Microsoft Certifications Question

[<213>>_Longhorn]

HI,

I have reading about the Microsoft Certifications on this forum, and I haven’t seen the answer to my question. My situation is that I have for the past 5 years worked as a forecast analyst, and over the last 2 years I have been creating stuff in MS Access with VB. I don’t have my college degree yet, I go part time usually taking 2 class a semester in Computer Science, mainly C++. I have all of my major computer science classes done, just taking electives like history, English, etc. to finish out my degree. If I wanted to get a job as a programmer, which is difficult to do without a degree, will a MCAD help me get one? Will I be able to pass them without having the “2 years experience”? Please keep in mind, I just love programming and do it in my free time, so studying for these exams won’t be a problem nor will it seem like work to me.

Thanks,

David

[Hack]

Welcome to the forums.

Having a Microsoft Certification certainly is not going to hurt, so I would say go for it.

As far as the 2 years experience, the importance weight placed on this varies with each company. It really depends on what they are looking for at the time you are job hunting. I have never let the "Required Experience" stipulation on a job posting stop me from applying.

In terms of your college degree, again, that depends on the company. All companies say they require a college degree. Some actually do...others put that on the job posting, but don't really care all that much if you are qualified for the position to which you are applying. Many, if they know you are in the process of getting your degree, will take you on without it, but stipulate that within X amount of time they expect you to have it.

Basically, if you think you can do a job that you see an ad for, submit a resume. All they can do is say no, and you won't be any worse off. In fact, you can benefit just from the interview process.

[<213>>_Longhorn]

Thanks for the welcome and the input.

I think I will go for it because at the very least it will sharpen my skills. I think I will start adapting the “Require Experience” not mean anything to me. I would love to get into programming as my job.

Plus I read somewere that the Certification would make you more money and that could never hurt.