By Erik Eckel
Takeaway: The certification landscape changes as swiftly as the technologies you support. Erik Eckel looks at the certs that are currently relevant and valuable to IT pros.
When it comes to IT skills and expertise, there are all kinds of “best certification” lists. Pundits are quick to add the safe bets: Cisco’s CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), Red Hat’s RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer), and other popular choices.
This isn’t that list.
Based on years of experience meeting with clients and organizations too numerous to count, I’ve built this list with the idea of cataloging the IT industry’s 10 most practical, in-demand certifications. That’s why I think these are the best; these are the skills clients repeatedly demonstrate they need most. In this list, I justify each selection and the order in which these accreditations are ranked.
1: MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
I love Apple technologies. The hardware’s awesome, the software’s intuitive and their systems make it easy to get things done fast while remaining secure. But it’s a Windows world. Make no mistake. Most every Mac I deploy (and Mac sales are up 20 to 25 percent) is connected to a back-end Windows server. Windows server experts, however, can prove hard to find.
IT pros who have an MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional): Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 accreditation demonstrate significant, measurable proficiency with Active Directory, configuring network and application infrastructures, enterprise environments, and (if they’ve chosen well) the Windows 7 client OS.
That’s an incredibly strong skill set that everyone from small businesses to enterprise organizations require. Add this line to your resume, and you may be all set to find another job should your current employer downsize.
Honorable mentions for the top spot include the MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2 and MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010. Microsoft Exchange owns the SMB space. Virtualization initiatives are only getting started and will dominate technology sectors for the next decade at least. Administrators who can knowledgeably navigate Microsoft’s virtualization and email platforms will only grow in importance.
2: MCTS
Not everyone has time to sit as many exams as an MCITP requires. The MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certification is among the smartest accreditations an engineer can currently chase. As mentioned above, it’s a Windows world. Adding an MCTS certification in Exchange, SharePoint, Virtualization, Windows Client, or Windows Server will strengthen a resume.
There is no downside to any of these MCTS accreditations. Each of the above tracks provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency with specific technologies that organizations worldwide struggle to effectively design, implement, and maintain every day.
3: VCP
Virtualization is all the rage. It makes sense. Hardware manufacturers keep cranking out faster and faster servers that can store more and more data. Tons of servers sit in data centers using just fractions of their capacities. Virtualization, which enables running multiple virtual server instances on the same physical chassis, will continue growing in importance as organizations strive to maximize technology infrastructure investments.
VMware is a leading producer of virtualization software. Tech pros earning VCP (VMware Certified Professional) certification give employers (both current and future) confidence they can implement and maintain VMware-powered virtual environments. And if you talk to the techs responsible for maintaining data centers, you’ll frequently hear that VMware remains a favorite over Microsoft’s Hyper-V alternative, although most sober IT pros will have to admit Hyper-V is improving and closing the gap.
4: CCNA
The next politically correct certification to list is the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). However, that’s a massive exam that few professionals realistically will ever have an opportunity to obtain. And while Cisco equipment frequently composes the network backbone, fueling numerous medium and large organizations, most organizations don’t need a CCIE and don’t have the resources to pay one.
That’s why I believe the more fundamental CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a smart bet. A CCNA can help technology pros better familiarize themselves with the network OS’s fundamentals, while simultaneously strengthening their resume. Particularly motivated candidates can proceed to earn a CCNA Security certification, as the network security focus is a critical component of enterprise systems.
5: CSSA
In early 2012, Dell announced its pending acquisition of SonicWALL. There’s a reason Dell is buying the hardware manufacturer: SonicWALL has made great strides within the SMB unified threat management market.
Someone needs to be able to configure and troubleshoot those devices. The CSSA (Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator) certification not only proves proficiency in installing and administering the company’s devices, certified professionals receive direct access to tier two support staff and beta testing programs.
Organizations are always going to require network devices to fulfill firewall, routing, and threat management services. SonicWALL has carved out quite a bit of market share — so much so that it will now have the marketing might of Dell helping fuel additional growth. Knowing how to configure the devices will help IT pros, particularly those who support numerous small businesses.
6: PMP
Too many chiefs isn’t an IT problem I hear or read much about. Instead, it seems there’s a lack of IT pros capable of sizing up a project’s needs, determining required resources and dependencies, developing a realistic schedule, and managing a technical initiative.
The Project Management Institute is a nonprofit group that administers the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. The exam isn’t designed to earn a profit or motivate IT pros to learn its product and become unofficial sales cheerleaders. The PMP certifies candidates’ ability to plan, budget, and complete projects efficiently, on time, and without cost overruns. Those are skills most every medium and large business needs within its IS department and such ability isn’t going to be replaced by an app or third-party developer in our lifetimes.
7: CISSP
If you want to specialize in security, the (ISC)² (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.), which administers the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) accreditation, is your organization. Its vendor-neutral certification has a reputation as one of the best vendor-neutral security certs.
