What IT certifications do you think are the most beneficial for transitioning military's success: CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, or VMware certs?

2016-09-13T13:34:27-04:00

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 13 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-09-13T13:50:21-04:00

If you want to stay in government, CompTIA is the way to go. In the corporate world, CCNA, MSCE, is a good way to go. Project management certifications with a focus on technology are also important.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Sep 13 at 2016 1:51 PM

2016-09-13T13:51:53-04:00

SPC Jacob Livovich ,
Great thought provoking question to the community. SGT Private RallyPoint Member , would you be able to provide this gentleman some insight with regards to what best serves the industry, or is deemed as advantageous?

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Sep 13 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-09-13T14:02:26-04:00

Depends on what you want to do and what you're good at. For example, in the Air Force if you want to get into Cyber Protection Teams, Sec+ won't do you any good (aside from the training and knowledge you might derive from it). They want GSEC for their IAT Level 2 Cert.

Can you be more specific? What do you intend to do, where (i.e. with the government, military, private sector?), and what is your background?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 2:39 PM

2016-09-13T14:39:34-04:00

It depends on when you get them. Technology changes so quickly, staying on top of it is almost impossible. My Sec+ was outdated almost by the time the ink dried on the paperwork. I've been out of the IT stuff for 3 years, and imagine what I learned when I got my CCNA would be as applicable as being a carburetor specialist in a dealership garage. Keep them updated so they're at least a year out from expiring when you ETS or retire. Current certs are far better than expired ones just out of cost savings to a new employer.

Response by PO1 Charles Fletcher made Sep 13 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-09-13T15:05:53-04:00

Cisco or CISSP, but only with matching experience. I'd always take a new hire with relevant experience and a couple certs over someone with 5+ certs. Cert hounds typically are motivated professionally, but are typically subpar in job performance and actual knowledge.

Response by SPC Jacob Livovich made Sep 13 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-09-13T15:50:53-04:00

Thanks guys, all of this has been very helpful, not only for myself, but for the military folks reaching out to me for guidence.

I was recently recruited for the Federal and Defense IT Program at StormWind Studios.
Right now I'm trying to determine what technologies we should focus on, to provide and ensure fellow veterans will have success post military!

As a recently transitioned veteran myself, I have my CCNA and a few CompTIA certs, also testing for my ITIL October 1st. I've decided though after this forum, that I'm also going to jump on StormWinds CCNP Cert program through their GI Bill program.

So far we are seeing a lot of demand for Cisco, Microsoft, Certified Ethical Hacking, and CompTIA classes on the Federal and Defense side of things and its great to get real time feedback from fellow brothers and sisters. Its pretty unique what they are doing at StormWind for the DOD and other military areas...wish I would have known about their training when I was still in the service.

Thank you again for all the feedback!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 4:08 PM

2016-09-13T16:08:10-04:00

None if you don't have the experience to back it up and can demonstrate your abilities. Nothing is worse than having a CISSP and going into an interview "Explain symmetrical and asymmetrical encryption" "Durrrr".

But aim for the certs least taken like ITIL, Six Sigma, PMP, CASP.... If you are technically sound (and have your resume built in STAR) the manager certs will make you shine

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Sep 13 at 2016 4:50 PM

2016-09-13T16:50:58-04:00

This is a broad question. All I can say is that you need to determine your career path in IT. Are you looking to go Systems, Network, Storage, ETC?

I went the Networking route, so CompTIA, Cisco, ETC were my best choice. If you're looking to go systems, Microsoft, Linux and even VMWare will benefit you.

You need to ask yourself those questions first.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 13 at 2016 5:10 PM

2016-09-13T17:10:57-04:00

They at least need to know Windows

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Sep 13 at 2016 9:18 PM

2016-09-13T21:18:32-04:00

Go to your installation digital training center (or nearest installation that has one), ask to speak to the IT Contractor Lead for Warfighter III simulations, ask that person the same question and what would it take for you to hire me. You'll get the answer your looking for, and maybe a job.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2016 9:32 AM

2016-09-14T09:32:27-04:00

Depends on where you want to work and at what level.
If you apply for a helpdesk job, CompTIA.
Tier II service desk: associate level certs (CCNA, etc)
Tier III Engineering: Professional level (CCNP, etc)
Management: BA/BS, MA/MS, CISSP, PMP as well as appropriate technical background

Whatever you get though, only put it on your resume if you are prepared to do the job. I did PMP but you can be sure that after running a PMO that I never want to do that again in a formal fashion.

Personally, I wish there were more non-vendor certifications out there. I feel like I am a perpetual member of the Cisco club.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2016 1:33 AM

2016-09-26T01:33:01-04:00

I would take a look at the market in your area. Take a look at the requirements for job postings and start there. I would say A+ is essential for foot in the door however it isn't the only factor in who hires you. Your resume speaks volumes, often much louder than your certifications. I cannot express this enough as my certifications are now only a footnote in my career and are not even looked at. Do some research into what key areas a lot of the job postings are looking for and obtain those skills, showcase your resume so that it accurately explains your expertise in a format employers want to hear. Lastly if an opportunity knocks jump at it.

It's not about the cert's it's about how you showcase your abilities. I have seen people showcase it without certs pulling down well over 6 figures. And people who showcase poorly pulling minimum wage. Your resume is the most important certificate you can ever write.