Angela Margot

Don-
Did you send in the form they give you with the certificate? You had to mail it in separate. If you never heard back from them I'd contact Sun directly, they should be able to help out.

It took about 4 weeks from the time I sent in my request for the logo. They sent me email with a link, login, and password for it.
Go to: https://suned.sun.com/APPS/US/SESWEB?processor=event&caller=question
You can send in a question and they will respond. Explain your situation to them, they've been really responsive to questions I've had in the past.
Good luck!

Congrats on your pass! I used the Manning book, but like you was surprised the taglib questions.

I love the snow too, I love snow skiing! BUT I'm in the MD area and this storm was AWFUL!!! True we need snow and rain for the drought -- but it would be nicer in moderation.
I spent the weekend trying to save my finished basement. After the big rain storm on top of the snow (we had about 30"), then the warmer temps, everything melted in a VERY big way and I ended up with about an inch of water throughout my basement. The ground is so completely saturated that the water had no place to go -- but up into basements (my basement hasn't leaked before). The carpet is hopeless, we had to order all new carpet, we're hoping that after the deductible that we end up with something to help with this mess.

They tell you how many answers to choose...it isn't left up to you to decide (thank goodness)

I'm in the "older worker" sector too, 40 with 15+ years of experience. Experienced, degreed, certified, and fortunately employed. My experience has been that I have to work harder than some folks do - and it's not because of education or experience.
I've been busting my tail on certifications to give me an edge over my equally (and some less equally) educated and experienced peers. As each year goes by I become more aware - younger and younger people are hired. I already put in a ton of effort to be technically sharp, and I just wonder how much more I'll be putting in during the next decade...

One more thing, thanks to this wonderful site and all of the ranchers. I've done more reading than posting - but the questions that are brought up by other folks did spark other questions.
This is a terrific site for working towards certs!

Although I'm not overly pleased with my score, I am still certified. I used the Manning book and exams, and the on-line exams on this site. I'd been clearing 90+ on the mock exams, so was a bit surprised at my score. Some of the questions took me by surprise -- but I'm done with this one!

I don't know about Canada specifically, but typically a PhD in the US works in academia. So probably applying at a university might help. Or he might look into the research departments of private companies.

One thing not mentioned - you really have to enjoy this field to get into it. Having the talent isn't enough, you have to enjoy the IT work since it requires significant effort to get into, and continual effort to stay on the cutting edge.
Go into a field you can enjoy, then go with it!

I don't know if having an MS gets anyone a job easier (I have one in CS). But it helps in compensation negotiations.
As for which specific MS you pursue, think about what makes you happy. When I was working on my MS I found grad school courses much more applicable than the theory in undergraduate education. So it comes down to if you want to focus on the technical aspects of the program or have an interest in business.
My guess is if you are interested in the business side, you probably also have management aspirations. Not everyone is interested in pursuing that track, it's a personal decision.
Good luck in your studies!

First, congrats on the degrees. I have an MS in CS, and a BS in Math (minor CS). I've also got my MCSD and SCJP - and hoping to get my SCWCD within the next few weeks.
Don't ever discount your degree. When you get employed in the field, that could make the difference in what you are paid.
The reason I got certs is because I wanted to show my employer that I am interested in continuing my education. Unless you go into academia you a PhD is really not something that gets you much, so certs were my way.
If you have free time and the interest, then go for the certs. It's nicer to have an employer who might possibly pay for them.
I don't know what type of experience you have, but experience seems to be a pretty important part of getting that initial job. Yeah, how can you get experience if you can't get a job? How can you get a job without experience? The degree could give you the edge here...
Good luck!

Go skating! Go snow skiing! Especially snow skiing.
When I take a day to go to the slopes my mind completely escapes from everything else. It's me on the mountain, concentrating only on the wind, the snow, and where I am going.
After a day of that I can go back to work and relationships and feel like I've a month off!
Too bad - I've got a sprained wrist right now and am missing some great skiing conditions!

Certifications affect everyone differently. I have years of experience, my BS in Math, and an MS in CS.
I'm also certified - and the reason I do it is not strictly monetary, it is because it shows that I am interested in personal development. That factor has an impact in my company.
Also, there are instances in which a contract we get demands that the developers on it are certified in XYZ... and then it becomes necessary.

That's the same question I was trying to get answered. I guess the Hanning book and question pool is sufficient...