Should I join New Horizons to get my Certs?

[Vicken]

I been debating about going to New Horizons Training Center. Right now, I am very confused. For a student loan of $10,000 they are going to train me for the MCSA, SCNP, and CCNA certification. I am really confused if I should do it. It would be nearly impossible to get those certifications on my own. Maybe, MCSA, but the other two is very difficult. Right now, I only have an A+ Certification. I know I can get Security+ and Network+ on my own. Those are easy as I already took a networking and security course at college. I also have a four year degree in MIS. My problem is that I don't have much experience. I really would like to be a Network Administrator (or higher), but I only have help desk and computer operator experience under my belt (not even a mainframe operator). I am working now, but I really hate my job. All my friends say I deserve better and that I am overqualified. I really feel like a fish out of water and its depressing me badly. Though, I am afraid that I am too desperate and I might be jumping the gun to go to New Horizons. After all, $10,000 is alot of money to someone only making $20,000 a year. I would have to use my 2 week vacation to go there as well. My biggest fear is getting all the certifications and not being able to get a job, then I would be even more overqualified and $10,000 more in debt.

 

[chiwawa626]

For all the money your dropping into certs, just curious, do you have or have you thought about getting a degree?

 

[PlatinumGold]

A couple of things.

about 8 yrs ago, i worked for New Horizons of XXXXXXXX for 18 months. it was a franchise and it has since gone out of business.

warnings, don't deal with a franchise. if you are at a New Horizons Corporate store, you have a chance at getting your money's worth. if it is a franchise there is a good chance it will go out of business.

they do NOTHING to help you get a job.

the training is just that, adequate to attempt to get the cert, almost worthless for work purposes.

 

[Vicken]

I already have a four year degree in MIS. Apparently its not enough.

"the training is just that, adequate to attempt to get the cert, almost worthless for work purposes."

That's what I am afraid of. The advisor said they have so many connections, but how do I know he's not just saying that to get me hooked. And yes, it is a corporate site and not a franchised one.

Are there any cheaper alternatives? Doing it on my own would be very difficult.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: Vicken
I already have a four year degree in MIS. Apparently its not enough.

"the training is just that, adequate to attempt to get the cert, almost worthless for work purposes."

That's what I am afraid of. The advisor said they have so many connections, but how do I know he's not just saying that to get me hooked. And yes, it is a corporate site and not a franchised one.

Are there any cheaper alternatives? Doing it on my own would be very difficult.

it's not much cheaper, but if you already have a degree in MIS and are comfortable with the technology, do one of those 2 week intensive camps.