what's next?

Gone are the days when a certification was the key to fame and fortune.

While certifications are often used as a filter by employers to decide which resumes to look at, most employers are now savvy enough to also look for experience to back up a certification.

Unfortunately, the only way to gain experience is the hard way.

The only thing I can suggest is this:

If you are in a dead-end job, look for another job that at least offers growth opportunities. The money may not be any better, but hopefully it will at give you the opportunity to gain the experience the market is expecting. Then you can try for the big-money jobs.

Good luck.

Approach this like a sales issue. You have only 4 years in the industry, so experience isn't your strong suit. Certificates only help you get past the resume filters. So what you have to sell is yourself.

You can't do this going through the standard hiring process. You have to get face time with the hiring managers in some other fashion.

Consider the Chamber of Commerce. Many have networking meetings where you simply show up and get a couple of minutes in front of the group. More important, you can listen to the others and then seek out ones who look like opportunities.

Local IEEE, ICCA, and other interest groups meet monthly. These are chances to talk to managers who may have an opening for the right individual.

Trade shows and seminars in your location are still another source for making contacts. It may mean taking some vacation time to attend, but this will be cheaper than the certification route.