IT Certifications?

ThisWay_Up · **IT Certifications? -** 11-03-2009, 02:55 AM

Hey guys. I recently graduated from college (B.S. in Computer Engineering from Purdue Engineering) and I'm struggling to find a job. Lately, I've heard a bit that certifications help quite a bit in landing a job. As would be expected, I'm lacking financial support to go nuts and try to get them all.

Does anyone with experience or any knowledge of material have any recommendations on which certifications I should aim to get to help start out in programming or IT?

Thanks all.

**rßÐ** · 11-03-2009, 04:22 AM

In your current stage in life, not that Im any older, the certs wont help you. You need to get an entry level job and pay some dues. Work hard and get your shit together and youll get there. Certs really only help when you're looking for that extra step to getting a better job; once you are a little more experienced. For example, the CISSP. You cant even take it unless you have I believe 3-5 years work experience.

If you want a cheap but good place to start, depending on what you want to specialize in; programming or IT or Systems Admin or DBA, start with Security+, or Network +. Dont go for the MCSE MCSA so much, the MS tests are a joke in the industry.

To put it in perspective, Im 23 years old and graduated college 5 months ago. BS in Computer Science from Temple U. I started 5 months ago, after getting a job right out of school. Im already Systems administrator or something like it for a company of 300 employees in fortune 500. Hard work is the best way to get a job and to stay in a job that will open up opportunities for you.

ThisWay_Up · 11-03-2009, 04:50 AM

thanks for the advice. I'm actually in the same boat you are haha. 23 and graduated in August. The market is just brutal up here in michigan and I can't find anything to stick. Been looking for a job for as long as I can remember and things are just looking bleak. I'm willing to settle for just about anything now! hah

**rßÐ** · 11-03-2009, 05:43 AM

Maybe you should consider moving out of Michigan. My sister goes to MSU and she says East Lansing is a ghost town when it comes to work.

Dont settle, but realize that stuff is bad in the country right now. You shouldnt have a problem finding an IT job on one of the coasts if you're actively looking

ThisWay_Up · 11-03-2009, 05:54 PM

Oh definitely looking to relocate the hell outta here. I'm just looking for something entry level I can get started at and work my way up. I'll check out the east coast and see what happens.

Thanks for the advice

Bugsy · 11-03-2009, 06:44 PM

The US IT market is tough. Good luck to you.