Opinions from those offering them

[moodswingz]

I'd like some opinions on a matter. Does anyone consider the Linux+ cert as a generic cert? What I mean is, if you have the Linux+ cert, do you think an employer would consider you for a Red Het Linux job or a Suse Linux job, etc... My job is offering training and I'm trying to decide how to go. We use AIX and I have experience using AIX, SCO UNIX, and Red Hat 7.3. I like the UNIX/Linux platform and I want to continue to grow but I'm undecided right now. I'd like to know everyone's thoughts on this. Thanks.

[apoorv_khurasia]

First of all since this thread is likely to go murky I would suggest the mods to move it to coffee lounge or somewhere even "better".

And now for the answer: If I am an employer I would not care for these certs. I would just interview the candidates, check them for any criminal records and keep them on a close watch for some initial period. Thats the way most cos operate today (and not only software cos).

[carlosponti]

Red hat has thier own certification but linux+ would be a more generalized certification for you to get. If your employer is offering take them up on it.

[fingal]

I think the certificates would be very useful, but qualifications are only the beginning. Employers like certs. but *love* experience and a proven track record. I learned that from personal experience. It's sometimes easy to forget how hard you worked for something.

Had rather a depressing experience the other day. I was coming home from a conference in a taxi and the driver said, 'I have a degree in psychology but after I got my degree I tore it up'. He spent 3 years getting that, and couldn't find a job in psychology so he became a taxi driver. He's very happy though.

I've met a lot of people like that: too many in fact.

[zba78]

... 'I have a degree in psychology but after I got my degree I tore it up'. He spent 3 years getting that, and couldn't find a job in psychology so he became a taxi driver. He's very happy though.

I've met a lot of people like that: too many in fact.

I'm another one. Degree in a subject (graduated on 2000) for which I've never been able to get a job in. I've worked in other fields ever since.

Can't complain though. All's well

[d38dm8nw81k1ng]

that's basically why i don't want to go to university. i'll waste £50k getting a degree and never get a job in that field.

[kern]

University was the best time of my life, it didn't come anywhere close to 50k, and my degree will let me get a head start in any field I choose, regardless of whether its relevant to the job.

[fingal]

University was the best time of my life, it didn't come anywhere close to 50k, and my degree will let me get a head start in any field I choose, regardless of whether its relevant to the job.

I wouldn't disagree with you there kern. I'm working in the field I studied in, and I also had the best time of my life at university. It wasn't all wine and roses though, and a degree can help but ...

Where I work nearly everyone has a degree or a post graduate qualification: so although my toes are on the ladder there are plenty of other toes on there as well (What a dreadful metaphor!) I was very shocked when I thought that someone could put in all that work then destroy their certificate.

When I first moved to this city, I obeyed my instincts and went looking for new friends. If I told you how many alcoholic graduates I met lingering in the pub you just wouldn't believe me. So I think it depends on 'knowing what you want'. Some people just do any old degree because it seemed like a good idea at the time ... but if you do one that plays to your strengths - something you do well - then it should work out.

[kc8qni]

As stated somewhere above, If you don't have experience the more paper you get can only "help" you. I say that in quotes becuase also stated above, it doesn't always turn out the way you want it. I am currently enrolled in a junior college about 20 miles from my house, and putting out 6K/year max towards 3-2 year degrees. I am not enrolled in a program to transfer to a 4 year because I dont believe that "theory" will help me so much as the practical experience. I have only found 1job remotely related to what I am studying (keep in mind im only 19). I do get a lot of cheep $100 or less jobs though, so I'm not too worried about money.....until next semester ><

[benjamin20]

a lot of people coming out of collage expect to go into a job makeing tons of money, however they forget that unlike the 40 year old peope in your field that told you they make six figures, you do have something to prove.