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What's the best path ?

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by blaauwtand

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I'm wondering, why should I upgrade any certification every X years, and spend hundreds if not thousands on courses and exams. What is wrong with a qualification from a University? Isn't it easier or cheaper to obtain your University qualification and keep current with the latest technology and trends (without spending lots of money)? Do you really need to spend hundreds/thousands on Certifications that expire in X amount of time?

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by zen37

What I'm about to write here is my own personal opinion, based on my personal experience. Some people may not agree and that is their privilege.

A university degree or college degree is just the beginning of your IT career. And I?m sorry to say, it does not mean you are good at what you do. I've seen too many university graduates who couldn't get out of the computer room with written directions. The problem with that is university or college education is too theoretical. It does not reflect everyday business activity.

Keeping abreast with the latest technologies costs money, lots of it. Universities and colleges do not have the budgets to keep up in most cases. It's not only a hardware or software issue but of expertise as well. The best teachers in IT are the ones on the field. It would cost too much money to get them to teach in universities and colleges. And the ones teaching right now have been away from the field for so long that all they know is theory.

The only ones who can keep up with the costs are the manufacturers themselves. And here is where the certifications become important. Consider it a specialization of your university degree, a proof of your understanding of everyday business events in thefield. You won't go far without specialization these days. I'm afraid it's a necessary evil.

by blaauwtand

Yes, I agree one needs to specialize into an area that he/she enjoyes. I know of brilliant people with knowledge, that one can only obtain through practical experience and with years of being in the IT environment.

One must remember that both University and and Certification Tracks do have their benefits. My next question is, when should you start certifing yourself? Should you first buildup extensive knowledge for a couple of years, and then certify yourself with the knowledge that you havea decent and clear understanding of what you are doing? Or should you jump into the Certification Track and certify yourself in record time and not understanding what you have done?

by zen37

I guess it all depends on your motives, ambition and situation.

I myself hate school, so I did not go to university (well, that's not true, I survived one semester only to realize that I knew more than the teacher, so...I left) and went straight to the job market.

I landed my first job as a sneaker net techky. I did not have any certification, but I preferred to learn on the job then in the books. But if books is more your thing, maybe certification up front is best for you.

After three years of this, I became system admin. I didn't know what I was doing so certification courses were a good idea. From there I developed an affinity for the networks. I learned as much as I could with books and job experience. I got Cisco certified last year both for the money and personal satisfaction.

I guess what I?m trying to say is look at what you got and where you are. That should pretty much tell you if you need certification.

Good luck.

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