What IT certification is most valuable without job experience?

Question

I'm trying to change vocations towards IT. I'm learning JAVA, SQL, and other things, but I have no job experience or formal education (other than a math Ph.D.)

I know that certifications only go so far, but I was curious which certifications might be the most valuable for a first IT job?

To clarify my question:

Oracle certification + Zero Oracle experience = 0% chance of Oracle DBA job.

Perhaps, though:

[foobar certification] + Zero IT job experience = nonzero chance of entry IT job?

Please give specific suggestions of certifications that you would consider relevant towards an entry-level IT job.

Answer 1

Relevent volunteer work, especially where that work can be validated by someone a potential employer is willing to trust.

Other then that play around with servers & networking and blog about your experiences in detail (perhaps writing little how-to's) and a good potential employer will consider those.

Having a public record of your skill is, in general, a good thing, which is why so many of the Open Source developers do well as their acheivments are public, for sysadmins it's harder, but if you've an open source bent, you can still assist the community, either how-to's like I mentioend above, or other documentation, or more locally, help out at a conference or user event.

Answer 2

Most entry level IT jobs are either going to be low-man on a development team if you're into programming, or a tech position if you're into systems administration. At a point they begin to overlap, but not in an entry level position. So I'd say figure out your entry point.

Mine was as a tech, and I worked my way up the totem pole very quickly to where I'm the one ultimately responsible for software deployment, OS distribution, GP/AD, patch deployment/integration, our SQL Server and many more jobs for a large network (600+ computers).

If this is where you want to start, I'd say get a couple vendor neutral certifications, the entry CompTIA ones like Net+ and Server+ are easy to get and show an employer that you're not totally clueless. These can be had with a weekend of studying if you're already familiar with basic networking concepts. They don't have a ton of value beyond that, but at a first interview it's good to know someone has a basic grasp.

Also, someone mentioned MCSE. This is a very good choice, it is a long path but very worth it. It isn't called MCSE anymore, it's changed to something like Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator. MCITP: Server Administrator is good as well, it's the younger brother of Enterprise Administrator.

Answer 3

Microsoft's MCTS certifications can be a good start - they show understanding of their technology platforms. The CompTIA certifications - A+, Network+, etc. - can also be good for entry-level positions.

Answer 4

The CCNA form cisco and MCSE for microsoft certifications are a plus when seeking a first job, by the way having some linux/unix skills is always a good point as having knowledge of a scripting language.

Answer 5

in my experience no one certification without job had no value, but in your situation math PhD is greatest for job, but not for entry-level

for java, right way is cert java developer: http://www.sun.com/training/certification/java/index.xml

Answer 6

In my opinion, for a first timer in a sysadmin role, being able to demonstrate aptitude, interest, and an ability to not crack when smoke is coming out of the servers would be rated higher than any cert or qualification. A cert is good for showing that you're able to stick to an objective and reach it though, and can provide a useful grounding in the "by the book" way of doing things (which is not always the same as in the real world).

Answer 7

If you're interested/enjoying SQL then I would say focus on an SQL exam.

11 years ago I got an MCP in SQL Server 6.5 (but also 2 years' experience working in tech support and my degree is CS). It was the only exam I did but it definitely opened doors to get interviews for slightly better positions because it seemed to set me apart from other candidates (with similar, junior experience). From what I saw/speaking to others most would start by studying for an "easier" certificate (back then I think it was Win95 or NT O/S).

Come the interview you still have to impress and the interviewer is going to ask how you studied since you won't have the work experience (employers are more impressed if you've done it off your own back too), so this comes back to what others have said - play around with servers, build your own test platform or write some apps.

Answer 8

Certs are a mixed bag. I have a coworker that is MCSE certified, but did him no good while searching for a job - in fact, he landed his current position because he has 20+ years experience, not because of the certification he has. I also know there are jobs out there that are "paper-based" and absolutely require certifications to just be considered for the position. So I guess the real answer is, how "corporate" will your job be? If you're aiming for a large shop, which includes many major corporations, certs will be an asset to you as they are often trying to standardize on their workforce skills, and having an outside source to verify those skills is seen in a positive light. If you're looking for a much smaller shop, they see certs as a "plus" on your resume, but they're more concerned about practical skill and "getting the job done".

Answer 9

Go to Wall Street - junior associates with a math PhD make $100k-$500k and then its up from there depending on developing specific deep expertise and social skills. Two years of suckage then $$$ and challenging problems where you actually use your maths daily.

Answer 10

+1 For Maxwell's suggestion of the CCNA.

I would add that CCNA and MCSE are good certifications for resume keywords alone.

Answer 11

Dude, does IT Security interest you? All that math-based cryptography?

Go for a security certification, probably doesn't matter which one if you have a PhD in Math. CISSP and you'll be set.

Cheers