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Changing career help

Answered Changing career help

  • Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:48 AM
     
     
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    I am interested in computers, I would like to change my career to a computer based one but I don't know where to start. I read all the certifications, I would like to start studying for them but for now everything written there is unknown to me. How do I find out what is right for me and what is the right way to start, considering I never had advanced computer training? Also, what certifications would have a higher pay scale? What jobs are highly demanded now? 
     

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  • Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:20 PM
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     One of the first things you have to do is research. A "computer based" career is very broad. The second thing you need to do is to not think of certifications at this stage. Certification are for individuals proficient on one or many technologies currently on the market today. I would ask you to define, just a little, what you would like to do in the I.T. field - or what you think you would like to do. From there, we can advise you better.
    Michael D. Alligood,
    MCITP, MCTS, MCSA, MCDST, MCP, A+, Network+

    The I.T. Classroom Blog
    Start. Research. Plan. Perform. End. Test. Evaluate.
     
  • Monday, September 08, 2008 1:30 AM
     
     
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    I didn't mention, I thought I did. I would like for the final result of my training to be database developer. I am working in enrolling in a master's degree program for that but I also want to get certified by Microsoft. I know it's not easy and it's a long path, it would take years and a lot of practice, and in that case I should get started. But where and how? Also, there are new certifications now as technology evolves. I would like to study for SQL 2008. Again, my question, where do I start? Thank you!
     
  • Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:04 PM
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    I will let one of my fellow developers in this newsgroup assist you in right direction.
    Michael D. Alligood,
    MCITP, MCTS, MCSA, MCDST, MCP, A+, Network+

    The I.T. Classroom Blog
    Start. Research. Plan. Perform. End. Test. Evaluate.
     
  • Tuesday, September 16, 2008 12:56 AM
     
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    Microsoft currently has a database developer proram on SQL Server 2005.

    You can read about it here:
    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbdev/default.mspx
    It covers three exams (70-431, 70-441 and 70-442).

    There is a planned database developer track for SQL Server 2008, but the exams aren't due to be out until next year.  You can read about the track here:
    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/sql/2008/default.mspx

    Where to start?  I suggest picking up a book on SQL Server 2005 (since you have more choices available at this time).  Most of the books will include a lot of labs to help you learn and practice the material.  

    The changes between SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008 has been called evolutionary instead of revolutionary.  In other words, most of the concepts you learn on SQL Server 2005 will easily transfer over to SQL Server 2008.  I have some recommendations for SQL Server 2005 books if you want them :)

    HTH,

    Darril





    Darril Gibson MCT, MCDBA, MCITP, MCSE, MCSD http://mcitpsuccess.com/ http://mcitpsuccess.blogspot.com/ Author - MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator Study Guide: (Exam 70-646) ISBN 0470293152 - MCITP SQL Server 2005 Database Administration All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 70-431, 70-443, & 70-444) ISBN 0071496092 - MCITP SQL Server 2005 Database Developer All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 70-431, 70-441, & 70-442) ISBN 0071546693