Dear CareerBabe:

I am trying to break into the Network Engineering industry. I am taking courses to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. There are companies out there who want people like me, who are either certified or on their way. I however have no college degree. I am really good in this area, have over two years experience, and am exceptionally well in other surrounding areas. How do I get these people to start noticing me?

Dear No Degree:

I am happy you are getting technical courses under your belt because that may compensate a bit for the disadvantage you are at with no degree.

I would suggest the following routes to generate leads for yourself:

1. Go to user groups and find other folks with similar interests.
2. Start talking about your "heart's desire" all the time.
3. Make sure you have great grades and references.
4. Ask your teachers and advisors for leads.
5. Your program must have a "career center" or lists of possible jobs.

But, for some really GREAT information, go to Infoseek, and type in this search: "Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers". You will find 859 related sites and people to connect with! As my contact at Microsoft says, "It really is that simple. check out: http://www.microsoft.com/usa/.

For the other questions: http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/.

Best of luck! Let us know if you get any leads from your follow-up. I'll bet you do -- and in short order!