I am New to all this

I have done lots of programming but in academic research constraints (Mostly
scientific computations) I used C, C++, and Java. Now that I am sick of
academia I want to join industry but it seems I need to prove myself by
getting some certifications. I never used .net. My questions are:

1- Do you recommend Microsoft Certifications to secure a good Job?
2- Is MCAD good enough?
3- What timeframe I should be looking at to study and finish the MCAD
certifiction?
4- What preparation resources do you recommend?

Thank you in advance

 

Sam: my answers inline:

If you are very experienced in Java, I would recommend the Sun Certified
Java Developer certification.
The Microsoft certifications do not test you on your knowledge of the
languages, but rather how those languages interface or relate to the .NET
Framework. If you have never worked on .NET, then you will have a lot of
work cut out for you.

Almost any certification will get you an interview, but you will have to
shine at the interview to get the job. Is the MCAD good enough to get the
interview? Yes.
Good enough to get the job? Definitely not, especially if you have never
used .NET. The rare exception being the company that needs another certified
professional to obtain or retain a Certified Partner status.

I have over 25 years experience in IT (including five years teaching
college), and I average between 100 and 200 hours of study for each exam -
about two months each. Your mileage may vary.

See some of my other posts for my study techniques. Obviously you should go
to the Preparation Guide on the Microsoft website, and follow the links there.

 

Sam,

Welcome to the industry! As you'll soon find out, there are many misconceptions
about certifications; one of them being that you'll get a job by having them.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from earning certifications, because they do have
their worth, just make sure you're earning them for the right reasons.

Here are a couple articles written by some good friends of mine that may help
you on your path to certification.

Certifications Alone do not Make the Pro by Mitch D. Garvis, MCT
http://www.certguard.com/Certifications-Alone-Do-Not-Make-the-Pro.asp

Why Certify? by Michael D. Alligood
http://www.certguard.com/Why-Certify.asp

Seven Steps to Certification Success by Michael D. Alligood
http://www.certguard.com/Seven-Steps-to-Certification-Success.asp

We have other Articles that may also interest you on this page
http://www.certguard.com/Articles.asp and we have many resources dedicated to
keeping individuals away from the illegal study materials on the internet.


Good Luck on your Certifications!!