I'm on my path to becoming a sysadmin, but I'm starting from scratch with 0 work experience in IT. I've spent my whole career in manual labor, and at 42, I've finally decided to pursue my true passion for IT. After not owning a PC for 10 years, I got one 6 months ago and quickly dived in. I earned my CompTIA Tech+ certification, followed by A+ and Network+, all within a few months. I've set up a home lab, learned to work with Linux and Windows servers, SQL, Powershell, and even experimented with Microsoft 365 and Intune.
Despite my efforts, I haven't landed an interview yet, even after applying for numerous junior roles. I'm curious to know what skills and experiences others had under their belt before entering the sysadmin field, as I really want to understand what I might be missing or what else I should focus on.
5 Answers
You're definitely on the right track! The job market can be tough, but keep up your learning vibe. Besides PowerShell, consider picking up Python for automation—it really helps you stand out in IT.
I've been diving deep into PowerShell myself. Just created my first playbook on GitHub with Ansible—let's keep sharing resources!
I recommend aiming for a Level 1 position first. I was in your shoes a few years back. I started with an L1 role, and with time and perseverance, I moved up to networking and eventually became a sysadmin. Don’t hesitate to ask the experienced folks around you for help—they often have tons of knowledge to share!
I had no formal qualifications when I started, just tons of hands-on experience. My first IT job involved a lot of self-study and shadowing. Always look for opportunities to learn on the job! My advice: don’t underestimate the basics of user management and fix common issues as they come. That'll build your confidence and skills.
You're already doing well just by getting familiar with different operating systems. Start with the basics, and gradually you'll know what pieces to learn as you go.
Honestly, if you have the drive and problem-solving skills, that's half the battle. I switched from teaching to IT in my mid-30s! What helped me was understanding the business side of IT—maybe read up on IT management concepts to better communicate with stakeholders. You'll be on your way to bigger roles before you know it!
Ansible is a fantastic tool to learn for automation too! It can really make your life easier.