MCSD or MCSE?

[Dr_Evil]

I was just curious if there are any MCSD or MCSE's who post on these boards? I am thinking of getting a certification and just wanted to know what anyone who has done this thought. Is it really valuable? or would I be better off with a CCNA? Also if you had any suggestions on what I should do to better prepeare for the exams. Any good study/prep guides?

[Shark]

Dr. Evil, I am pusuing my MCSD right now. MCSE is for network admin people. If you are a programmer, MCSD is the way to go. Besides, MCSE is flooded on the Market compare to MCSD.

I don't know if MCSD really helps now a day. 5 years ago it would have made a big difference.

I think MBA is something you should look into because it will never expire or loose values. On the other hand, certifications becomes nothing more than a piece of paper after 10 years.

MCSD, like Shark am currently doing it, is for vb development work and gives you an edge over people without it. MCSE is currently more recognised, but is to do with the OS.

At least in oz, MBAs aren't worth the paper they are written on. Every University in the country are now offering them, including Universities without Management Schools. Have a mate currently doing one at Macquarie and he turned in an easy about Marx in answer to a management theory question and scored a B. With user pays and unis needing to raise money they see this as a gold mine.

With the increasing demand on vb skills, and the increasing number of guys able to code in it, an MCSD is going to increase in worth. However.....you need to upgrade it with each release of vb.

[Dr_Evil]

I am familiar with each of the certifications and which area each represents. I'm more interested in the actual value of it. Is it worth the time and money invested just to have the piece of paper? I realize that these certifications take time, money and effort to get. The other thing is I would like to know about is any good reference materials aside from the Microsoft Press books. These are included with the classes I was considering taking. I have a BS in computer science from Ohio University and 2 years networking experience behind me. Over the last 6 months I have been using VB and VC++ on a daily basis and have gained increased interest in application development. I guess I'm looking to hear from some people who have pursued this and which cert. will be better for the long run.... Thanks in advance for any help.

[Shark]

Where do you live Dr. Evil? I guessed it depends where you live too. MBA is much more prestige in America compare to certifications. That is in the long run.

TesticleMole=have you passed any of your exams yet? Are they hard? I am preparing for mine.

[Dr_Evil]

I'm working in Pittsburgh, PA at the moment but I've been considering a move to Columbus, OH.

[Shark]

Doc Evil,

If you are looking to make quick money and alot, go for the MCSD. If you are looking for long term stability, go for the MBA. I am starting my Kaplan course this September.

What is your opinion between the two MBA and MCSD?

Depends on what you want to do. MBA is not geared towards IT industry, though would probably help if you want to move into management. MCSD is geared directly to IT.

So MBAs are still great guns in USA. Do you want some of ours, it would shorten our doll queues and get rid of the dicks in HR. Seems every second manager over here is doing an MBA, and then trying to apply it to the work place. Probably wouldn't be a bad thing, if they carried through with it rather than having a rush of blood for the first couple of weeks.

Nothing so sad as a company which has implemented Management by Objectives, and then forgets about the objectives, claims the meetings are too expensive, and leaves their employees in limbo.