Hey, everyone! I'm new to being a SysAdmin with about 2 years of IT experience, mainly in Helpdesk and 6 months as a Junior SysAdmin. My boss recently pointed out that while I do a great job solving individual problems, I need to adopt a more global perspective on managing our entire IT infrastructure—like Azure, M365, servers, and networks. I understand his point, but I'm unsure how to shift my thinking accordingly. I have started some projects, like upgrading our systems to Windows 11, automating onboarding/offboarding, and creating network diagrams. I'm looking for advice from those of you with more experience on how to cultivate the SysAdmin mindset. Where do I begin in thinking more pro-actively rather than reactively?
5 Answers
It’s all about problem-solving and being proactive. Think about how you can resolve issues before they crop up. Consider the overall health of the systems rather than just fixing tickets. It’s also about cost-effectiveness—finding solutions that make things run smoother for the business. Always look for ways to optimize resources!
Exactly! It’s like having a crystal ball—only you have to work hard to find it!
You're on the right path! It’s great that you’re already taking initiative with those projects. Keep asking yourself how to prevent issues or improve stability instead of just reacting to them. Maybe even consider doing some ITIL training to understand the bigger picture of IT management.
ITIL sounds like a good idea! I’ll look into that for sure.
Totally! It’s worth investing time in understanding IT frameworks.
Think big picture—ask how you can improve processes for the long term. It’s not just about fixing things, but designing systems to minimize issues. A good SysAdmin can solve problems or know how to approach them. You’ve got to develop that anticipatory mindset!
Your boss is right, but try finding a senior SysAdmin to mentor you. It can really help to have someone guide you, especially on what it truly means to be a SysAdmin. Online resources are great, but having a mentor is invaluable!
Good call! I actually have a former SysAdmin in my department now, so I’ll definitely reach out to him.
That’s a smart move! Mentorship can make a huge difference in navigating your new role.
Exactly! Helpdesk is reactive; SysAdmins need to focus on proactive measures like backups and upcoming projects. Challenge yourself to identify patterns in the tickets you’re seeing and address those weaknesses head-on. For example, automate routine tasks to save time in the future.
That makes a lot of sense! Kind of like predicting issues before they become fires to put out.