Next certification?

[Osm3um]

Now that I have passed my VCP, what should I do next?  Cisco?  VCAP?  Update MCSE?  The point being to make my self more marketable.

I have been in IT for 15+ years, have an MCSE 2003, computer forensics cert and VCP (as of Jan. 31, 2011!!!).

Any thougths would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

[AndreTheGiant]

Next certification depends on your needs...

You can upgrade MCSE to new 2008 certification, if you works with Windows Server.

If you work with networking take some Cisco Paths.

But if you work a lot with VMware you can consider to take VCAP DCA or DCD exam (depending if you are more a technical or an architect).

Andre

[firestartah]

Personally I upgraded my MCSE to MCITP 2008 and it hasn't given me anything new whereas upgrading my VCP to version 4 and now looking to obtain my VCAP accreditations has helped me massively ,but as Andre rightly said it all depends on what you do in your daily role and where you plan to grow in your career path.

I've done some postings on my upgrade of my MCSE and the resources i'm using for my VCAP exams if you're interested

http://thesaffageek.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/mcse-upgrade-to-mcitp-server-administrator/

http://thesaffageek.wordpress.com/vcap-dca-dcd/

Good luck which ever path you decide

[mittim12]

As everyone has stated it really depends on your daily role.  If you are more geared toward VMware then the advanced VMware certifications are the way to go.   Server experience always goes hand on hand with a ESX environment so the Windows 2008 upgrade is also applicable in this situation.   

[Osm3um]

Thanks to everyone for your opinions.  Let me restate the question:

If you were hiring someone, regardless of the position in question, which certification would stick out most on the resume?  An MCITP or a CCNA or etc.?  Example being the VCP is rare enough that I think it helps.

Thanks,

Bob

[AndreTheGiant]

This also depends by the company or the position.

The company is a Microsoft partner? MCITP could be interesting (also for the competency in partner program).

The company is a VMware partner? VCAP

And so on...

IMHO, if you want to work in virtualization world, point on VCAP certifications and other infrastructure certification.

Andre

[mittim12]

I still stand by the it depends argument.  If I was hiring someone for a large scale VMware infrastructure then the VCP and VCAP exams mean the most to me.  If it's a small environment where you have to do everything then a combo of VCP, CCNA, etc would look good to me.