How to break into the system/network administrator field ?

Hello,

I am a recent college graduate with a BS degree in computer field. I have about 5 years experience working part time as an computer technician. My question is:

- What should I do to break into the system admin field ? (most jobs require 3+ year of experience)
- Which certificate should I study for ?
- Which skill set is important, and I should learn ?

Thanks,

Tags: security, career, it management, networking, off-topic

laquangthong

26th Jan 2007

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That's mighty broad, system/network admin can mean lots of things. Do you have experience in programming, unix, mid-range, oracle, mssql, web develepment, windows server tech, desktop support? If you want to make good money focus on DBA (Oracle or MS SQL) or Cisco certs. I have no degree but I am MS Certified for what it's worth. My boss could care less. He hired me because I walked in and knew my stuff. What ever it is you want to do, get into it home. I've built multiple domain environments, SMS, Exchange and SQL servers, Linux boxes, written deployment scripts, all for my little home network. It doesn't matter if you have a 4 year degree and 10 certs. If you can't answer real world questions it won't matter. They will get you many more interviews though, so it was surely worth it.

scott_heath@...

Updated - 26th Jan 2007

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Well, I have experience in programming (object oriented) / solaris / desktop support / wireless + wired Lan. The area that I want to break in is system admin (the guys that run all the exchange servers / web servers for the company). I have a couple of system as home with solaris / suse ... on it + play with it sometime. Guest I'll install Exchange + SQL in to play with soon.
What is your experience studying MCSA ? do you think it's worth it getting that certificate, or just know the stuffs is enough ?

laquangthong 29th Jan 2007