go back and get my bachelors over the next two years. During that time I would suggest not only getting your bachelors but try to get a part-time job doing computer work for a company. Whether it be interning somewhere or even doing part time work at a mom and pop computer shop. The reason being is people really like to see experience. It will help you tremendously. To give you an example, I had a few solid certifications coming out of college. I had my bachelors and an MCP and A+. I got maybe one call a week max. Usually one every two weeks. Today, i have two years experience in IT and i get multiple calls a day. Ya the market is better than 2 years ago, but that gives you an idea of what some experience will do for you.

As for MCSE, I would get MCITP personally. MCSE covers server 2000 and 2003 as well as some development topics. MCITP is the 'new wave' of certifications that cover more up to date topics like server 2008. You will see while some job postings ask for MCSE, most are now asking for an MCITP.

Summary:
I'd finish school. While in school get some real world experience in computers so you can put them on your resume. If you choose not to stay in school only expect to get entry level positions with an associates like helpdesk or desktop support. I would not get the MCSE, i would go for one of the MCITP certification paths.

 

[xsubxwooferx]

Well I know I am gonna end up on desktop support or help desk but on monster.com or anything for Chattanooga, Tenn I cant find entry job like that or they are wanting 5 years experience or such.I am in college for AAS(Associates of Applied Science) in Network Specialist with Microsoft Option. My goal is too be a network administrator one day. I dont mind starting at bottom. I just wanna have everything I need to be a network administrator in the future.

 

[Lexluethar]

Gotcha. I would definitely stay in school and get your bachelors IMO. During that time build up your resume with some real world experience and you will be setting yourself up for success.

 

[xsubxwooferx]

Well if I go ahead and get bachelors, After taking these Microsoft classes for the exams MCIT (70-620) and MCSE( 70-290) should I just not take the exams to get certificate or just go ahead and go get bachelors?

 

[Lexluethar]

I've given my advice on it and you can listen to others on the board. These are only opinions though, you need to search within you and speak with people close to you to come a conclusion.

We don't know your personal situation and we are complete strangers. I would take what we say with a grain of salt. With anything in life, you need to collect all of the data and analyze it yourself. Make the decision that is best for you, not just because it's what some stranger said on a message board.

Do what you feel is right and you can't go wrong.