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Hey Guys,

So I just started a new position less than 60 days ago…its a LAN Tech position and my previous position before that was within the Help Desk for 2 yrs… & before that Comcast. So, I feel like Im doing my due diligence here as far as moving up however in my new position within 6mths to a year I want to be out this position, I’ve been looking at some certs (Microsoft DST & Server 2012) so that I can feel stable with my current position and gain some knowledge in something I’m not so familiar with. Any advice on things I can do/certs I can take to make me more valuable. I currently have an ITIL Foundations cert but I dont think my company sees the value in that. I definitely dont want to get an A+ as I feel its redundant and more for entry level. I was thinking about having a meeting with my supervisors manager about the company needs or a direction I can go into and start studying there. I definitely don’t want to be in the “Help Desk” role forever but right now I feel like I’m at a standstill. Any advice would be helpful.

7 Spice ups
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To my mind, Network+ is evidence of at least a working knowledge of client side networking. EVERYTHING is connected, so I don’t think you can go wrong there. I used the Sybex prep book for curriculum in the classes I taught 15+ years ago, if they are still around that’s a good start.

Regards,

Brian in CA

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depends on what you are looking to do down the road. Where do you want to be in 5 years?

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Thanks Brian…I keep hearing I need the Network + ! Maybe its time I just add that to the resume.

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Greg, see that’s where I get stuck…I took up Network Security in school but the program was so broad I really never got to the meat and potatoes to say if I liked it or not. I’m not really into Hardware. I used to want to do Systems Admin but that’s really so many things…ugh you got me there. So now I’m just here stuck in Help Desk kinda roles…trying to figure it out…

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I have to agree with Brian that Net+ would be really beneficial. You might see some redundancy, but it will be good review and you’ll probably encounter some new material as well. I’d also recommend the MCSA.

Have you heard of Pluralsight ? We’re an online professional technology training platform with over 1,300 video courses. We have both Net+ and MCSA training. You can try out a 10-day free trial here . Good luck!

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The certs you mention “Microsoft DST & Server 2012” are pretty specific where as the A+ and Network+ are more general. I wouldn’t discount the A+ as every cert has value and speaks to how well rounded you are.

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It depends on where you want to be. Network+ isn’t a bad cert to get. I guess my question is where do you want to be. If you want to move to a different role in the same company, I say ask someone. Find out what they would like you to have to move. If you are looking at going somewhere else, then start looking at job postings. Find some that you think you would like to do. Look at the requirements. Find similarities, and take those certs.

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Renae,

The Network+ is a great way to show your company and other employers your competency so I think it would be beneficial to pursue as a possibility. That is awesome you are interested in Server 2012 and want to expand your knowledge and I think discussing future opportunities with your boss is a great idea. This could you give you some direction on areas/technologies to focus on. I also agree with Matthew5502 that it all depends on what interests you the most and where you would like to see your career move in the future.

If you are considering training for any new certs/technology, check CBT Nuggets out! We have a huge library of online-training videos including Network+ and training for all of the Windows Server 2012 exams. (70-410 through 70-417) You can sign up for our 7-day free trial to see if our training style is something you would be interested in. If you have any questions, let me know and keep us updated with what direction you head. Take care.

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