MCSD value in Toronto

Hi,
could anyone tell me about MCSD value in Toronto, Canada?
I'm going to get .NET certification (I have VS 6), but I'm not sure wether
it worth?

Thanks.

practic

$8.95 is the current value (RRP), but I've seen it even cheaper
at [random store in Toronto].

"practic" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> Hi,
> could anyone tell me about MCSD value in Toronto, Canada?
> I'm going to get .NET certification (I have VS 6), but I'm not sure wether
> it worth?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Humanity

I live and work in Toronto, and am MCSD certified. My MCSD has helped me get
hired on several occasions. I have also interviewed dozens of programmers
for my employers, and so have some insight on this to share.

All other things being equal, someone who has an MCSD will usually get hired
over someone who does not. Very few developer jobs require someone to have
an MCSD (there are some though), but every little bit helps. There are
several great reasons in favour of getting an MCSD, and no good ones against
it:

* Even for people who have used .NET for years, studying for and attaining a
certification will teach them quite a bit that they didn't know. You will
become a better developer after being certified.
* Being a good developer means you have to keep up with new technologies.
Having a certification demonstrates to a potential employer that you are
willing to keep learning. Employers don't want employees who will let their
skills go out-of-date.
* Sometimes, a certification can be a substitute for professional
experience. In my experience, having an MCSD takes the place of 1-2 years of
work experience. So someone with only 1 year of work experience and an MCSD
will be considered equal to someone with 2-3 years of work experience
without an MCSD.
* For every available job, there are usually several qualified applicants.
How are you going to prove to an employer you are better than the other
qualified people? Believe me, putting the Microsoft Certified logo on your
resume does get noticed.

In short, an MCSD will not land you a job by itself. But in a competitive
market, it will get your foot in the door. The rest is up to you.

Scott Duffy
http://www.mydemos.com/

P.S. My MCSD has helped land me several jobs over the years. But don't
overplay it. Employers aren't hiring a piece of paper, they're hiring you.


"practic" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> Hi,
> could anyone tell me about MCSD value in Toronto, Canada?
> I'm going to get .NET certification (I have VS 6), but I'm not sure wether
> it worth?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Scott Duffy