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Becoming microsoft certified, any help appreciated

Question
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Hi,
I have recently just finished a degree in computer games development (using c++, little java, and software development) but ive been struggling to find a job since graduating. I am now looking at becoming microsoft certified to better develop my skills and become more employable, however picking the right course is very confusing.
There seems to be many companys when searching google who are all willing to offer online courses, but I want to make sure I wont be ripped off. I was originally looking at doing the MCITP: Enterprise desktop technician in windows 7, and they offered the course for £499 + VAT but he did say on the phone that doing a 3 exam course in 2008 server would be more beneficial but it does cost £950 + VAT. Was he just trying to upsell to me?
I'm just looking for any information on the courses and if its actually going to be beneficial to me to complete them.
I'm hoping to get into something like tech support at first and work hard to develop my current skills and learn new ones.
Thanks for any help/advice
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 2:15 PM
Answers
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Hi,
it depends what the courses will cover. If they are similar to the following objectives - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-685&locale=en-us#tab2 - you can take them to prepare for the MCITP exam.
If you want to have more information about the course you should provide some information which course do you mean.
Best Regards. When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer. This helps us build a healthy and positive community.
- Proposed as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:15 PM
- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, September 4, 2012 10:47 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:25 PMAnswerer -
Hi guys,
Thanks for the fast reply.
Here's the link they provided me:
http://www.ukopenitcourses.co.uk/e-brochure.htm
However looking around, I found a few books for the first stage of the MCITP. Considering what they offer is online only, and as I am currently out of work (still working in my part time university job) a little strapped for cash would it be possible for me to work from books and prepare for the exam on my own?
Here's the microsoft book I found on amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0735627088/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
Thanks again
- Proposed as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:41 PM
- Marked as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Tuesday, September 4, 2012 10:34 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:47 PM -
It may be possible to pass an exam only from reading books, but you won't face real-world problems with them. Most questions in exams are practice-oriented, which are easier to answer with the appropriate practical experience.
However, the Self-Paced Training Kit books are (mostly) a good preparation for any exam.
Best Regards. When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer. This helps us build a healthy and positive community.
- Proposed as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:15 PM
- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Monday, March 5, 2012 9:43 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:14 PMAnswerer -
If you find yourself competing with experienced qualified people then it sounds like you’re applying for jobs that aren’t suited to your level of experience. You may need to look into junior positions as these generally don’t require the samr level of experience or qualifications.
When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer
Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript- Proposed as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:45 PM
- Marked as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Tuesday, March 6, 2012 6:51 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:41 PM
All replies
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Hi Sam,
there is lots of scope if you complete MCPD. It's depend on your area / city. which type of jobs available. if you want to relocate in other area it's different thing.
check below MCPD Certification link.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcpd.aspx#tab2
first check which type of jobs available in your area and decide your technology
Regards
Fazal
- Edited by Fazal Akbari Tuesday, February 28, 2012 4:17 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 4:15 PM -
Hi,
it depends what the courses will cover. If they are similar to the following objectives - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-685&locale=en-us#tab2 - you can take them to prepare for the MCITP exam.
If you want to have more information about the course you should provide some information which course do you mean.
Best Regards. When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer. This helps us build a healthy and positive community.
- Proposed as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:15 PM
- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, September 4, 2012 10:47 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:25 PMAnswerer -
Hi guys,
Thanks for the fast reply.
Here's the link they provided me:
http://www.ukopenitcourses.co.uk/e-brochure.htm
However looking around, I found a few books for the first stage of the MCITP. Considering what they offer is online only, and as I am currently out of work (still working in my part time university job) a little strapped for cash would it be possible for me to work from books and prepare for the exam on my own?
Here's the microsoft book I found on amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0735627088/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
Thanks again
- Proposed as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:41 PM
- Marked as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Tuesday, September 4, 2012 10:34 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:47 PM -
It may be possible to pass an exam only from reading books, but you won't face real-world problems with them. Most questions in exams are practice-oriented, which are easier to answer with the appropriate practical experience.
However, the Self-Paced Training Kit books are (mostly) a good preparation for any exam.
Best Regards. When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer. This helps us build a healthy and positive community.
- Proposed as answer by Mr. Wharty Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:15 PM
- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Monday, March 5, 2012 9:43 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:14 PMAnswerer -
It may be possible to pass an exam only from reading books, but you won't face real-world problems with them. Most questions in exams are practice-oriented, which are easier to answer with the appropriate practical experience.
However, the Self-Paced Training Kit books are (mostly) a good preparation for any exam.
Best Regards. When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer. This helps us build a healthy and positive community.
I understand this, and thanks for the responce.I have been trying my best to find a start within the IT industry, even offering my services for free to just get some experience. The problem I have is I now find myself going up against experienced, qualified people for the same positions.
Now I feel like im stuck in the circle of I have to be microsoft certified to get the position, but I need a position to get microsoft certified...
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:29 PM -
If you find yourself competing with experienced qualified people then it sounds like you’re applying for jobs that aren’t suited to your level of experience. You may need to look into junior positions as these generally don’t require the samr level of experience or qualifications.
When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer
Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript- Proposed as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:45 PM
- Marked as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Tuesday, March 6, 2012 6:51 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:41 PM -
I have been looking for junior positions, however they seem to be few and far between, I'm now just trying my best to make myself more employable.
Thank you for the advice tho.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:45 PM