IT/IS Classes / Certifications

[NotAnalGrap]

Hey all, I know many of you are involved in the IT world. I am trying to get back into school/learning so that I can open up some career options in the near future.
I have a fairly strong background in computers, I've always loved them and enjoyed them.

Do you guys have any recommended degrees/courses or certifications that would be beneficial for me to pursue? I'd like to focus on networking and software.

All suggestions and criticism is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[w@flz]

A++ where i live is a good start.

1 very large text book, learn it, know it, write the test.

 

[Bob369963]

A+ is good and will get you going. Network specialist will do more and not sure about your area, but if you're really good at security you can pretty much go anywhere if your not recruited while in college (DEA, FBI, NSA). Forensics is also a big one around the mid west here. A general IT degree will really not do much for you. I have one and not many are interested in hiring for that particular degree. If you can swing it a 4 year degree is much more palatable. Computer Science, Security, Programming, etc., etc.. Moonlighting as a gray hat will help and also round out some of your extracurricular skills. Find a good group if you go that route.

Had two people in my networking security classes get recruited by the NSA. They were going for network security degrees. There is a huge demand for that right now, but they are really only looking for the best of the best.

 

[NotAnalGrap]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I will look into A+, I actually took a A+ microcomputers prep class back in college before changing my degree. I do have a 4 year degree (criminal justice) which has, other than qualify me for certain level of jobs, not done a lot for me (big shocker).

Sadly, do to my personality and lack of smartness - I can't code or program. Been there tried that.

 

[Soulzz]

MCITP is a great one for long term (System Administrator/Engineer). CCNA for beginning Cisco.

 

[bracketslash]

A+, Network+, CCENT, CCNA, MCITP.

 

[Rocinante]

From left to right are the hierarchy of Certs. I have All of Comptia and CCIE.

Comptia - A+, A=practical, Network+, Security+
Cisco - CCIE, CCNA,CCNP
Microsoft(MCITP) Windows Client, Windows Server(there are 6 areas of certification)

You have 4 focal points in the IT world.

1. Programming
2. Security
3. Network Administration
4. Server Administration

Pic one and learn as much as you can. Learning a focal point has to become like studying for a religion.