Which computer certificates should I get?

[BigToque]

When it comes to computers/networks/etc, I know my stuff. It doesn't mean much to just say I know though.

I've never gone to get any certs and am wondering which ones I should look to get just to put on my resume.

The only ones I really know about are the A+ and MCSE.

 

[yllus]

I'm of the school of thought that says it's pointless to get those certifications that have become generic enough that nobody really pays them any heed. I'd put A+, Network+ and MCSE in this category.

So, get specific. If you're looking to become a software developer, a Zend PHP Certification or Sun Certified Developer certification could really help you. I'm not a hardware guy so I can't speak on that end, but there surely must be other specific certs you can get to help you out there.

 

[Brian23]

none, just go to college

 

[BigToque]

Originally posted by: Brian23
none, just go to college

I'm just about out of university. I'm taking my last 18 credit hours this year.

The thing is, my university doesn't have any of the computer hardware/networking classes that I'm actually interested in. It's all programming, which is fine and I took a bunch of C++ and java classes, but I didn't want to get a CS degree.

I took the degree that was most interesting to me, which was a B.A. with a major in Psych and a minor Sociology.

I know that my future is in IT though, because that's what I enjoy doing.

 

[Brian23]

Originally posted by: Stefan

Originally posted by: Brian23
none, just go to college

I'm just about out of university. I'm taking my last 18 credit hours this year.

The thing is, my university doesn't have any of the computer hardware/networking classes that I'm actually interested in. It's all programming, which is fine and I took a bunch of C++ and java classes, but I didn't want to get a CS degree.

I took the degree that was most interesting to me, which was a B.A. with a major in Psych and a minor Sociology.

I know that my future is in IT though, because that's what I enjoy doing.

I recomend going back to college again and get a degree in the field you're interested in. Check out Computer Engineering specifically. (you also might want to look into Electrical Engineering.) If your school doesn't offer the degree you want, then you need to switch schools. Penn State and Virginia Tech have great engineering programs. I bet you could get a student visa and come here for a few years. It's not as cold as Manatoba here anyways.

 

[Sentinel]

CCNA?

IMHO I wouldn't go back to college.

 

[BigToque]

Originally posted by: Brian23

Originally posted by: Stefan

Originally posted by: Brian23
none, just go to college

I'm just about out of university. I'm taking my last 18 credit hours this year.

The thing is, my university doesn't have any of the computer hardware/networking classes that I'm actually interested in. It's all programming, which is fine and I took a bunch of C++ and java classes, but I didn't want to get a CS degree.

I took the degree that was most interesting to me, which was a B.A. with a major in Psych and a minor Sociology.

I know that my future is in IT though, because that's what I enjoy doing.

I recomend going back to college again and get a degree in the field you're interested in. Check out Computer Engineering specifically. (you also might want to look into Electrical Engineering.) If your school doesn't offer the degree you want, then you need to switch schools. Penn State and Virginia Tech have great engineering programs. I bet you could get a student visa and come here for a few years. It's not as cold as Manatoba here anyways.

I would love to do a computer engineering degree, but at this point in my life, I don't have time to do another 4 year degree. I'm 23 right now and I want to move on with my life. If I could find a 2 year program I could do part time, I'd be interested, but beyond that I don't think I'd be too interested. Besides, school in the US is prohibitively expensive. A full year at U of Manitoba is under $4000 USD, but in the US most schools are much more expensive and even more so for out of state/country students.

 

[MisterJackson]

The one's that came with the computer when you bought should suffice

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: Stefan

Originally posted by: Brian23

Originally posted by: Stefan

Originally posted by: Brian23
none, just go to college

I'm just about out of university. I'm taking my last 18 credit hours this year.

The thing is, my university doesn't have any of the computer hardware/networking classes that I'm actually interested in. It's all programming, which is fine and I took a bunch of C++ and java classes, but I didn't want to get a CS degree.

I took the degree that was most interesting to me, which was a B.A. with a major in Psych and a minor Sociology.

I know that my future is in IT though, because that's what I enjoy doing.

I recomend going back to college again and get a degree in the field you're interested in. Check out Computer Engineering specifically. (you also might want to look into Electrical Engineering.) If your school doesn't offer the degree you want, then you need to switch schools. Penn State and Virginia Tech have great engineering programs. I bet you could get a student visa and come here for a few years. It's not as cold as Manatoba here anyways.

I would love to do a computer engineering degree, but at this point in my life, I don't have time to do another 4 year degree. I'm 23 right now and I want to move on with my life. If I could find a 2 year program I could do part time, I'd be interested, but beyond that I don't think I'd be too interested. Besides, school in the US is prohibitively expensive. A full year at U of Manitoba is under $4000 USD, but in the US most schools are much more expensive and even more so for out of state/country students.

What about your work experience?

 

[BigToque]

Originally posted by: kami333
What about your work experience?

Started as a PC technician for a local mom & pop type store. Then I worked as an Audio Visial technician for an AV company, and from there have moved into an A/V position at the university. I work with computers and other electronics on a daily basis.

I'd like to move into a network/systems admin type position eventually.