I think both experience and certifications can be equally important depending on your individual circumstances – one compliments the other. Although experience will get the job nine out of ten times (so y’all with experience don’t really have a lot to worry about), the certs will get those of us that have limited experience an interview.

I went to one of those 8 month classes and now have my MCSE, CNA, and A+ certifications, but very little experience. I built the computer I’m on right now, I’m running NT, and networked my other computer to this one. After months of looking and numerous interviews, I recently secured a job as a Network Technician.

I don’t act like I know everything or thumb my nose at guys without certs. They are some of the people I go to for answers after I try to figure it out for myself. I remember what they tell me and use that information if a similar problem comes up again. It’s just anything else in the sense that what a person gets out of something depends on what they put into it. It all comes down to a person’s attitude, determination, and willingness to learn.

I wouldn’t want to be around an arrogant MCSE no more than I would want to be around an arrogant non-MCSE tech. Certifications can measure one’s experience, but are also an excellent way for new comers to break into the IT field. What do you think my chances would have been at getting a job in the IT field with very little experience and no certifications?