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Interview Question :: Should I get Microsoft qualified


I didn't do too well at school and have since flunked out of college too. I was thinking of getting a Microsoft certification so I can get an entry level IT job, in support maybe, and work my way up the ladder. I'm not sure, however, which certification I should go for (if any.) An MCDST looks suitable for my needs but there are all these "new generation" MCTS ones available now. I'm seeing considerably less jobs asking for MCTSs though, especially at entry level (I've seen none of those.) I've also noticed that they are a lot more specialised ,and think it would be hard to choose a route as I don't know which will offer me the best prospects and which wouldn't offer me any. I am interested in the following; SQL Server 2005, Windows Server 2003 (Configuration and Management), or Vista and Office (Deploying and Maintaining). I would consider any, or even non MS routes but I'd definately like to start a career in IT as it is one of my passions. Thanks.
Answers to "Should I get Microsoft qualified"
RE: Should I get Microsoft qualified?

See if you can get a trainee "IT Support" type role at a major company .. often the company will pay for MS certification training and exam fees .. some will even allow you time off for study prior to the exam .. the only downside is that some will ask you to pay back some of the cost if you leave the company within (typically) 3 years of gaining the qualifications ..



If you REALLY want to go ahead yourself, be aware that training courses typically cost £1,500 a week (although if you ring up on the morning a course starts and it is not fully booked, you can get on it with up to 80% discount) - exams are (I believe) about £130 each.



Most MS qualifications require multiple exams - for MCSE it's 6 exams (and thus 6 training courses) .. i.e the best part of £10,000 at 'headline' prices... .. if this shocks you, well perhaps your would have paid a bit more attention at school/college if you had to pay for it all yourself ..



It IS possible to pass an exam without taking the official MS training course first, however it requires a LOT of dedication and self-motivated study ... and by the sound of it, you lack this ability..



Is it worth it ?



Well, if you go for a typical IT job (not a trainee) in a company using Microsoft kit, you will be expected to have either a degree (BSc) in appropriate subject or MS certification (or both) ..

.. all such jobs get about 100 CV's for every position and the 50% without degrees or who are not MS qualified go straight in the bin (as do any from candidates without 3 to 5 years experience at the same job) .. the only exceptions are senior positions, where experience is more important than qualifications, and where the candidate is expected to have 20+ years IT experience
 
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