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Most desired certifications for sys admins

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Phantomaniac

Senior member
Hi there OT. I really want to make the jump from doing tech support to systems administration, like I'm sure many others do. Luckily I do somewhat advanced tech support for a proprietary asp.net web app running on various versions of windows server so I already feel like I have a leg up. Here's what I have experience in:

- Installing Server 2003/2008(R2)
- Configuring IIS 6/7, FTP, MSSQL, file shares, flash media server
- Some manual SQL (selects, updates, inserts, subqueries)
- Some batch scripting
- Dell poweredge rack servers (diagnostics, hw replacement, perc raid)
- A bit of AD integration via LDAP
- Lots of experience diagnosing weird Windows shit (desktop or server)
- Some experience troubleshooting network issues (nmap and wireshark)

So at this point I'm looking for a cert to really compliment my skillset and help me land a full time sys admin job. I'm thinking something network related since that is my weakest link. Also I'm pretty interested in linux (I run a headless linux web server), but I feel like that's a harder sell for someone who has no work experience with linux.

Thoughts?
 
If you have a pulse, you'll do fine as a Windows Sys Admin :thumbsup:

Linux/Unix has a pretty significant learning curve. I'd take this in baby steps if I were you.
 
I too am interested in this.

OP your job experience sounds about what I've done at my current job.

Interested in stuff for the next step.
 
JM Aggie08 said:
If you have a pulse, you'll do fine as a Windows Sys Admin :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

LOL, spoken as someone who obviously hasn't been a Windows enterprise architect before. Windows Server (and MS enterprise products in general) is becoming more, not less, complex and I still don't know how MS has managed that.

In terms of certs, MS is rolling out 8 new MCSE tracks:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcse-certification.aspx#fbid=o3Hkb4I1Vri

I don't know which are the most valued (if any), but I can tell you that two of the hottest areas in IT now are SharePoint and Business Intelligence. I do SharePoint as my fulltime job but still love enterprise architecture and would go back in a heartbeat. It doesn't pay what SharePoint does, but I think it is more fun.
 
Sharepoint is really hot right now. I see a ton of jobs that go unfolded for months because they can't find qualified candidates.

But agree its not as fun as network and server infrastructure.
 
OP, how long have you been doing tech support? Considering the type of work you have done so far, you should be able to make a smooth transition into Sys/Network Admin work. My advice would be to hook up with a staffing group that could get you in the door gaining work experience (actual sys admin work). I went the gov't route.

As for the certs, Sec+, Net+, CCNA, MCITP are kind of a good start. It really depends on what you want to focus on. I went full MS first, then started gaining experience in the other fields but never got my certs for my MCSE (even though i took all the classes). I only have two certs (A+ and Sec+).
 
IndyColtsFan said:
LOL, spoken as someone who obviously hasn't been a Windows enterprise architect before. Windows Server (and MS enterprise products in general) is becoming more, not less, complex and I still don't know how MS has managed that.

In terms of certs, MS is rolling out 8 new MCSE tracks:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcse-certification.aspx#fbid=o3Hkb4I1Vri

I don't know which are the most valued (if any), but I can tell you that two of the hottest areas in IT now are SharePoint and Business Intelligence. I do SharePoint as my fulltime job but still love enterprise architecture and would go back in a heartbeat. It doesn't pay what SharePoint does, but I think it is more fun.
Click to expand...

Haven't touched it since Server 2003 😛 Glad to hear they're stepping their game up though!
 
rasczak said:
OP, how long have you been doing tech support? Considering the type of work you have done so far, you should be able to make a smooth transition into Sys/Network Admin work. My advice would be to hook up with a staffing group that could get you in the door gaining work experience (actual sys admin work). I went the gov't route.

As for the certs, Sec+, Net+, CCNA, MCITP are kind of a good start. It really depends on what you want to focus on. I went full MS first, then started gaining experience in the other fields but never got my certs for my MCSE (even though i took all the classes). I only have two certs (A+ and Sec+).
Click to expand...

On that note, are you pursuing a Security path? e.g. CISSP / GIAC certs?
 
IndyColtsFan said:
Yeah, I definitely recommend a 4-year degree too.
Click to expand...

They help but aren't required. If you're in a time crunch (supporting a family, for example) an AAS degree will do. What's most important in IT is if you're passionate about the technology, can be counted on, and have good soft skills.

While in school try to build up a lab and practice with the things you're learning. It can even be one computer with a hypervisor (Windows 8 Pro and Ent come with Hyper-V free, Hyper-V core is also free) so you can load multiple Windows VMs. This often separates those just there for a degree expecting a job to be handed to them and those truly interested in the technology.

As for certs, there are a lot of IT generalist and entry levels certs to pursue. Grab one or two if you can and then get as much experience as possible in your first couple years. Start looking for an area to specialize in and throw yourself into it. VMware, Hyper-V, System Center, Cloud computing, Security, Sharepoint, Cisco networking, SANs, Exchange, Unified Communications, and many others are all great areas to get involved in. Pick one that interests you and do whatever you can to learn more about it.
 
JM Aggie08 said:
If you have a pulse, you'll do fine as a Windows Sys Admin :thumbsup:

Linux/Unix has a pretty significant learning curve. I'd take this in baby steps if I were you.
Click to expand...

I hate people that make these comments. This is why most Windows environments are a huge mess.
 
The market pulse I've been getting lately has been "screw certs, you need a degree."

It's like employers are saying "I just want someone that can do the f**king job!"
 
I've been working with Linux/UNIX for 13 years and still don't know it all.

It does make me fee good to stump a guy who interviewed me who has been in IT for 35 years though. ^_^
 
imagoon said:
I hate people that make these comments. This is why most Windows environments are a huge mess.
Click to expand...

Yea, I have to agree with imagoon here. The Windows environment is much more complex than what's been led to believe. I understand that JM is kidding, but the truth of the matter is, that not anyone can do windows. Giving DA privlege to anyone with a pulse is just asking for trouble.
 
I have bs degreein network engineering, currently looking for a new job as well.

I know its important to get maybe the CCNA but i havne't had to do any router configuring since my AS degree so really not an option for now.

Currently doing tech support, tech support/ desktop support.

Taking reccomendations for what kind of certifications you would reccomend as well.
 
xeledon20005 said:
I have bs degreein network engineering, currently looking for a new job as well.

I know its important to get maybe the CCNA but i havne't had to do any router configuring since my AS degree so really not an option for now.

Currently doing tech support, tech support/ desktop support.

Taking reccomendations for what kind of certifications you would reccomend as well.
Click to expand...

CCNA would be a good start but you may also want to look at other vendors/appliances as well. look into getting a security to tie in the network security.
 
I actually have a 4 year CS degree. Just looking through job postings, even junior level windows sys admin positions are looking for 1-2 years experience with AD and Exchange. I have some knowledge of AD, but jack on Exchange.

For reference I'm trying to land a job in the Washington, DC area, which is probably one of the most competitive job markets in the US. I expect there are legions of others like me (recent to semi-recent CS grads) all going for the same thing. So I feel like I really need something to stand out.
 
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