[Actionable Tips]: How to Become A System Administrator!

The Systems Administrator or the SysAdmin’s presence is a must in any of the firm irrespective of its size, domain, or the business. They are the one who can ‘squeeze in’ to any of the firms with all rights to touch the system of anyone.
 

Traditionally, the role of System Administrator is to manage the in-house computer software systems, servers, storage devices, and, the network connections. SysAdmin is mainly involved in ensuring the resources, uptime, performance, and security of the systems managed to meet the user"s needs.  

The workplaces today invariably possess the computer systems. Without a network or the system, the tasks are bound to get paralyzed. Needless to say, system administrator[s], the most wanted person keeps the workplace maintained with managed systems and the networks.
 

In addition to this, he also participates in planning and implementation of the policies and procedures that ensures the provisioning and maintaining the systems in consistency with the goals of the firm, best practices in the industry, and the regulatory requirements.
 

Before we plunge into the topic, how to become a systems administrator, let us understand the work profile and eligibility to fill the role in brief.
 

A few of the major roles played by the SysAdmin are mentioned below.
 

Strategy and Planning:
 

Participate and support for the long-term strategic goals required for the system and software in reference to the department and the end-users.
 

Managing Operations:
 

The most significant operations managed by a SysAdmin are mentioned below.
 

• Physical and virtual server management
• Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange management
• Server and Workstation patch up
• Server infrastructure security assurance
• Follow industry’s best practices on privacy and security
• Setup environment and maintain documentation
• Manage accounts, permissions, and rights of the end user
• Backups and storage on routine basis with regular testing
• Anticipate, identify, troubleshoot, and mitigate issues
• Escalate the incidents to the next authority as the situation demands
• Recommend, schedule and perform upgrades and reconfigurations
• Manage the vendors, contractors, and, the outsourcers
• Physical environment management
• Create and manage new servers on the network
• Maintain server component inventory and other documentation
• Deploy server asset management  
• Report for malicious/suspicious attack immediately
• Bring stored sensitive information authority’s notice
• Disable any of the unnecessary services on the servers
• Maintain security and regulatory compliance
• Able to designate the secondary administrator
   

OBJECTIVES of SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR:
 

The main objective is to meet the corporate objectives by implementing server and desktop systems in coordination with the business application, network engineering, and database administrative functions. And sysadmin must deploy the servers, scanners, printers, firewalls, appliance security system, and, the workstations.  
 

Related opportunities:
 

In a small firm, the related work profiles could be shared or handled by a single person, whereas in a big firm, each specific role has a specific person on the roll. They include network administrator, web administrator, security administrator, database administrator or the system operator.  
 

To become a System Administrator, the individual must have the following educational qualification and/or the work experience.
 

Educational Qualification/Work Experience:
 

A bachelor’s degree in computer science/information technology or an equivalent work experience is preferred. 3-5 years of experience in the technical field is highly appreciable.
 

You must have a strong documentation skills, ability to resolve critical issues within the stipulated time, possess analytical and organizational skills.
 

Familiarity with MS SQL server, domain controller setup, NAS and SAN storage, Windows clustering, group policies, and, etc, is an additional advantage. In the wake of cloud computing, it is recommended to have a working knowledge of automation software, cloud infrastructure, source control, cloud network services and, etc.
 

BEST SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATIONS:

It is recommended to have a professional certification voluntarily. A few of the recommended certifications are:
 

CompTIA Server+:

The certification enhances your knowledge and skills on the select topics like the operating system, networking, server hardware, security, disaster recovery, virtualization, and troubleshooting.
 

Microsoft MCSA and MCSE:

Windows Server: This certification enables the individual to address the Windows Server both at the server and enterprise levels.
 

Red Hat Certified Engineer:

It is one of the most in-demand certifications preferred by the employers. The credential qualifies the participant for varied job roles namely UNIX/Linux administrator, Systems/Systems infrastructure engineer, and the IT analyst.  
 

Oracle Linux System Administrator:

The certification enables the participant to get well-versed in Linux containers, control groups, dynamic tracing, the configuration of network and security, and, etc.
 

Linux Professional Institute Certifications [LPIC]:

It is one of the well-known and widely recognized certification and helps you to handle Linux server workloads.
 

IBM Certified System Administrator:

This certification helps you to learn Connections, Lotus Notes, Sametime, Informix, IBMi and, etc.
 

VCP-DCV [VMware]:

Vmware is the most popular credential accepted by almost all of the employers across the globe. It is easy to land up in your dream job with this credential.
 

Apart from these, there are other certifications also. They are ServiceNow Certified System Administrator adept at managing ServiceNow systems; NetApp Certified Data Administrator to manage NetApp data storage controllers; HP ASE-HP-UX 11i v3 Administrator V1 to manage HP-UX servers, and, so forth.
 

With any of these certifications along with the required graduation program, it is suggested to find the desired job.
 

• It is recommended to seek an entry-level experience as the tech support/desktop support or an internship.
• Create the best resume highlighting the special skills and target the jobs that match your earned skills carefully.
• It is recommended to prepare a resume in such a way that you can serve efficiently with the company’s demands.
• It is recommended to be updated with the latest skills in the discipline to give yourself a competitive edge.
   

Yet another best way to stay updated is to join a professional association. There are associations like League of Professional System Administrator [LOPSA], National Association of System Administrators [NASA], and others. The associated members get access to continuing education, attend career enhancement programs, create an opportunity for networking, and, etc.
 

Closing thoughts:
 

Apart from the education, internships, and certifications, it is the zeal to be the system administrator that keeps you moving ahead. Remember, there is nothing like ‘hardest thing’ to do in the world.
 

An insight into the domain, the way to implement it, bubbling energy, and a rekindled spirit makes one tread the path successfully and reach beyond the unimaginable heights.
 

Sky"s the limit! Envision your dream and realize it coming true in no time!
 

A Happy Beginning always leads to A Happy Ending!
 

Stay Cool and Move Ahead in the Race!
 

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