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MCSE Frequently Asked Questions What are the options for a person who wants to get into the IT field? A
lot of people are getting in to IT industry because of high wages
without considering all of the options.
Programming attracts them because it is something most of us
heard a lot about. But some find that they are getting bored and loose
interest after a little while. In the computer software industry,
there are three main areas in which people can pursue a career:
networking, software development (programming) and database
management. Programming
– the oldest, the most familiar and therefore the most wide spread
field within the IT industry, Usually work is done on the projects
which are similar to each other. That is why the person, thinking of
becoming a programmer, should feel comfortable doing fairly monotonous
work. Only about 20% of all projects are in development of new
software, while the rest is more involved with maintenance and
modifications of already existing software. DBA
– A job that is somewhat similar to programming. You are responsible
for the properly functioning database, data integrity, security, and
for creation and addition of new tables and other elements. I can’t
judge which is more interesting: DBA or Programming. Networking
– the newest (only about 11 years old) and the fastest growing field
within the IT industry. You are responsible for installation,
configuration and administration of computer networks. This profession
is probably the most interesting of all, but it demands the highest
level of knowledge from the IT professional. What does networking professional do in his job? Networking specialists are paid to monitor the entire networking systems; it’s security, hardware, and users. They install application software, configure the system to ensure that programs are running smoothly, and fix any hardware or software problems that may arise with either the PC's (workstations) or the main computer (server). Through training and experience they acquire a competency to work with one or more of the following operating systems used to network computers: Microsoft NT, Novell NetWare or UNIX. Professional certifications such as MCSE and CNE are available for those individuals who want to specialize in one or more of the networking operating systems What is MCSE? Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, you have probably heard the term MCSE used more than once. What is this MCSE and how do you eat it? Is it a new computer language or a new type of a high performance car, or maybe it is a new curse – MCSE on you? Well, let me try to explain. The MCSE is an acronym for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. It is just one of a few certifications that are available through Microsoft authorized programs. It is the most successful of all certification programs in the world, and MCSE is rapidly becoming the standard for employment of networking professionals within the IT industry. Consider this fact, there are now approximately 60,000 MCSEs in the U.S. (and nearly 185,000 worldwide), up from 35,000 worldwide in a fall of 1997. As for the MCSE certification, it is designed for network professionals who plan, configure, maintain and support information systems using Microsoft products such as Windows NT, Windows 98 or now Windows 2000. Why MCSE and not something else? Once you decide that you want to become a network specialist, then a reasonable question arises, why align yourself with Microsoft and not Novell or Unix? Well, ideally as you gain experience you should strive to learn all of them, but I think that MCSE is probably the best place to start if you are interested in networking field. Windows NT outsells both Novell and Unix combined. Another important factor is that once you become MCP – Microsoft Certified Professional (for this you have to pass your first exam) you can officially use Microsoft logo and there is a large number of perks for a Microsoft Professional. How much do MCSEs make? According to Microsoft's fourth Annual Salary Survey,
the average salary of MCSE in the U.S. was $65,100 with
benefits-and-bonus package totaling a hefty $11,676. In contrast, the
average 1999 base salary for an MCP was significantly
lower—$52,800—with benefits and expected bonuses totaling another
$7,093. This survey does not include network consultants salaries,
which skew the number up dramatically. Obviously, the biggest factor
affecting salary is the number of years of actual IT experience. The important thing to note is
that the starting salary for any of the three IT fields is almost
identical. Whether one pursues a career in networking, software
development or database management, the average starting salary is
between $37,000 and $47,000. However, with as little as one year of
working experience, salaries can increase by as much as 50 percent. What
is involved in becoming MCSE? Until this year you had to pass
six industry specific exams. These exams tested your skills and
knowledge not only of concepts but also of fine details. That would
get you MCSE in the NT 4.0 track. But things are never static in
networking field. In February of this year Microsoft introduced a new
operating system – Windows 2000, otherwise known as WIN2K. And this
changed everything. Well, not quite, it just made becoming MCSE a bit
more difficult. As if 6 exams weren’t enough, now you have to pass 7
if you want to be an MCSE in Win2K track. Until the end of year 2000
you have an option, which core exams you write. If you are certified
in NT 4.0 core exams you can upgrade to Win2K core by just passing one
exam. You still have to pass 7 exams but you will have certifications
in NT 4.0 and Win2K tracks. I think that it is a great opportunity for
new network administrators as it might be easier to get a good job if
you can show that you know more than one operating system. Is this for me? Who
should become a MCSE? Do I have what it takes? Will I like it? Let me warn you, this is not for
everybody. The profession involves a lot of dealing with public. You
constantly have to learn emerging technologies. You must be able and
willing to study on your own. Average professional in the field has
well above average intelligence. You have to like working with both,
your hands and brain. Very seldom in your daily activities you will
encounter routine. Obviously that depends on the position. Some are
more routine then others. Women are welcome to this field, as there is
no heavy lifting. The program is very intensive and requires a lot of
commitment from the student. . Home | About ACT | Admissions | Programs |