Organizations’ data, networks, and systems are increasingly coming under attack due to the value of personal, corporate, customer, and sensitive proprietary information. So individuals who demonstrate measurable success and understanding in architecting, designing, managing, and administering secure environments, developing secure policies, and maintaining secure procedures will stand out from the pack. In addition, the knowledge gained while earning the certification helps practitioners remain current with the latest legal regulations, best practices, and developments impacting security.
8: ACSP
There’s more to the energy surrounding Apple than pleasant tablet devices, intuitive smartphones, and a stunning stock price. The company continues chewing up market share and shipping computers at rates 10 to 12 times greater than PC manufacturers.
The ACSP (Apple Certified Support Professional) designation helps IT pros demonstrate expertise supporting Mac OS X clients. Engineers, particularly Windows support pros and administrators increasingly encountering Macs, will be well served completing Apple’s certification rack for technical support personnel. Benefits include not only another bullet for the resume but an understanding of Apple’s official processes for installing, setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining Mac client machines.
9: Network+ / A+
Yes, CompTIA’s Network+ and A+ designations are, technically, two separate certifications. But they’re both critical certs that test absolute fundamentals that every IT pro needs to completely understand.
In fact, there’s an argument to be made that all IT pros should have both of these accreditations on their resumes. CompTIA is a well-respected, vendor-neutral (though vendor-supported) organization that continually develops and administers relevant certifications. The network, hardware, and software skills tested on the Network+ and A+ exams are basics that every self-respecting tech professional should master, whether they’re performing budgeting tasks, deploying client machines, managing site-wide migrations, overseeing security, or administering networks and servers.
10: CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician
With an aging population, U.S.-based IT pros (in particular) should consider earning CompTIA’s Healthcare IT Technician credential. Obviously, if you work in manufacturing, the credential may be a stretch. But manufacturers frequently lay off staff. And many others produce material for health-related purposes.
See where I’m headed?
The interest surrounding health-related technology is almost unparalleled. Look around the city where you live. During the recession, where have you seen growth? Are there lots of new bookstores opening? How about new single-family home developments?
Seeing lots of new manufacturing centers?
Doubtful. Like many, you’re probably seeing new medical services offices, immediate care centers, hospitals, outpatient facilities, dental practices, and similar health-related businesses.
They all need IT support. Support technicians, administrators, engineers, managers, and especially consultants who want to position themselves well for the future will do well to demonstrate their proficiency with health care technology’s regulatory requirements, organizational behaviors, technical processes, medical business operations, and security requirements. IT pros could do worse with their time, that’s for sure.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
by ANGEL L. RAMOS
Do you want to know the truth or what I think you want to hear?
How many times has this question come up in your mind during a job interview? The majority of job interviews consists of “pat questions” that you can find answers to in one of those job interview books or yahoo career articles from so called job experts on the best way to give a pre-canned answer. Speaking of which, here’s a great one to check out-
Would it be best to just pre-answer these questions via email and save everyone a lot of time?
Let’s cut to the chase…
Employers want to know three things:
Can you do the job?
Will you fit in?
How much will it cost me?
Interviewee should want to know:
What are your needs?
How can I help you?
What is your long-term vision?
Unfortunately, part of the job interview process is having to sit through these often uncomfortable interviews and be prepared to answer questions like: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I always wanted to answer this question with something like “sitting in your seat” or “CEO of the company”. Realistically you’re taking a huge risk with these answers. On the other hand, I have lost out on job opportunities because I didn’t give this answer.
So how do you answer a question like this? I really can’t tell you the right way to answer this question. I do know that some approaches work better than others.
I took this question to my good friend Derek Sudduth, a Career Transition Counselor at a local USMC installation.
This is what he had to say:
First, to answer the question you have to understand what the potential employer is really asking. They want to know, “Are you worth the initial investment? If I hire you, will I have to hire again in six months to a year? Or are you looking for something long term?”
It can also be said that they are looking for someone with ambition.
There are several ways the question could be answered but a safe bet is to provide a realistic, professional goal-oriented answer; one that shows interest in the business and how that business fits your long-term goals.
As an example, you may say, “Professionally, I am interested in advancing my knowledge of the financial industry. My goal is to be working as a professional financial planner. The experience your company offers will be extremely beneficial.”
Adding to this, it’s also a good idea to show flexibility in your plan, “Although this is my goal, I am open to opportunity and flexible with my plan.”
If your answer shows personal and professional growth, and openness to opportunity, you can’t go wrong.
This question also lends an opportunity to show the potential employer what we know about their company. For example, “Well, I understand that your organization has a case management department that assists client with their benefits. I would like to prove my capabilities, and with time, earn a spot on that team. I am however always open to opportunity.”
Again, ensure your goals are positive; show progression, and openness to new opportunities.
Do you want to know the truth or what I think you want to hear?
