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What education do I need now?

Question
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Hello
I have a BSc in Computer Science and IT. I recently began in internship where I was placed in a BI team. Basically I design reports, do some data modelling, use SSIS and SSRS when the project calls for it and a lot of SQL Server for datawarehousing etc.
My question is where do I go from here in terms of education? I'm considering MS certifications as the next step. I see that the first level is an MTA. Should I start there and just move on? Is it just to book an exam, and buy a study guide, study it and do practice questions until I write a test? Is that suffiicient? Will I be able to learn and practice on my own?
My interests are SQL, BI and general software development.
Monday, May 27, 2013 6:22 AM
Answers
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Because you already have experience in SQL Server Datawarehouse, I think MTA certification is too basic for you.. :)
So just forget about MTA and start your journey from MCSA: SQL Server Certification (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcsa-sql-certification.aspx)
And for your preparation, maybe you can build your own lab by using virtualization..
Aris Lesmana | IT Technical Trainer | http://arhiez.net
MVP Profile | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter- Marked as answer by Inarius01 Tuesday, May 28, 2013 5:37 AM
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 3:47 AM
All replies
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Hi,
For software development have a look at the MCSD tracks:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcsd-certification.aspx#fbid=nTemxTEp9eN
For SQL there is MCSA and MCSE certification:
MCSA: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcsa-sql-certification.aspx#fbid=nTemxTEp9eN
MCSE: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcse-sql-data-platform.aspx#fbid=nTemxTEp9eN
You also might have a look at the MCSE BI certification, this also includes a lot SQL and might be a good match with your current job:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcse-sql-business-intelligence.aspx#fbid=nTemxTEp9eN
There are many cerfication track available, choose the one that you like the most and start with the exams for that track. For some certfications you can to pass the MCSA level exams first before you can continue with additional exams to move up to MCSE.
When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer
MCSE:Server Infrastructure, MCSE:Desktop Infrastructure, MCSA Server 2012, Citrix CCIA & CCEE, Cisco CCNA, VMware VCP 3/4/5 Blog: http://www.citrix-guru.com and http://www.rds-support.eu Twitter: @dnyvandam- Edited by Danny van DamMVP, Editor Monday, May 27, 2013 7:43 AM
- Proposed as answer by Horizon_NetEditor Monday, May 27, 2013 8:17 PM
Monday, May 27, 2013 7:43 AMAnswerer -
Because you already have experience in SQL Server Datawarehouse, I think MTA certification is too basic for you.. :)
So just forget about MTA and start your journey from MCSA: SQL Server Certification (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcsa-sql-certification.aspx)
And for your preparation, maybe you can build your own lab by using virtualization..
Aris Lesmana | IT Technical Trainer | http://arhiez.net
MVP Profile | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter- Marked as answer by Inarius01 Tuesday, May 28, 2013 5:37 AM
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 3:47 AM -
Thanks to both you guys for the advice.
So it looks like I'll have to start with Exam 70-461.
I don't think I will make it to attend Instructor-led Training, and to use any Virtual Machines they provide in that classroom.
Can I not just use something like Training Kit (Exam 70-461): Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to learn by myself and just go write the exam?
How do you build your own virtualization lab? I read up some of that and it looks daunting.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 5:59 AM -
You can take training from xcerts. It is very good training institute of New York City. It provides you training material and then you have to prepare for exam. It provides different type of certification courses.Tuesday, May 28, 2013 7:17 AM
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If your Internet connection is fast enough, you may try TechNet Virtual Labs (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/virtuallabs), its an online virtual labs from Microsoft and its totally FREE. TechNet Virtual Labs contains a lot of labs including labs for SQL Server to make you familiar with several SQL Server latest technologies..
And if you want to build your own labs for your exam prep, hope this links will help you :)Aris Lesmana | IT Technical Trainer | http://arhiez.net
MVP Profile | Facebook | LinkedIn | TwitterTuesday, May 28, 2013 12:51 PM -
Thanks alot Aris. I want to give you money but I have none.Tuesday, May 28, 2013 1:11 PM