IT Certifications Bound

"Earning a certificate or degree, or both, after high school opens the door to countless economic opportunities". -Doug Ducey

Blog Question of the Day: Which is important: Degree or Certification?

It has been proven time again through argumentative debates that IT Certifications are crucial in this field. When I first started out studying Computer Information Systems/Computer Science, I didn't know about industry related certifications. It wasn't until I paid attention to my course books and realized that the content of the materials were coming from industry related certifications. My teachers were not advocating certifications. At that time, people were more concerned about obtaining a degree and becoming gainfully employed. Career related concerns relating to employee's skill set and job descriptions have changed due to the business demands in order to meet leadership's expectations. In this day in age, a lot of colleges and universities are changing their curriculum to meet industry related skill set as well as certification expectations. The purpose of IT Certifications is to test your knowledge and becoming a subject matter expert. When you have a degree and career related certifications, then you become a valuable asset in your profession. I am starting to see the validity for having both a degree and certifications in my career.

My journey to IT is no secret. Like most college graduates, including myself, people make career changes. I was fortunate to complete a second Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems. I personally thought that I would be ready and have the ideal salary like most college students. WRONG! As an African-American woman, the challenge would begin. I had to do a lot of research regarding my career as well as finding mentors that would assist in my journey. I was fortunate to participate in an internship that taught me the true essence of obtaining IT Certifications. My first exposure of IT Certifications came from an internship I did in 2006 with TechCorps Georgia and learning about CompTia A+ certification. While I was learning about the mechanism of a computer, I learned about valuable knowledge and the importance of obtaining an IT Certification. It is true that work experience is needed when pursing IT Certifications. Anybody can have the book knowledge but it's more of the practical of how things actually work and how you would resolve certain issues. Everyone has a different way of troubleshooting. One person may have 20 steps while another person has 3 steps. It's about working smarter and not harder when it comes to troubleshooting.

A few companies that I used to work for were picky on which individual were going to be selected to take certification courses. From that point on, I've learned not to depend on an organization that will provide continuing education regarding my career path. More than likely the person who will be managing you, are the ones that are envious of you because you are more knowledgeable than them. There is a thing called being professionally jealous. I have encountered more jealously and hate from my peers and leadership because I was more proactive regarding my career and did not want to be set up for career failure. I have realized that I must rely on myself verses leadership in order to reach my career goals.

Employees typically write their career goals to their managers and request that they are gainfully certified or obtaining a degree. During the holidays, employees will seek out to computer based training sites and purchase the latest and greatest books and training in order to become certificated for half the cost. From my experience, the fourth quarter is the best time to make realistic goals to obtaining certifications. People should not remain stuck in their career and assuming that your skills will remain the same. Technology is constantly changing and always having a higher demand from consumers that are needing the services.

I have had managers to lack the proper guidance in my career path. They were not able to advise on which certifications are important for my career. I decided to take the road less traveled and consult with my mentors in the industry and begin to map out my career path. I started participating in certifications in 2010 after I've completed my Master's Degree. I have been on the certification path for 7 years and still going. I had to set realistic goals in order to obtain the certifications. The bulk of my preparation have been self-study. However, the past few certifications I had to rely on some study groups. However, I have learned that I do well if I just study on my own and removing all distractions. You have to sacrifice certain things in life in order to reach the ultimate goals in your career certifications.

Here is my timeline of my IT Certification Journey:

• CompTia A+ Certification 2010-2011: First Attempt, Two Part Exam, Two Months Preparation - Passed
• CompTia Network+ Certification 2011: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Failed Exam
• CompTia Network+ Certification 2012: Second Attempt, One Month Preparation - Passed
• CompTia Security+ Certification 2013: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Passed
• ITIL Certification 2013: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Passed
• CCENT 2013: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Failed
• CCENT 2015: Second Attempt, Four Months Preparation - Passed
• CCNA Route and Switch 2015: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Passed
• CCDA 2015: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Failed
• CCDA 2015: Second Attempt, One Month Preparation - Passed
• CCNA Security 2016: First Attempt, One Month Preparation - Failed
• SolarWinds 2016: First Attempt, One Week Preparation - Passed
• CISSP 2017: First Attempt, 1 Year Preparation (On and Off) - Failed
• Future Certifications in 2018 - Ongoing

The exams that I have failed, I have made attempts to passing them the second time around. A few reasons why I was able to pass the certifications the second and even third time around were due to mentoring sessions and accountability partners. If you don't have people to push you in your career, you will never fulfill your potential and becoming a subject matter expect.

There are a few people that deserve some recognition regarding my career path:

• To the people that introduced me to a computer and gaming devices. Because of them, I can't stay away from technology because it is always following me and I can't put them down!
• Dr. Lynda Louis, CIS Teacher at Xavier University of Louisiana: For seeking another direction regarding my career and pursing Computer Information Systems.
• Mrs. Jacqueline Story, Biology Teacher: For pushing me in 2005 to taking computer classes and making the most sound decision in my career.
• Barranett Farquharson Jr, Networking Mentor: For mentoring me in the area of Network Security and becoming a Network Security Engineer.
• Demetria Billbew and Shaye Dunn, Accountability Coaches: For holding me accountable while I'm pursing my certifications and making sure that I reach my full potential in my professional goals. They realize that I am the smart one out of the equation, therefore being The Walking Computer Brain!
• You: The reason why I say YOU is simple: Because YOU give me inspiration to voice my concerns and driving me to reach my full potential in taking over the IT World! Because of you, I have realized all of your concerns and will address them on my platform.

In the words of Kurtis Blow, "If I Ruled The World"!

If you want to follow me on LinkedIn or Twitter, feel free to ask me questions regarding How to get into Information Technology or Careers in Information Technology, please visit: www.dhirubhai.net/in/ambercwilliamson and Twitter: DriVenNumber13

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