I'm graduating with a computer science degree next spring and I haven't completed any internships or gained much experience. Given how tough the job market is, I want to be well-prepared. I've looked into getting an Azure certification but I'm unsure if it's a good investment. I enjoyed my distributed systems class, where we used Java, Quarkus, and Rancher Desktop for building Docker images and Kubernetes pods. However, from my research, it seems like Java isn't super in-demand in the U.S., and Quarkus isn't widely adopted either. I was initially keen on obtaining a .NET certification, but I heard Microsoft has discontinued that. Can an Azure certification serve as a substitute for a .NET and C# cert?
5 Answers
Absolutely, it's rough out there! Anything you can do to boost your qualifications helps. I suggest at least starting with a basic certification, and if you're focusing on Azure, aim for the next level up too.
Congrats on nearing graduation! I definitely think getting Azure certifications is worthwhile. I have the SC-200 and SC-100 certifications, and they've opened a lot of doors for me in the job market.
As a student, you can often get these certifications at a reduced price, especially through Microsoft Learn instead of pricey prep courses. If you’re new to cloud tech, the AZ-900 is great. However, for something more substantial, go for the AZ-104 if you're heading into cloud engineering or architecture.
You might want to start with the AZ-900 to get acquainted with Azure's cloud platform. It's a good entry point and can really help you understand the basics.
What kind of job are you aiming for? Java is still around, but it's not as sought after as other languages today. I recommend aligning your certifications with your career goals. If you're interested in Azure, AWS, or GCP, don't rush into the AZ-900 since it's pretty basic. If you lean towards DevOps, consider the AZ-204 or AZ-400 instead.
AZ-204 might be too advanced initially, as it focuses on specific services.