Bah

Waste of time and money.

Waste of time and money.

Trust me, operator, sorry - certified master, configuration courses in 70's and 80's did cost the same (I have some certificates from that time - useless today, systems change all the time) BUT he difference was, they were paid by companies which needed good operators. So, the price is not so bad, if the company needs a person to have that training they should pay it! Or - they really don't need it, so?

And, the architecture / system / design education(!) courses - more useful knowledge, especially in overseas for 3-4 weeks did cost much, much more! They were brutal but funny, food, drinks, whatever available 24h/day but so was the education (usually excellent teachers and systems available 24/h day!) and work. Easily 12-14h classes and the rest of the day to do whatever had to be done, read, fix, redesign, plan, write, etc for next day. So - what are the kids complaining? Well - I know some people who couldn't take it, just dropped off! Some software / hardware vendors still have those but mostly for their own internal personnel.

Now - of course, to save money, some companies required you to work at the same time because mostly these courses were in real computer centers so they got two things with one cost. Try to make system conversions, integrations, new development and planning at the same time you are already using 18+h/day for something new - after 3-4 weeks you are ready to.. An advice, don't ask anyone coming back from there "was it fun?" - you may get more than you wish - fortunately (for someone!) we were too tired to chase our manager more than one floor!

So - $18,500 + living costs is not much but, IMHO, if any company requires it they also should pay. And why - because it is product training, not education, a huge difference! A short term installment - education is beneficial for life, training a short time and then you have to do it again.

It looks like Microsoft running on loss. If so much better they participate Lotteries. I don't have this much money to give Microsoft for three weeks training. If I pass that will they give a job that will pay like this?