Networking Diploma or MCSE Certification?

[KBtrade]

I posted in off topic first with no response.

I am 42 years old and want to make a career change into Networking. I have been self-employed the last 6 years daytrading, but I am now burnt out from it. Computers have been my passion the last 8 years. I build my own machines and have wired my home for my network, 6 computers running Windows 2000 Professional. I can't decide what would be the better education path to pursue.

The Chubb Institute has a 5-month full time Network Diploma Program, $14,000 for 480 classroom hours and 24 credits. (Chubb seems very professional and a well run organization to me.)

My local Community College has a Networking Prep course and MCSE certification course that also runs about 5-months, $5,000 for about 370 classroom hours and 0 credits.

Any input would be appreciated as I feel totally confused at this point.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Techwhore]

I think u should just get a copy of 2k server or AS and get hands on exp in your own home. You have 6 machiens! That's enough to accomplish anything that you might encounter while taking the MCPs so long as you run Server or AS and implement AD.

There are a ton of books out there that'll explain to you how to prepare for the exam and/or full functionality of the OS. I personally use Exam Cram, but they just teach you what's on the test. There's a lot that isn't in the Exam Cram books but u'll get certified nonetheless. They also expect a good knowledge base of 2k and working knowledge of networking, i'm sure u've got that though.

 

[KBtrade]

Techwhore, I feel like i'm still a novice at Networking. I want an education in networking and get some substance with it, I just don't want to learn the answers to the tests and have a paper certificate saying I have MCSE.

 

[Techwhore]

Well, unless you can effectively replicate the extent of a "real world" forest (AD), your MCSE will be considered just a paper cert.

That being said, and your last comment about feeling like you're a novice when it comes to networking, i'll suggest the chubb program. I'm sure that they'll teach you all the aspects of networking.

BTW, have u looked into the Cisco certs instead? Just as valued, some will argue more valued.

 

[konichiwa]

<< I want an education in networking and get some substance with it, I just don't want to learn the answers to the tests and have a paper certificate saying I have MCSE. >>

Then you need to practice, practice, practice on whatever systems you have available to you. Screw them up, fix them, think of what users may do to screw them up, do that, and then fix them. An MCSE is ONLY a piece of paper...I have met MCSEs who are clueless, and I have met people who don't have a single cert or degree and they are some of the smartest people when it comes to networking.

...To add to that, I have also met MCSEs who are very, very knowledgable. So don't assume that all MCSEs are paper MCSEs.

 

[KBtrade]

Thanks for the replies I am leaning toward Chubb as their program is more broad and includes Windows 2000, Windows NT, Cisco &amp; Novell.

Courses include:
Networking Hardware Fundamentals
Network Operating Systems
Network Workstation/Server
Large Enterprise Networking

 

[Ender78]

KBTrade,

I am now finishing a three year Telecom Diploma at a Canadian college. If you have $5000 or so to spend, spend it on two good Cisco classes from a reputable training center. From what I gather about your personal experience, the courses you may end up taking may be too basic. Picking up a good MSCE study guide or a good book on AD (Active Directory) may serve you better.

There are a lot of good books out there that can introduce you to networking (I can send you an extensive list of books that I have used in my classes). I would also recommend dropping in on one of the classes (sit in on one lecture to see what level the courses are being taught on).

Novell training is a good into to Active Directory but there are few jobs working with Netware due to the fact that it is being replaced by Windows NT.

What type of job are you looking to get after finishing the program? The Chubb Institute's programm appears to be the better of the two.