I've been working in corporate helpdesk for 2 years now, dealing with Windows, Active Directory, M365, Intune, and basic troubleshooting. I consider myself a solid performer at the L1/L2 level, but my pay is low and I feel stuck on the career ladder. My goal is to land a mid-level role, like a Sysadmin, Cloud Engineer, or Security Engineer, with a salary in the range of $120-140k+ AUD within the next 3-5 years. I'm also looking for a career path that's resistant to the impacts of AI and automation. I'm considering a few options: focusing on Cloud and automation skills (like Azure or AWS certifications, Terraform, Ansible, Python), delving into Cybersecurity (starting with Security+ and moving to CySA+ for cloud security), or pursuing traditional networking (CCNA then CCNP). Given the job market in Australia in 2026, which path would actually get me interviews and salary growth? Also, with my current schedule, what should I prioritize in my evening and weekend studies?
6 Answers
None of the paths you’re considering are mutually exclusive! Skills in cloud will make you more valuable in security, especially as cloud solutions evolve. Having a mixture of skills in both can set you apart from others who are solely networking-focused.
Right? Understanding cloud setups is crucial! It’s definitely a growing demand as companies transition to hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
If I were in your shoes, I’d focus on something vendor-specific that excites you, like Microsoft or AWS certifications. But make sure whatever training you follow aligns with what your current company values. It’ll help if they offer reimbursement too!
I vote for CCNA! It’s a solid foundational certification that can help you transition into networking!
From my experience, government roles tend to pay the most for mid-level sysadmins here in Australia, so if that's a path available to you, it could be worth exploring. I recommend leaning into cybersecurity to broaden your skill set. Try to get involved in any security-related projects at your current job. While certifications are good, hands-on experience is crucial and can open more doors for you.
That's interesting! I've heard government positions often pay less unless it's contract work, but it sounds like there are opportunities if you're already there. I hope the hands-on experience will make your transition smoother!
I agree with you! Hands-on experience speaks volumes, especially in security roles. Even if you don’t have the official title, showing initiative can really set you apart.
I suggest thinking like a developer while you’re training in Cloud. It seems there’s a gap for those who can bridge networking and Cloud knowledge. Diving into automation is where the market is heading, and having a solid grasp of networking fundamentals could really benefit you in future roles.
That sounds like a smart move! But, you’ll need some solid experience to break into DevOps—definitely not an easy entry point.
Below all else, do what genuinely interests you! It’ll drive you to excel and learn more. I went the Cloud + automation route and found connections within other departments really helpful for transitions. Make connections and ask questions as you go!
Connecting with colleagues proved to be invaluable for you, huh? That's a nice insight. I’m sure those internal projects helped strengthen your skills too!
I’d recommend getting engaged with networking or security tasks in your current job. Ask to shadow your colleagues when they’re handling networking or security tickets. This hands-on learning will show your initiative and help you gain practical skills. If you're feeling ready, applying for junior sysadmin or security roles could also be worthwhile, even if the listings ask for more experience than you currently have.
That’s a great tip! Finding ways to learn from others in your team sounds like a solid plan. I'll be looking for those junior roles, too!
Could you elaborate on how you see cloud security as a niche? I’ve noticed a skills shortage in this area, and I’m curious how much cloud knowledge boosts value in roles.