Hey everyone! I've been working as a Windows Server Admin for about six months after spending a few years at the help desk in tier 1 and 2 support. I really enjoy the daily challenges, especially when I'm tackling unfamiliar tasks. Recently, I've started using PowerShell more for automating termination tasks and other routine jobs my team was doing manually. Now, I'm eager to invest in my skills to make myself more valuable both in my current role and in the future. I realize I lack experience with SCCM, and I'm also considering improving my scripting skills and possibly diving into VMware, since that's the environment I'm in. I'm also thinking about eventually moving into Linux/Unix and perhaps security. I'd love to hear recommendations from those more seasoned in the field about what areas I should focus on mastering right now and for my career ahead.
4 Answers
Once you complete the AZ-800/801, consider diving into Cloud certifications like AZ-104 or AZ-900. VMware might not be the best long-term bet, so look into Hyper-V, failover clustering, backups, and don't forget Docker and Kubernetes!
If you're on the fence about certifications, I'd suggest looking into the Hybrid Administrator Associate exam objectives. Getting a grasp on these concepts will give you a solid foundation in the Windows Server space. You might find the AZ-800/801 certs particularly beneficial since they cover a lot of relevant material.
SCCM is a powerful tool, but it can be challenging to set up in a home lab. I recommend focusing on PowerShell scripting; it has a ton of practical uses. Learning Linux is also a great move and setting it up in your home lab is super easy! Are you considering any Microsoft Certifications?
Don't limit yourself to just VMware. It's worth exploring platform-agnostic virtualization, and down the line, consider looking into Kubernetes and KubeVirt. They'll be valuable to know as IT landscapes evolve. Plus, setting up a Proxmox lab can give you hands-on experience without getting locked into a single vendor.
Keep in mind that Kubernetes mostly applies to modern web applications. For traditional IT roles, managing legacy applications is still the norm. OpenShift with Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a popular choice for enterprises venturing into this space.
I agree! It’s important to have knowledge across different platforms. I’m also planning to set up a Proxmox lab soon and want to understand Kubernetes better since parts of my company are using it.