Five Steps to Becoming a System Administrator
Since nearly every firm now relies heavily on reliable IT operations, experienced computer systems administrators are needed to maintain and manage computer networks. Sysadmins are now seen to be super heroes who keep the firm going, therefore the position is not one for the weak-hearted. Success won’t be far away, though, if you are prepared to begin the journey toward a position as a system administrator.
The five steps to becoming a system administrator are described in this blog. You’ll learn what you need to know, what education and training you should pursue, and how to find employment.
Step 1. First, obtain a bachelor’s degree and develop your technical skills.
You can sigh and declare, “IT higher education is out-of-date!” But it’s not, really. The majority of firms would only consider candidates for a position as a systems administrator if they have a bachelor’s degree in a field of computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering and have three to five years of experience. You will master the fundamentals while pursuing a four-year degree, including different programming languages, the kinds and characteristics of various operating systems and networking services, how to conduct database and systems analysis, what goes into systems architecture, etc. Make sure to look into internship options offered by your school; they will help you develop a solid professional network and make you a more desirable candidate once you graduate.
However, the road to becoming a system administrator also necessitates continuous self-education because technology advances far more quickly than textbooks. Make it a habit to be informed on recent changes in the sector, such as which operating systems and applications are gaining popularity, cutting-edge techniques for powerful hardware and software troubleshooting, potential risks to network security, and many more. There are several ways to learn more, including reading trade journals and academic studies, participating in forums, and speaking with system and network administrators who are really in the field. Trust me, it’s enjoyable!
Step 2. Enroll in additional classes to learn system administration.
To reinforce your credentials and advance your skills, we advise earning IT certifications either while you are still a student or after you graduate. Although these certifications are optional, companies frequently take them into consideration when reviewing your application. Therefore, possessing the necessary credentials not only increases your capacity to design and manage computer systems but also increases your likelihood of landing a job and gives you a competitive edge over other applicants.
There are plenty of excellent choices. We suggest that you take a look at these three popular certifications:
Certification for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Microsoft offers three levels of certification:
· MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) – For total newbies who require a comprehension of fundamental technological principles
· MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) – For people looking for entry-level jobs and possessing core technical knowledge.
· MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) — For knowledgeable IT professionals that need to develop cutting-edge on-premises and cloud-based solutions.
We suggest enrolling in MCSA courses after earning your bachelor’s degree because they concentrate on the most recent business apps, cloud platforms, data management, analytics, mobility (BYOD), and productivity technologies. Although not explicitly geared toward systems administrators, these courses will help you learn the art and science of creating solutions using foundational Microsoft technologies, particularly Windows Server.
You will need to pass two or three tests once the course is over. You’ll also need to pass an additional exam once a year or enroll in additional coursework to demonstrate that you’ve kept up with the latest technology and are continually developing your skill set.
Certification as an LPIC-1 Certified Linux Administrator
The LPIC-1 certification, the first of a multi-level program offered by the Linux Professional Institute, is the perfect choice for you if you want to gauge your level of Linux expertise or are eager to work exclusively with this operating system. Learning how to use the command line for maintenance duties, set up a Linux computer, and establish the basics of networking will prepare you for a career in systems administration.
You must succeed on both tests in order to graduate. For five years, the certification is valid. You must pass the tests once more or earn more advanced certifications before the five-year window closes in order to recertify.
Credentials for CompTIA Server+
A non-profit trade association called CompTIA awards vendor-neutral IT certifications. CompTIA Server+ is a thorough and demanding course. You must have between 18 and 24 months of professional experience with server hardware and software before you can apply for this certification. Candidates who complete the course will have mastered seven fundamental areas: server architecture server administration (managing and maintaining servers), storage (supporting storage devices), security (using physical and network security measures), networking, and server setup and support (configuring systems for network connectivity), disaster recovery (includes backup techniques), and troubleshooting a variety of problems from hardware to security.
You must pass one 90-minute exam to be awarded this certification. There is no expiration date for the certificate.
Other IT certificates are plentiful. For instance, we advise getting the Red Hat Certified System Administrator certification if you wish to work with Red Hat Enterprise Linux settings. See this blog post to find out more about additional qualifications that are valuable in the market and directly affect your pay.
Step 3. Establish solid interpersonal skills
How can a system administrator improve? Interpersonal skills are just as crucial as technical expertise in Linux or Windows environments and the ability to grasp backup procedures.
As the first person to contact when a network issue arises, you should be prepared to operate under pressure and maintain composure. Along with these qualities, you should be well-versed in problem-solving techniques, have sound judgment, and be capable of handling situations swiftly and effectively.
A strong ability to communicate is essential because you will eventually need to make suggestions, state your goals and expectations for the project, and educate employees on how to properly use IT resources and call tracking. A good system administrator is especially good at transferring complex knowledge to non-IT people. A fairy tale can be used to convey a complex or important message more effectively. Let’s imagine that you need to inform an employee about the security implications of using the “Qwerty” password. You might argue that using the password “Qwerty” demonstrates your predictability and boredom. Who likes predictable, uninteresting people? No one. Nobody! Unless you are the target of hackers who can quickly compromise you. When talking to users, be creative!
Step 4: Find work
You should first obtain entry-level experience through internships or part-time employment before seeking full-time positions. To learn how everything you learned in theory actually functions in practice, you can take on junior roles like desktop or tech support helpdesk. The finest instruction is experience in the real world.
Since their duties frequently overlap, you will be prepared to obtain an entry-level career as a system administrator or network administrator once you have put your talents to the test and refined them through fire. Employers frequently want at least three to five years of experience, although you might be able to count your schooling and internships toward this total. Utilize the contacts you have established in the industry; networking is the most effective technique to find employment. Additionally, you can use LinkedIn, Monster, or Indeed to look for employment while focusing on those that fit your qualifications and budget. Make sure to emphasize it in your resume if you have experience with a certain OS or a certification in a particular area.
Consider your options carefully before choosing a well-known brand when deciding between larger firms and smaller organizations. Because small businesses frequently lack funding and staff, you are more likely to gain experience there. You will also be required to manage multiple projects at once, which will force you to develop your automation abilities. You run the risk of having a small area of responsibility and having a less thrilling experience if you choose a large corporation.
Step 5: Continue to update your knowledge
Your journey is not done after you start working and are no longer searching for “How to become a sysadmin” on Google. It’s never over; you have to keep up with the newest technology, which develops very quickly. Consider becoming a member of a professional organization like the League of Professional Systems Administrators (LOPSA), whose mission is to improve the field of systems administration and inform both its members and the general public about its challenges. LOPSA shares useful material in Slack, through their RSS feeds, and through their mailing lists. They also provide online events that offer excellent networking and educational opportunities.
Spiceworks, a vast multinational network for everyone concerned about the future of the IT sector, is another knowledge treasure for system administrators. You should check out the posts there because they provide frank product reviews and some very important instructional material. Additionally, you can look at Microsoft Technet and Reddit. However, Reddit requires you to go through a lot of amusing but unrelated discussions, so avoid using it while working.
Please let us know if you find these systems administration career building steps to be helpful. Also, don’t forget to leave a remark with your own advice!