Hey everyone! I have a couple of years of experience as a PRN for a help desk and now I'm full-time at a service desk. My background includes handling Active Directory password resets, managing Epic sessions, troubleshooting system issues, activating Duo for security, and ensuring tickets get to the right teams. I also like to play with Fedora Server in my homelab and I'm currently diving into Windows and PowerShell with a VM to follow a PowerShell learning book.
I'm curious if moving from a tier 1 help desk role to a sysadmin position is a big leap. I want to manage systems and tackle troubleshooting challenges. I'm working toward my BS in Information Systems and planning to get certifications like A+, Network+, and Linux+ after graduation. I also keep notes on self-learning in a Notion page. On a side note, I'm contemplating switching to the Microsoft ecosystem after losing my Google Premium AI student trial since most companies I've interned for are Microsoft-based. Any advice on a roadmap for this transition would be greatly appreciated! Additionally, I'm thinking of diving into cloud computing after becoming a sysadmin.
2 Answers
Honestly, networking is key! You can have all the certifications in the world, but building relationships in your workplace will really help you advance. Focus on excelling in your current role first. Make sure you’re documenting your troubleshooting steps and adding them to ticket notes. Then, start getting to know the higher-ups. If there are recurring issues in tickets, offer your help and show that you can make their lives easier. Good rapport with sysadmins can open doors for you to assist with more significant tasks. Keep building your skills and those connections—it’ll pay off!
Great advice on step 1! I also found that being genuinely curious and asking for detailed explanations can help fast-track your learning and visibility in the team.
Reaching out to your company's sysadmin or network admin can be invaluable. Offer to help them out with any tasks they have on the infrastructure side. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also allows you to build that relationship that could benefit your career progression later on.
Thanks for the guidance! I’ve been diligent about updating ticket comments with my troubleshooting methods, and I see now that connecting with others is crucial. I’m making an effort to share what I can do in our team chats too, which helps build trust.