[CodeShark]

Sorry I didn't know exactly which forum to post this in, but I'm sure there are members here that could answer this question.

I totally love computers and technology. It's been a real passion ever since high school. I got the opportunity to work with my high school's tech coordinator and I helped him out as he troubleshot some of the school's computer problems ranging from simple driver issues, printing problems, network failure, hardware failure, and what not. I've learned a lot from him during my 2 years (junior and senior years in high school).

At the moment I'm currently going to a CSU majoring in Computer Sciences, but my passion is actually providing tech support. I like being able to help people solve their computer problems very much and recently just got hired over at Best Buy as a Geek Squad CIA Agent.

Sorry for the long read, but here's my question. I'd like to expand my knowledge about the IT field. I've heard of A+ Certification as well as MSCE, but how do you get these? Do I have to go to some sort of technical school? Or can I just take a test and receive the certification? Also, what other types of certifcations would be good for me?

Right now, I don't feel very comfortable at my college. I'm taking a whole bunch of Computer Science classes since my college doesn't offer a major in Computer Engineering. Programming isn't fun for me, well it is to a certain extent, but not when I get frustrated when my C++ programs don't do exactly what I thought it should be doing.

So can anyone answer my question? I'm really eager to learn more about certification.

[axis77]

sounds like you want some certifications, I wouldve thought that bestbuy would make sure that you were at least A+ certified...The place that has the most recognized standard for a computer tech person would be the Comptia A+ Certification. heres there website address http://www.comptia.org/, the other thing would be a microsoft certification like msce, msca, or maybe more desktop related like mscdst..or microsoft certified desktop support for windows XP

[cheese]

Im getting A+ Certified and N+ Certified through my schools course, then going there to take the test. Hope i pass

[mattbrook]

Take a look @ this man

http://vue.com/servlet/vue.web2.core...tCenterLocator


It's so you can find the closest location to take a test in your area

Humm first I would do
A+
Network +
MSCE
CCNA

But it's where you want to take yourself in life and what kind of work you like doing ? I know many companies that will see your college degree as nothing and your experience @ best buy and your certification more important. Depends what you want to do after school really. Best of luck with it all.

PS: If you don't have a passion for something you are only wasting time and money

[axis77]

Isnt that amazing sometimes the experience and certifications can far out way any 4-year degree, I believe the bottom line is the real world experience versus paper tech. "Sure you can have a degree but you never seen a real network, or youve never had to personally take responsibility for someones precious pc"
Well heres the website I went to find a test center
http://www.vue.com/
But to anyone out there that is going the route of computer tech or network tech, please do yourself a favor and go through your schoolings and make sure to get your certs, because if not your wasting your time at these schools, not to mention some future employers time looking at your resume...

Originally Posted by mattbrook

Take a look @ this man

http://vue.com/servlet/vue.web2.core...tCenterLocator


It's so you can find the closest location to take a test in your area

Humm first I would do
A+
Network +
MSCE
CCNA

But it's where you want to take yourself in life and what kind of work you like doing ? I know many companies that will see your college degree as nothing and your experience @ best buy and your certification more important. Depends what you want to do after school really. Best of luck with it all.

PS: If you don't have a passion for something you are only wasting time and money

[CodeShark]

Originally Posted by axis77

Isnt that amazing sometimes the experience and certifications can far out way any 4-year degree, I believe the bottom line is the real world experience versus paper tech. "Sure you can have a degree but you never seen a real network, or youve never had to personally take responsibility for someones precious pc"
Well heres the website I went to find a test center
http://www.vue.com/
But to anyone out there that is going the route of computer tech or network tech, please do yourself a favor and go through your schoolings and make sure to get your certs, because if not your wasting your time at these schools, not to mention some future employers time looking at your resume...

That's not to say that a college degree won't help you out sometimes tho right?

To tell the truth, I am NOT enjoying college one bit. I've been doing the same ol college routine for about 2 full years now going into my third year. I'm still going to be a sophomore this fall, but will turn into a junior once winter comes by.

