Certification - July 2008 - (Page 9)

“I just finished my associate’s degree in applied science for computer technology with an emphasis on network management. I have my Net + cert and am taking my CCNA in June. I have been applying to open entry level tech positions and I’m not hearing anything back. I have been thinking of going back for a BA in info systems and was wondering if there is anyone that has the same background as I do and found success with those degrees?” Wagnerk answered again: “I always recommend going for the BS or BA just to improve your future career opportunities. However, as for your current situation, while you’re considering whether or not to do your BS or BA, I would recommend you doing other entry level professional IT certs like CompTIA A+ and the MCDST switch to a networking degree instead? Also, I thought learning programming at school and then taking some networking courses at a community college or some learning center would be beneficial, but maybe I should do it the other way around. Then again, is programming not necessarily needed in the IT security industry?” There is a lot to consider here. If any senior forum members have a read on this for omerta04, head over to the forums. Career Development Who pays for certification and IT training courses — IT pros or their employers — is a persistent question. CertMag has covered the issue numerous times — it’s a recurrent component of our Salary Survey — and junior member DarkFriend recently took the question to our forums: “Just trying to figure out, who is supposed to pay for training or certification courses? Is it up to the candidate or do most employers offer full or partial payment for continuing education?” As May drew to a close and many students were graduating and contemplating the meaning of their new degrees, our CertMag.com discussion forums saw a swell of discussion on educational options as they relate to careers. offered by Microsoft to complement your Network+ and CCNA. Do not expect a job to fall into your lap straight away just because you have a degree; it took me five years to get my first break in IT and I’ve known people who have taken longer to get their first break. In fact, last time I had any contact with the people who did the degree with me (I graduated in 2003) less than 50 percent had actually found a job in IT.” Coincidentally, back in our Academia forums we heard from a new forum member who is just starting out in CIS and not sure if it’s the right fit. In a separate thread, junior member omerta04 posted: “I just started working on my BS in computer information systems. The majority of the classes seem to be programming, but knowing how to program doesn’t seem to be beneficial anymore. What I want to get into is security. Does knowing how to program help in the security field at all or should I Senior member wagnerk provided a response: “That really depends on the organization itself. Some organizations do not invest in their staff and it’s down to the individuals to fund it themselves if they want to progress. Some organizations fund part of it: Fifty percent has to be paid by both parties. Some organizations fully fund training courses and certs. These organizations normally have a clause that says that if they fund your education you are bound to work for them for one year; otherwise, you’ll have to pay the full amount back. “It does depend on whether or not the organization actually values you as an employee. It also depends on if the organization can fund it (the organization may value you but can’t fund you due to financial reasons). In cases where the organization can’t fund the whole amount of a training course, you could be offered an alternative, like they pay for the exams and your self study.” Agree? Disagree? Have something else to share? Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated on our forums. Visit them at www.certmag.com/forums. 8 – Daniel Margolis, dmargolis@certmag.com July 2008 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE 9 http://www.certmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1295 http://www.CertMag.com http://www.certmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1295 http://www.certmag.com/forums

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Certification - July 2008

Certification - July 2008 Editor's Letter Contents Data System Virtual Village Tech Careers Dear Techie Academic Connection Look Ahead Troubleshooting Testing Your Foot in the Door: Certification at the Entry Level Analyzing the Societal Effects of YouTube Interface Spread the Knowledge: Becoming an IT Trainer Inside Certification Ad Index What We Like Endtag

Certification - July 2008

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