Certification Advice

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Hi All

Just looking for a bit of advice as I am at a bit of a cross roads.
Got a BSc (Hons) Networking degree, 3 years back and am in my second IT role atm, doing mainly 2nd line general IT work. but I am a lone wolf looking after 3 offices with all our main IT Infrastructure in the capital thus my expose to the nitty & gritty of IT stuff somewhat limited.
Also done CCNA all the way upto the exam, but yet to take the exam.
Really wanted to go down the server route and system admin route but Microsoft has changed so much now they have went more role defined certs.
Now with WFH for the next 6 months or so I am still thinking that I can blast through the Server 2106 MCSA:
70-410 Aug/Sept
70-411 Oct/Nov
70-412 Dec/Jan
Then maybe move onto the Azure fundamentals.
Maybe I am bored and just need more as I feel that I am not stimulated on a day to day level and this role is not what I got into IT for, although it is well paid for what I do.
Even looked at Comptia Network +, just fell I have so much more to offer.
And just hit that roadblock of where to go next and need a boot up the rear I guess.
rant over

@Mark-Quinn,

I recommend you seize the moment and complete your CCNA before knowledge disappears in the rear view mirror. This is always a great certification to achieve but the details and skillset is perishable. So take some time to do so

If you're looking to gain another job position. Then you're probably good in setting future goals to a point. As you're seeing the industry is continually in flux. You may need to adjust course.

The currently trend is steering alway from the monolithic certifications like Server 2000, 2k3, 2016, and 2019 etc and more towards "role" based certifications.

So I would say that would probably be a better directed effort for your future...unless... you've got your eye on a post that is dedicated and needs the 2016 MCSA etc.

Read on social media or even talk to others in your professional circle on is happening that is future trending for them.

For example. In the networking arena, routers and switches seem almost not talked about anymore and the buzz is : "Python"..."network programmability"..."software defined networking--SD-WAN, SD-ACCESS." oy! So these are pretty much where the industry is heading...so if I want to stay in the field...these are my future studies.

@Ronnie-Wong Hi Ronnie,

Many thanks for the getting back, certainly a few things to think about.

Kind Regards

Mark