Personally, I'm having more fun reading this A+ Cert book I picked up and am really looking forward to working as a Geek Squad agent over here at Precinct 144!

Getting this degree is just something I'm doing for the family more than anything. No one in my family has a college degree and I hope to change that with my college time.

[mattbrook]

Oh yeah I never went to college and I wish I did. ok well I took 6 classes last year. Regrets regrets. I'm 27 now so I mean it's not too late but I feel my experience and certs out way college now. But let me tell you some companies require you to have a college degree to get a job with them. So college is NEVER a waste. The experience is good for you too. But in the real world I think your certs will help you out, but experience is what they are looking at. The biggest factor in life is WHO you know.... not WHAT you know. Not to say what you learnt is a waste. But I have worked in companies where one guy will go with the boss for drinks and 6 months later that guy is my boss !! So keep me up to date with what you are taking. Finish college 100 % You're so young so don't even worry about "wasting time"
Feel free to PM me if you need any more advice.

[CodeShark]

http://www.cabucojuice.com/images/transcript.jpg

that's what I'm taking and I've been keeping track of every thing I consider an important job in my resume which can be seen here:

http://www.cabucojuice.com/resume.jpg

I mean I do have 2 years of experience in tech support at my high school. My entire Jr and Sr years spent in high school, I had this class Tech Assistants where all I would do was help the tech coordinator lower his queue list so that we could attend to all the different problems the school had computer wise.

I wasn't actually PAID for it until summers. So that's why on my resume it only lists a few months when actually when I get interviewed I always say I have 2 years.

I'm taking classes at my college, but all they offer are programming based ones. I'd rather take a class that goes more indepth into hardware so that I could take it with me when I go in and go for that A+ Cert.

[mattbrook]

I could not see the links you send me. It said forbidden. That's weird that your college doesn't give you hardware or software classes. I myself do not like programming either and will never learn it. Even though if you knew both you could earn alot more money.If you worked on pc's for 2 years pay or no pay it's 2 years.... heck everyone lies on there resume so they should be happy with you being honest . You should for sure start with PC repair etc etc than go on to networking than heavy networking. What I mean by heavy is WAN type networks. I love networking. I myself have worked and will continue to work for free just to learn. I do randoms jobs with a guru in return I have that knowledge. Know when to move on though. If you are making good $ helping people with spyware and viruses than to each there own but I want to go futher than that.

[CodeShark]

Oh, don't click them. Copy and paste them into your address bar. My server has that hotlink protection thing.

Right now I am very much interested in just being a Geek Squad Agent. I love them, from their uniforms to even being yelled at constantly by frustrated customers. It's a dream job. Networking is a blur for me. I mean I can set up my own wireless network here at home, but nothing as fancy as managing servers on top of servers yet.

[mattbrook]

Well getting to know the basics of networking is a start. It could really help you out in the long run. Just read a book or two and you will be on your way . I mean as long as you have 2 pc you can try a ton of things. Keep me posted

[dimcguy]

Hi CodeShark!

Have you considered transferring to a school that has courses that you want? I had to do that, and now I have a B.S. in Computer Information Science.

Anyway, I found that college and experience are equally important, both in getting jobs, but more importantly, you learn and adapt better to changes.

On the job experience is good for those hiring - because they may want to know if you can fill a position.

College, however, teaches you concepts. Employers want to know if you have the ability to apply concepts to ever-changing technology, as well as have 'rounded' skills because jobs have more responsibilies than you think. Many places care about how you will "fit" in their organization, and you gain advantage with college and skills.

While you may love your present job (which is great!), if you are as passionate as you say, you will eventually feel stagnated and want to grow. That's when the benefit of both college and experience will help you.

I just wanted to pass on the benefits of my experience to you as I have been where you are now!

Regards,

[SqDancerLynn]

You can get pratice questions for a variety of certification from here
http://www.qod.us/certification-practice-exams.htm

[mattbrook]

GREAT site man. Tx's for the link

[heinz57]

A+ is one of the most worthless certs (I have it).

Honestly I would go for microsoft certifications like the MCP and Microsoft Certified Notebook Technician.