Who's an MCSE?
Discussion
CNE here.... The qualifications help, but they're not the be all and end all. I still get lots of calls from MCSE's asking me to diagnose their problems 
The key is to be out there and doing whatever it takes on a variety of networks. There's no substitute for experience.
The main problem with vendor specific qualifications is they have a very limited life span. Having said that, they do look better on your CV.
The key is to be out there and doing whatever it takes on a variety of networks. There's no substitute for experience. The main problem with vendor specific qualifications is they have a very limited life span. Having said that, they do look better on your CV.
Once you're actually in a job it doesn't really amount to much, as nothing beats good old fashioned experience.
However, having recently been scouring the job market, you seem to need it just to get your foot in the door for an interview, as employers want their IT staff to have it. Why? Because Microsoft stipulate a certain percentage of a company's IT staff must be MCSE certified in order to maintain Microsoft partner status.
However, having recently been scouring the job market, you seem to need it just to get your foot in the door for an interview, as employers want their IT staff to have it. Why? Because Microsoft stipulate a certain percentage of a company's IT staff must be MCSE certified in order to maintain Microsoft partner status.
T5-R said:
Once you're actually in a job it doesn't really amount to much, as nothing beats good old fashioned experience.
To be fair, the same could be said in most professions (OK, I'm not including brain surgeons here!)
A piece of paper or a certificate doesn't necessarily mean you can do the job!
Yep, 2003.
TBH before I left the Royal Navy I gained my qualification and was a paper MCSE due to my lack of experience. I got a interview because of the qualification and got a fantastic job which I have managed to learn huge amounts from.
When I took the job I spent the first few months running around with my head between my legs not knowing which way was up but because I had the qualification I got the job and had the chance to learn.
Scale 1-10?, for me 10.
>> Edited by __Lee__ on Wednesday 20th July 17:47
TBH before I left the Royal Navy I gained my qualification and was a paper MCSE due to my lack of experience. I got a interview because of the qualification and got a fantastic job which I have managed to learn huge amounts from.
When I took the job I spent the first few months running around with my head between my legs not knowing which way was up but because I had the qualification I got the job and had the chance to learn.
Scale 1-10?, for me 10.
>> Edited by __Lee__ on Wednesday 20th July 17:47
Good to see some CNEs! 
(got to get Foundations and eDir Design exams done for mine).
I think certs including MCSE can be fine if they're used as a verification of skills/experience you already have. From a jobseeking perspective, the cert can show that you have at least read the material and retained it for an exam - "x years of experience in y" can mean anything.
(got to get Foundations and eDir Design exams done for mine). I think certs including MCSE can be fine if they're used as a verification of skills/experience you already have. From a jobseeking perspective, the cert can show that you have at least read the material and retained it for an exam - "x years of experience in y" can mean anything.
malman said:
"Training scenario"
Trainee - How do I do this?
Trainer - Would sir like correct answer or the Microsoft correct answer
Have 5 years of experience, just starting to do my first MCP now, glad it's not only me who's found that the Microsoft answer and the real world answer are usually 2 different things!!
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