Hi guys, I'm 19 years old currently pursuing a major in computer science, right now I'm in community college soon to transfer to George Mason University. The point is I feel as if I'm wasting my time working in fast food, I've been working at Mcdonalds for over a year. I would like to get experience in more tech and computer related things so I want to ask if it would be worth my wile to get any certification? A friend majoring in Electrical Engineering told me about the CompTIA certifications and how you would need certifications like those to work in places like the Best Buy geek squad or something like that. Not many employers come to our campus looking for interns.
I've done pretty basic things like build my own gaming PC and I know some Java.
A lot of entry level IT jobs require (or heavily suggest) a basic certification in the area in which you will be working. A+, Net+, CCNA etc. It shows that you have the basic knowledge to do the job. For someone with no industry experience, it can help get your foot in the door. Without a cert, you really have no way of showing you have the knowledge necessary for the job. So it's a good idea if you want to work in IT.
As far as Geek Squad goes, unless things have changed since I work there (it's been a few years), the only in store position that requires any certifications is DCI (supervisor). So for just a standard CIA (the guys on the floor or on the counter), you don't need any certs to work there... though, again, having one (A+ would be most useful for that type of work) may help you to stand out from other applicants by showing you have the basic knowledge to do the job.
A+ is easy, mostly just study a lot then take a test. Helped a few people study for that. Good way to get your feet wet, and if you pick things up fast only really takes a month or two too study for. No work experiance is wasted time as it shows your are willing to work.
I know Lenovo requires you to have an A+ Certification in order to work on any of their products. Whereas Dell does not require you to have an A+ Certification. I would recommend getting at least an A+ certification in order to get a basic entry level position anywhere. Put some time and effort into getting the certification and you will have your foot in the door of getting an IT job. Just plan for the future and look into getting more certifications, depending on what you want to get into. The market out there is tough right now, so having more expertise in different areas may end up getting you a good job or even a career.
Pretty much just like me. Im 19 except I just quit my job at Mcdonalds, and I take up Computer Information Systems. However, I already have my A+ certification. My new short term goal is the CCNP. I would recommend getting a specialized cert if you plan to work in IT. Go for Networking, Security, Voice, Databases, Servers or anything besides just staying at desktop support or help desk level. It's important to decide what you want to get into right now.
Dan is a college computer instructor with a really friendly laid back style. He specializes in teaching Cisco Academy courses on CCNA and CCNA Security. He also has 800-ish videos covering a lot of other computer related topics as well.
If your looking for Linux qualifications, this guy is a professional IT Instructor and has been adding instructional videos to his Youtube channel since 2009. Currently there are over 500 videos available starting with introductory training with the LPI (Linux Professional Institute) Linux essentials moving through to more technically challenging how-tos on iSCSI and Virtualization.
Honestly, just go get a help desk job. It'll give you "IT" experience and will give you experience translating what the non tech savvy people say to what they mean.
