I've been working as a Sys Admin for four years, starting my career as an Administrative Assistant, then moving to Helpdesk, and finally into Sys Admin. I don't have a college degree or formal IT training; I've mostly learned on the job with my boss's support. Recently, our company has merged, and I'm not sure if I'll stay since the new company has its own IT department. Given my lack of a degree, do you think certifications would boost my resume, or is my experience sufficient? If you think certifications are necessary, which ones should I consider? I appreciate any advice!
3 Answers
Since you're competing with others in the job market, experience alone might not always be enough. Some companies require certifications like A+ to even look at your resume, especially if they have automated screening software. But having four years of hands-on experience is definitely a big plus, arguably even more valuable than a degree without real-world experience.
Certifications are great for getting past HR filters. They help you get your foot in the door, but it's your experience that will carry you through interviews. Also, don't underestimate networking; many jobs come through connections. Knowing someone in the field can give you a substantial advantage.
Exactly! I landed jobs by just knowing the right people.
If you're thinking about certifications, I'd suggest looking into Microsoft or Azure certificates, which are quite valuable in today’s cloud-centric market. CCNA is another solid option for networking, and there are plenty of vendor-specific certs that might be useful based on the technology you're familiar with. Just keep in mind that sometimes, the experience you already have can be just as important as the certs.
Good tips! I'm leaning towards Azure certs since I’ve worked with it a bit.
That’s true! It really depends on the company. If they value hands-on experience, you might have an edge.