Advice needed on pursuing DR/BCP career

[dfinnell]

I’m a Data Center supervisor with over 30 years of IT experience. I grew up in this industry and have always had an interest in DR/BCP. My company doesn’t have a position for DR/BCP, but the responsibilities are split between the IT director for DR, and the business side for BCP. The director acts mostly as a coordinator between the DR teams and our hot-site vendor. He has no certifications, just his many years of IT experience. I expressed to him my interest of wanting to learn more about DR and offered my services as needed. I had hoped to act as his “assistant”, shadowing him and learning by observation. Initially, he accepted and we had several conversations regarding my interest and our mutual expectations. Long story made short – I’ve been pushed to the side and he can’t understand “what purpose I would serve” despite repeated conversations. I decided I must use my own initiative and not depend on him if this is what I want to pursue.
I’ve joined several groups, read DR/BCP blogs and forums, read industry publications, white papers, and view webinars. My ultimate goal is to receive certification(s) in DR/BCP while staying with my current employer. I hope to assume more DR responsibilities over time as I prove myself through initiative. I cannot afford the out-of-pocket expense of an off-site week-long course and test. My manager is very supportive and will approve the expense of online courses taken one or two at a time.
Can you please provide some guidance? Any input is appreciated.

[JohnGlenn]

First, DR is not BC. It is a component of BC.
It //seems// by your post that your intent is to stay on the data center side of the door.
Given that there are several things you can do.
One - Become familiar with ITIL.
Two - Get certified by an IT security organization (CISSP, etc.)
Three - If you insist on getting a DR cert, go for DRII's or BCI's IT-only cert. For IT, the security cert has greater value - just look at the DR job postings on the major boards.
I do _not_ know of any on-line courses for either DRII or BCI IT-only certs; I would _think_ your more than 30 years IT experience would be sufficient. You might, however, want to check the DRII/DRJ Glossary to get familiar with the buzz words and acronyms du jour.
For what it's worth, if you intend to stay on the IT side of the data center door with your current employer (and non-certified boss) I don't think I would bother with a DR cert. Besides, you post suggests your employer won't pony up for the cert (-related) fees. Best advice: Check the requirements on the job boards for DR jobs and see what is desired.
Finally, if you DO have a desire for real BC, then (a) read everything available at http://www.drii.org and (b) subscribe to DRJ's magazine. That will get you started.
Either way, good luck.