While I am not working (still on the hunt for a new job); I’m taking the time to go to a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003 Security+ Training Boot Camp.
I have my MCP for 2000 and my Network+ but I never finished and got my MCSE. So I have deiced to use a boot camp to finish up. Plus it makes the resume look prettier. After that I am going to come home and knock out Cisco CCNA with the home study video kit I have had.
Now some are against boot camps because they are designed for only getting you to pass the 7 tests and get your MCSE. Without experience, you become a “Paper MCSE”. But I am not someone looking for a career change that has never seen a server. I have 10 years of hands on experience administrating windows NT, 2000, and 2003 servers and I went to college for 2 years for Network Engineering and Database Administration (but the college did not push the tests for certification) so I feel that this is just a chance to brush up and get the certification to prove my experience and worth as a real MCSE. And it is becoming apparent that I need that on my resume to get an interview. Things have changed and job descriptions are now making MCSE a minimum requirement instead of a desired one. CCNA /CCNP as well along with a 4 year degree, which I don’t have either.
Its going to be an intense two weeks of long days and even though the school boosts a 95% success rate I know for a fact talking to former attendees that is only the 4 out of 5 that stay till the end and pass with an MCSE.. Not including the 25 the class started with but dropped out. Which is more like a 10% success rate.
So we will see if I can hack it and if I can make it. I have to thank my father for picking up the tab (he says I am spending my inheritance early).
The camp is in Miami. Here is the link for the interested. The Academy
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