Do companies look differently at MCP 2000 with extra self-study background vs. MCSE?

My philosophy is that I would like to get my MCP in 2000 and XP platforms and then just self-study all Win2000 track without doing the exams and just get certified in .NET. Will that work to my advantage or not? Do companies look at you different if you are a MCP in 2000 and not MCSE, but you have studied and worked with Win2k Server and Advanced Server?
A wise man once told me that the only general answer that suits all good questions, is the phrase "that depends." In the case of your good question, that depends on what kind of work you want to do. If you want to be a network or system administrator and will be competing against MCSEs or MCSAs for jobs, you may be at a disadvantage in selling your knowledge and experience against those with heavier-weight credentials. If you're aiming at different kind of work -- for example, as a developer -- you may not be at a disadvantage in that case.

Let typical job requirements for the kinds of positions to which you aspire, as stated in job postings online and classified ads in print, guide your certification decisions. If you're still in doubt after such research, you might try talking to a recruitment or placement firm that handles lots of IT professionals in your area.

Good luck in your future studies.

--Ed--


This was first published in February 2002

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
    Back to top