How to Become a System Administrator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a systems administrator? This in-demand profession requires a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills, as well as a solid educational background.

In this article, we’ll see how to become a systems administrator and popular FAQs on this topic.

1. Get the Right Education

To start your journey to becoming a systems administrator, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT.

This will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles and theories behind computer systems and networks. If you’re already working in IT, you may be able to advance your career with relevant certifications, but a degree is still preferred by many employers.

2. Gain Technical Skills

Once you have a basic understanding of how computer systems and networks function, you’ll need to focus on acquiring technical skills.

Some of the most important technical skills for systems administrators include:

• Mentoring and leadership
• Scrum training
• Technical skills (such as knowledge of specific operating systems, network protocols, and programming languages)
• Agile training
• Conflict resolution

3. Develop Soft and Interpersonal Skills

In addition to technical skills, you’ll need to develop your soft and interpersonal skills to work as a systems administrator.

Most companies prefer professionals with good communication skills, problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and leadership skills. Make sure to practice and improve these skills regularly.

4. Consider Online Courses and Bootcamps

One of the best ways to learn sysadmin skills and gain expertise is to join online courses and bootcamps that offer practical and relevant training in computer science and information technology.

These programs can help you gain hands-on experience in specific areas, such as cybersecurity or cloud management.

5. Consider an Official Microsoft Certification

You can also get an official Microsoft certification, such as the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer/Expert (MCSD & MCSE) certifications.

These certifications can help you gain specialization in networking, security management, cloud management, and databases.

6. Connect with Others in the Industry

Networking is a crucial step to becoming a systems administrator. Building solid professional connections can help you move ahead in your career at an early stage.

Join professional organizations, attend conferences and events, and connect with other professionals on social media platforms.

7. Ask for Someone to Mentor You

If you’re confused about taking the first step to becoming a systems administrator, reach out to your seniors or industry professionals to mentor you.

They can provide guidance and advice based on their experience.

8. Look for Entry-level IT Jobs

Getting into an entry-level IT job is the first step in your career to becoming a system administrator. It provides you with hands-on experience working with computer systems, and it is the perfect opportunity to showcase your technical and interpersonal skills.

These jobs include computer support specialists, IT support analysts, and network administrators. You can work on these positions for 3-5 years to gain experience, and you can transition into a system administrator role.

Do Systems Administrators Need a Degree?

Yes, it is necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT to become a system administrator. Sysadmins are qualified IT professionals with a background in software development or engineering.

The degree equips you with the technical and critical thinking skills necessary for this job.

What Exactly Does a Systems Administrator Do?

A systems administrator is responsible for the smooth functioning of computer systems where multiple servers are involved. They ensure that hardware and software run efficiently, and they also ensure that data is stored securely.

A systems administrator’s key responsibilities are installing and maintaining servers, resolving service outages, configuring hardware and software, and ensuring secure network communication.

Career Outlook for Systems Administration

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer administrator jobs are expected to grow by 3% by 2030.

This means that there will be an estimated 23,000 new systems administrator job opportunities in the U.S. every year by 2030.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Does System Administration Require Coding?

While system administration does not necessarily require coding, it is beneficial to learn to code as a sysadmin. Sysadmins might have to code at times to help software engineers or developers.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Systems Administrator?

It generally takes 3-5 years to become a systems administrator in an organization provided you have the right skills and relevant education.

Is Sysadmin a Stressful Job?

Sysadmin jobs can be stressful because they are entrusted with a lot of responsibility. They have to ensure the smooth functioning of the network at all times, and they have to meet tight deadlines. However, with the right skills, experience, and expertise, this job can be very rewarding.

Are Systems Administrators in Demand?

Yes, there is a high demand for experienced system administrators in the market. The system administrator job is the 9th best job in technology and the 19th best job in the STEM field according to the U.S. News Report ranking.

Can a Systems Administrator Work From Home?

Yes, a systems administrator can work from home and remotely manage the network of an organization. They can install, configure, and customize software programs on the network while at home.

While understanding ‘how to become a system administrator‘ could be easy, the mere process of becoming one is challenging as it requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. With the right education, technical skills, soft skills, experience, and certifications, you can make a successful career as a systems administrator. Don’t forget to network with other professionals in the field, and always stay updated with the latest technologies to remain competitive.

Myths of ‘How to become a system administrator’ – General Misconceptions

While becoming a systems administrator can be a rewarding career path, there are a few myths about the job that are false. Here are some common misconceptions that people have about becoming a systems administrator:

1. You need to know how to code While having a basic understanding of coding can be helpful, it is not a requirement for becoming a systems administrator. The job is more focused on maintaining computer systems and networks rather than writing code.
2. You need a master’s degree While having an advanced degree can certainly help you stand out in the job market, it is not a requirement for becoming a systems administrator. Many people in this field have only a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
3. The job is all about technical skills While technical skills are certainly important for a systems administrator, the job also requires strong soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Being able to work well with others and communicate effectively is crucial for success in this field.
4. The job is easy Becoming a systems administrator requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. The job can be stressful and challenging at times, and it requires a high level of responsibility to ensure the smooth functioning of computer systems and networks.

By understanding these common myths about becoming a systems administrator, you can make a more informed decision about whether this career path is right for you. With the right education, technical skills, and soft skills, you can become a successful systems administrator and make a valuable contribution to any organization.