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Hi

So, I’ve been in support for 10 years, Having gained a diploma in IT support in 2001.

I’ve been working for various companies solidly during this time, in a variety of roles, All IT related .

Currently, I would see myself as Desktop Support Specialist, but would also be involved in System Admin work, I.e. I work on everything in IT, phone setups, PC setups, Re-imaging, Server setup, AD shares and Users, Printers, Service desk calls, Inventory management, Backups etc.

(networking would be my blind spot…)

I’d like to get some up to date qualifications, as I haven’t really done any study in 10 years.

So I’m looking for advice. Shortly, I’ll be 38, and am wondering if its ok to be a desktop support specialist forever :)? I love the work, and feel that I know this environment the best.So is it best to gain a qualification in this area?

I was thinking about the MCSA: Windows 8 cert. for starters. Is this a good enough cert to get??

Or should I dive in for the MCSA: Solutions associate.

Or, long-term, should I be studying for a cert in IT Management (Does such a course exist??), as I feel this would be an area of interest, and could lead to further opportunity later.

As all-ways,any advice appreciated.

5 Spice ups
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Comptia Network+ would be my recommendation.

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If your end goal is management study business, accounting, marketing, and other areas of how a business works rather then IT Management. Some of my greatest successes have come from being able to talk to people in other areas of the company and speak their language.

On the cert side look at some of the companies you want to work for and the requirements they post for the admin jobs that appeal to you. Set yourself up to be qualified and get past the HR screeners.

Finally, play. Build a home lab, pick a technology that interests you and work with it. Get comfortable to the point you can converse about what you learned. Do that in the interviews.

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Sounds like you already have most of the roles of a SysAdmin covered. Net+ or CCNA would be your next best step I think.

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I think CCNA, 2012 MCSA and perhaps a visualization one such as the VCP would be good to add for you. Wouldn’t bother with the Win8 one anyway.

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Your end goal is what matters most. If you feel that you are fine and happy where you are, then MCSA: Win 8 would be fine for you. If you want to learn more, add Net+, maybe Sec+. Do you plan on staying in help desk? If so, then you want to learn a little of everything you can.

If you want management, then you already know how IT applies to the business overall. You need to learn about accounting and finance. Money is probably the most commonly understood language at management level.

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Thanks everyone for your input.

can any one recommend a “IT management” course online or distance learning. i think this would be a handy one to have on your CV, should a position ever arise in the future.

ill look into the Visualization cert also the mcsa also.