I'm looking to break into the field of system administration or work as an assistant to a system administrator, but I'm struggling to land an entry-level position since I don't have relevant work experience. I have some skills in maintaining DNS, DHCP, managing Windows servers, IP configurations, and handling Group Policy and Active Directory. I want to improve my skills further through practice but am wondering if it's truly possible to find an entry-level job in this field. What steps should I take to increase my chances of getting hired?
2 Answers
It's definitely possible, but honestly, it can be quite tough. Most employers prefer hiring known candidates or those with some relevant experience, like someone who has been promoted from an internal position. My advice? Try to get into the tech field through helpdesk or IT support roles first. I once hired a guy from the mailroom to a senior tech position because he proved himself to be a star.
Keep in mind that system administration typically isn't considered an entry-level role. If you're aiming for that path, you really should start in helpdesk support to get relevant experience.
That surprises me a bit! My first job right out of college was in a small IT department with lots of responsibilities. Maybe it varies by company?
That's great advice! Starting from the bottom and proving yourself seems like a solid plan.