I'm a high school student interested in becoming a systems administrator or network engineer. My parents believe I need advanced theoretical math and a five-year computer science degree to succeed, and they think attending a technical institute while earning Linux or Cisco certifications would be a waste of time. For people working in IT operations, how much advanced math do you actually use day to day? How are certifications, hands-on experience, and practical skills valued compared with a traditional four-year degree?
3 Answers
A bachelor’s degree is not strictly required to become a sysadmin or network administrator, but it can make getting past hiring filters much easier. Some employers require a four-year degree even when the actual work does not involve advanced theory. A degree also gives you broader options if you later move toward engineering, software, security, or management.
A technical program plus practical experience and respected certifications can absolutely get you started. Linux and Cisco credentials are useful when paired with labs, home projects, and real troubleshooting experience. This route may get you into the workforce faster and at lower cost, although you may need additional education or experience later to move into certain roles.
You generally won’t use much advanced math in systems or network administration. Day-to-day work is more about troubleshooting, logical reasoning, learning unfamiliar technology, and communicating with users and project teams. Subnetting and basic budgeting are about as mathematical as most roles get, and tools can handle the calculations.
That degree requirement can still matter years later. People with plenty of practical experience sometimes get screened out automatically when a job lists a bachelor’s degree as a requirement.