By Philip Yiga | July 9, 2018

Today, most workplaces rely on computer systems and this implies that without computers and networks, workers would be unable to communicate or even complete basic tasks. So, this where systems-administrators come in since they help to keep a modern workplace going-on by simply maintaining and managing computers and computer networks. However becoming a systems administrator is not easy because it requires specialized training and a wide skill-set. So, below are some of the detailed steps that will guide you through becoming a certified systems-administrator.

 

How to Build Your Skills And Credentials:

1. Determine whether this field is right for you: A computer systems administrator’s biggest job is usually to keep an organization’s lines of communication open but they may also have to fix major hardware or software malfunctions on certain days and none of this is easy. On the other hand, although systems-administrators work hard, they are actually paid well. However, you will need to do some research before committing to a career in systems administration.

 

2. Go for a bachelor’s degree in either information-technology or computer-science: Although it’s at-times possible to work as systems-administrator with some previous experience or a professional certificate, most employers tend to prefer people with a bachelor’s degree in this field. In fact, doing a bachelor’s degree in this field will help to familiarize you with things like programming, network-security, operating-systems, database-analysis, systems-analysis and systems-design. Additionally, some college programs will include a chance to do an internship which a great opportunity for you to acquire on-the-job experience and industry skills while still studying.

 

3. Consider going for further vocational training: In-order to increase on your credentials and job-opportunities, consider going for further education after a 4-year degree. In fact, further education can be achieved from companies like; Cisco, Microsoft and Red Hat which offer vendor certification programs in things like programming, servers, applications and databases. Although such certifications are voluntary, most hiring managers in the industry consider them to be a medium or high priority when making hiring decisions.

 

4. Try becoming familiar with various operating systems: As systems-administrator, you should knowledge on different major computer operating-systems like Windows, Linux, Android, iOS and others because this will make you capable of making updates, install-patches, do data-backups, manage-hardware, monitor-software and even monitor system-performance within any type of operating-system. So, try as much as you can to familiarize with a range of operating-systems particularly the most popular on the market because this will make you flexible and on demand.

 

5. Develop some communication skills: Although communication is an underrated part of being a systems administrator, you will have to work with others and this implies that you will need to be able to express your expectations, propose ideas and even offer solutions to peers and management. So, try talking in front of a mirror for about 15-to-20 minutes daily if you are serious about improving your communication skills.

 

How to Find a Job As A Systems Administrator:

1. Acquire entry-level experience in Information Technology: you should try to build up a background in the industry before or while in training. For example, working in desktop-support or tech-support-helpdesk are some of the best common first jobs for people in systems administration. On the other hand, you may consider going for internship because it will help you gain some practical experience on top of your academic training hence making you more hirable by companies.

 

2. Search and apply for systems-administrator jobs: Most candidates who have finished a training program or degree in technology tend to find that there are a good number of entry-level positions in systems-administration. However, employers often look for at least 3-to-5 years of experience but you may actually include education and internships towards this number in-order to acquire the job. Additionally, always be on a lookout for job-openings by checking on websites like LinkedIn or Monster. Likewise, if you’re already working at an IT-firm then consider spreading your interest in the field so that you can be invited to apply if an internal position opens-up.

 

3. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies: Professional systems administrators often use their knowledge about the latest advancements or changes in technology to solve certain problems. So, you will need stay current in the field so that you don’t become outdated. This can be achieved through reading reviews in computer-magazines, following professional online discussion forums and staying in touch with other professional peers.