Certification - August 2008 - (Page 8)

VIRTUAL VILLAGE Tackling Tough Decisions DEANNA HARTLEY It’s not uncommon for students to rethink or switch majors, or even to be completely unaware of how to align their academic or training paths with their career goals. Aspiring IT professionals are no exception. Over in the Academia forums, CertMag members continue to seek advice from the IT community on imminent academic-related decisions as they try to determine where their interests and talents lie. Take CertMag forum member scatman666, for instance. He is having a hard time deciding whether to narrow his focus to programming or networking and claims that he just loves learning everything in the computer field and can’t seem to stop. “I’m currently doing my masters in computer science — networking and communication — and I am working in a software and Web development company. The main programming languages I use are C#.NET and PHP,” he said. “I have CCNA certification and attended the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) class at New Horizons.” Scatman666 can’t do the test immediately, as it requires at least two years of experience but has started MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) training. Scatman666’s question to fellow forum members is: “Should I focus on networking and try to find another job, or should I finish my master of science degree first and then choose between networking and programming?” If you have useful advice or feedback for scatman666, head over to the forums. 8 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE August 2008 Career Development Meanwhile, similar discussions were brewing in our Career Development forums; posters were trying to determine the best routes to specific careers in the IT field. Forum member frozenflame wants to learn about the current trend of global outsourcing and can’t decide whether to sign up for a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering or computer science. Senior member wagnerk responded that the three choices were more or less the same, but it was more important to focus efforts on choosing an established university. “Make sure that the degree is an accredited one from an established university or college, not from a degree mill or diploma mill; otherwise you may find that your qualification is not accepted,” he said. However, trying to decide which degree is bestsuited to boost a candidate’s career path is a completely different discussion than trying to determine whether to pursue a degree or get more certifications instead. SemajsWorld, who has an associate’s degree in computer networking systems but no certifications to date, found himself at this crossroad. Though SemajsWorld is working toward his A+ and MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician), he appears to be on the fence about the next steps. “Right now I’m a little confused on how to proceed,” he said. “I want to go into an entry-level help desk job by the end of the year to gain experience. I’m also trying to start up a small business in which I build PC and troubleshoot home computers so I can have another form of income and to get more experience going into my career.” SemajsWorld remains torn between getting a bachelor’s degree in security and getting more certifications that will help him land a job. In wagnerk’s opinion, SemajsWorld may not have to choose. “Why don’t you do both?” wagnerk suggested. “You can study for the BS or BA during the day and then in the evenings or term breaks study for professional IT certifications like the A+, Network+ and the MCDST.” Wagnerk said that while several people choose that route, others enroll in a degree program that integrates http://www.certmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1111 http://www.certmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1177 http://www.certmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1329

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

Certification - August 2008 Editor's Letter Contents Data Stream jVirtual Village Tech Careers Dear Techie Troubleshooting Academic Connection What We Like Look Ahead The China Boom United in IT: Tech Culture Breaks Down Barriers Abroad Interface Digital Home Technology Integrator: Specialized Skills for the Smart Home Inside Certification Ad Index Endtag

Certification - August 2008

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