How many times has this question come up in your mind during a job interview? The majority of job interviews consists of “pat questions” that you can find answers to in one of those job interview books or yahoo career articles from so called job experts on the best way to give a pre-canned answer. Speaking of which, here’s a great one to check out-
Would it be best to just pre-answer these questions via email and save everyone a lot of time?
Let’s cut to the chase…
Employers want to know three things:
Can you do the job?
Will you fit in?
How much will it cost me?
Interviewee should want to know:
What are your needs?
How can I help you?
What is your long-term vision?
Unfortunately, part of the job interview process is having to sit through these often uncomfortable interviews and be prepared to answer questions like: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I always wanted to answer this question with something like “sitting in your seat” or “CEO of the company”. Realistically you’re taking a huge risk with these answers. On the other hand, I have lost out on job opportunities because I didn’t give this answer.
So how do you answer a question like this? I really can’t tell you the right way to answer this question. I do know that some approaches work better than others.
I took this question to my good friend Derek Sudduth, a Career Transition Counselor at a local USMC installation.
This is what he had to say:
First, to answer the question you have to understand what the potential employer is really asking. They want to know, “Are you worth the initial investment? If I hire you, will I have to hire again in six months to a year? Or are you looking for something long term?”
It can also be said that they are looking for someone with ambition.
There are several ways the question could be answered but a safe bet is to provide a realistic, professional goal-oriented answer; one that shows interest in the business and how that business fits your long-term goals.
As an example, you may say, “Professionally, I am interested in advancing my knowledge of the financial industry. My goal is to be working as a professional financial planner. The experience your company offers will be extremely beneficial.”
Adding to this, it’s also a good idea to show flexibility in your plan, “Although this is my goal, I am open to opportunity and flexible with my plan.”
If your answer shows personal and professional growth, and openness to opportunity, you can’t go wrong.
This question also lends an opportunity to show the potential employer what we know about their company. For example, “Well, I understand that your organization has a case management department that assists client with their benefits. I would like to prove my capabilities, and with time, earn a spot on that team. I am however always open to opportunity.”
Again, ensure your goals are positive; show progression, and openness to new opportunities.
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Number One Mistake People Interview Are Making These Days
Jessica Liebman
I'm the Managing Editor of Business Insider, in charge of all our editorial hiring.
I wrote a post last week about the number one mistake people I interview are making these days: They don't send thank you notes.
If I don't get a thank you note, I assume the person doesn't want the job, is disorganized, and I'll likely forget about them.
The thank you should say a few things:
• Thank you for meeting (or talking) with me.
• I really want this job.
• Quick plug about why I'm perfect for it.
Since my post went up, I've gotten scores of emails asking the same question: Should I send a handwritten or electronic thank you note?
While it varies depending on the industry, I'd strongly suggest going with the email. Here's why:
Dangers of the handwritten thank you:
• There's a delay. I'm a firm believer in following up with a thank you note less than 24 hours after the interview, while you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.
• The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in the mail, the secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes that don't get opened for months.
• It feels old. It's 2012. Sending a handwritten note just feels ancient to me. Especially if you're up for a job in the Internet industry. Be current.
• The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The letter feels more final.
Why the email thank you works:
• You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you are.
• You know it will at least find its way into the interviewer's inbox. Whether they read it or not is a different story.
• If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the note will pop up and remind them that you followed up and really want the job.
• You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as casual or as formal as you decide. Handwritten notes always feel too formal to me.
• The interviewer might write back to you. The email will be open on their computer, and there's a bigger chance they'll respond, or ask you a follow-up question, or continue the conversation.
I'm the Managing Editor of Business Insider, in charge of all our editorial hiring.
I wrote a post last week about the number one mistake people I interview are making these days: They don't send thank you notes.
If I don't get a thank you note, I assume the person doesn't want the job, is disorganized, and I'll likely forget about them.
The thank you should say a few things:
• Thank you for meeting (or talking) with me.
• I really want this job.
• Quick plug about why I'm perfect for it.
Since my post went up, I've gotten scores of emails asking the same question: Should I send a handwritten or electronic thank you note?
While it varies depending on the industry, I'd strongly suggest going with the email. Here's why:
Dangers of the handwritten thank you:
• There's a delay. I'm a firm believer in following up with a thank you note less than 24 hours after the interview, while you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.
• The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in the mail, the secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes that don't get opened for months.
• It feels old. It's 2012. Sending a handwritten note just feels ancient to me. Especially if you're up for a job in the Internet industry. Be current.
• The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The letter feels more final.
Why the email thank you works:
• You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you are.
• You know it will at least find its way into the interviewer's inbox. Whether they read it or not is a different story.
• If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the note will pop up and remind them that you followed up and really want the job.
• You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as casual or as formal as you decide. Handwritten notes always feel too formal to me.
• The interviewer might write back to you. The email will be open on their computer, and there's a bigger chance they'll respond, or ask you a follow-up question, or continue the conversation.
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