Hey folks! I'm 24 years old and have been in the Air Force for the past 6 years. I just transitioned to a systems administrator role, and I currently hold a Security+ certification. I'm trying to figure out my next steps: should I focus on finishing my bachelor's degree (I have about 2 years left) or pursue additional certifications? I know that ideally, I should probably do both, especially since I'm considering WGU for my education, but I'm particularly curious about which certifications would be most beneficial for me to target next. Thanks in advance for any insights!
5 Answers
I'm an Air Force contractor currently finishing my WGU bachelor's. I recommend working while studying; WGU is great because you'll earn certs along the way, and maintaining your clearance while you work is super important in this field. Cleared sys admins often have better job prospects and pay!
Honestly, a lot of places focus more on your experience rather than just your certs. I've seen too many people with a bunch of certifications who still can't troubleshoot effectively. Having a few certs can help, but don’t rely on them to land a job.
Definitely get your CCAF! I didn't prioritize mine and really regretted it when I left. It's a solid foundation to build on, trust me.
Make sure you dive into real sysadmin tasks and get hands-on experience. Certs can help you get in the door, especially on a military base, but you'll need real skills to do the job well. Keep learning: focus on Linux, as it's essential for many advanced skills.
It’s not necessarily one or the other—you can find a job on base and work on your WGU courses while you’re there. As long as your duties allow it, you could study or complete assignments during downtime, especially if you're in a less demanding role. That's what I'm doing and it works out well!
Haha, the perks of the job, right? Appreciate the input!
100% agree! Practical experience is crucial.