Progression Costs Money

So I was looking at courses today like an Microsoft Cert or other such useful ones like Cisco or HP. The annoying thing is they cost so damn much! I mean £700 is one of the cheaper ones I’ve seen and others cost in excess of £1K. The other problem is that because I’m currently contracting I’d have to shell out the cash and the claim back against tax; no being paid for here. I really want to do these as they’ll improve my job prospects here and abroad and with hopes of emmigration still intact I can’t help but think I should try and do one at the very least as I can’t solely rely on my degree.

Anyone got thoughts on where I should go first? Down the desktop support route with Microsoft or networking with Cisco & HP? I’m inclined to go Microsoft first as employers in desktop support, which is most likely the jobs I’d go for, would favour that over heavy network stuff like Cisco. I mean they would still be impressed but they’re not related and would probably question why I’d be going for a desktop support role.

Maybe with a bit of luck I’ll get some cash together and get one sorted.