Has anyone here done the MOS things before? Are they worth doing, does anyone care if you have it on your CV or not?
I'm getting more and more into Excel and VBA but i'm not really "learning" by browsing forums and robbing bits of formula/code. I really want to start getting into Access too but i'm finding the learning curve rather steep (it's not at all what i'm used to).
I've looked at getting proper training and certificates before but I've been put off as i'm unsure if you actually learn how to use the programs or just learn how to pass the exams
Comments
1) They can encourage you to learn something new
2) When you put them on your CV, recruiters pick them up via word-search.
So if you want to get into something *new* that you might not really do a lot of in your current role, get a cert, or pass an exam, and at least it is there!
Check out http://edx.org too. It is free, but if you want the certificate, it is $99. Could well be worth doing though.
As for "when am I ready?" You'll never be ready. It works in reverse, you become ready by doing it. - pmbomb
I'm just of the opinion that I rather enjoy my job, as stressful as it is, and I feel it's something I could get better at and continue doing for some years. I've no plans to leave my job (again) but i'd like to have some security.
Mebbe.
They don't have to be a money pit at all. My AWS courses cost less than £100 from memory (it was a special offer) and that is lifetime access to continually udpated content. The exams are about £200 each, but any company should pay for either the training, and/or the exams. If not, it is a tiny investment to make in yourself. Pluralsight covers loads, and is $299/year for a personal licence. I've used mine for 103 hours over the past twelve months, so that is pretty good value.
The worst is probably VMware. You can pass the exam, but not get the qualification because you have not attended the right course (which is expensvie). But, if you upgrade every two years and don't let it lapse, you don't need to pay for the course again...
But enjoyment is the key. Just tell yourself that you are doing it to increase your knowledge and skills, not as a be-all-and-end-all, and you might enjoy it more. Look at it as a challenge rather than a chore. That is my view anyway!
As for "when am I ready?" You'll never be ready. It works in reverse, you become ready by doing it. - pmbomb