If you want to pursue a career in IT, there are a number of different places where you can start. If you’ve already created a roadmap for your journey from beginner to successful tech, feel free to focus on vendor-specific credentials, such as Microsoft or Cisco. If you want to become an IT generalist (or what we at Stratosphere Networks call a “Swiss army knife”), you might want to consider the following certifications.
CompTIA
Getting a CompTIA certification under your belt is a great starting point. CompTIA has created an independent certification track that is vendor agnostic and allows you to grow your skills in different pillars of technologies as described on their certification page.
Cisco Certified Entry Level Tech and Cisco Certified Network Associate
If you gravitate toward infrastructure or security, working to become a CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Level Tech) or CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is definitely a good decision.
VMware Certified Professional and Microsoft Technology Associate
If you want to focus on applications, cloud computing, or servers, working to become a VCP (VMware Certified Professional) or MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) is the right way to start.
Apple Certified Mac Technician/AppleCare Technician
One certification that often gets overlooked is Apple Certified Mac Technician or AppleCare Technician Training. Any kind of Apple training is valuable and rare. If you want to stand out, definitely get some exposure to these certifications.
Keep a Look Out for Growth Opportunities
One you have landed a position, keep your eye on opportunities to continue learning. After you gain some exposure to technology and find what you are naturally good at, keep adding to your skill set.
For instance, if you are infrastructure focused, then adding more advanced routing and switching certifications from Cisco should prove extremely beneficial. On the other hand, if you’re concentrating on security, there are some Cisco security certifications you can obtain.
Those who decide to focus on virtualization or applications will want to look into Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MSCE) or VMware engineering expert certifications.
On the other hand, some techs prefer the business and consulting sides of IT. Gaining exposure to certifications that prove your expertise in more business-driven areas such as regulatory compliance (i.e., HIPAA) or security has become popular. Additionally, we encourage Project Management Professional (PMP) certification for people who love overseeing resources and action items and simply steering the ship when it comes to projects.
At Stratosphere Networks, we provide outsourced IT services and solutions for businesses across all industries. Consequently, all of the certifications mentioned here are crucial to serve as the foundation for excellent IT support. If you’d like to learn more about IT certifications, our team of expert techs, and/or the services and solutions we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com.
