I hope to be changing jobs going into next year. Headhunters are starting to contact me again and I’m seeing new opportunities open up. I am looking to acquire a cert or two.
For the longest time no one seemed to care from my point of view but that seems to be changing too. My only active one is a vintage A+.
6 years in a help desk job where I’m a tad over qualified has burned me out. There isn’t anywhere to advance. Since my sister department is facing cuts, I have to figure my area is due a trim. To be honest, there is some bloat that I’m amazed that’s held on.
Early next year has me at officially 6 years where I’m at. I figure some longevity would be in my favor.
Longevity used to mean something. Doesn’t seem to hold the sway that it once did. Six years seems lengthy in the current environment and should look nice on your resume.
Specific expertise seems to be on the same trajectory - the market now seems to prefer “generalists” who can quickly can change roles from network admin to sys admin to break/fix guy to whatever else.
This phenomenon puts a premium on an ability to acquire knowledge and expertise on the fly, rapid adaptability, no fear of the learning curve, etc.
At least in my little slice of the world, the emphasis upon certifications seems to be in decline, When interviewing candidates, I’ve started to look for;
1) Ability to communicate - written and in person
2) Ability to make and defend decisions
3) Ability to acquire new knowledge/not intimidated by the learning curve
4) Ability to work effectively with “episodically” irate customers and teammates (my attempt at diplomacy)
None of these criteria are related to specific technologies.
I guess it boils down to - “can I/we live with you for eight to ten hours a day”. The specific technology can be taught to a properly motivated individual but we can’t teach them how to be a decent person/decent teammate upon whom the team will rely.
Despite these observations, the market is rapidly improving as evidenced by various job boards at which I’ll occasionally glance. Seems like a fine time to plan for a move or entry into the work force.
Good luck.