I'm about to step into my first SysAdmin position and I'm feeling a bit anxious. I've been working in helpdesk and technician roles for about seven years, so I have a good grasp on things like Active Directory, cloud computing, and endpoint administration. However, I haven't had the chance to configure a switch or firewall in any of my jobs so far. I do have the SYO-601 certification, but I'm looking for advice on other resources to help me prepare, especially if they're free. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
6 Answers
Honestly, if your instinct is to reach out to the whole IT department for help on problems, you might want to reassess how ready you feel. Try to solve issues first; show initiative and then ask for help with specific details on what you've tried. That will show you're ready to step into this role!
You're definitely not out of your depth! It sounds like you have a solid base to build upon as you transition from helpdesk to sysadmin. Just remember that it's not all about knowing all the answers. It's about knowing how to find them. With that mindset, you'll be just fine!
Don't sweat it! With your background, you're more ready than you think. Most of the real learning happens on the job, so embrace those 'oh no!' moments – they're actually good for growth. Just remember, your ability to research and troubleshoot is your best asset. Trust your instincts and get ready to learn!
If you want to get familiar with networking, check out the CCST - Networking cert. It's affordable and a nice stepping stone to the CCNA. Also, Cisco's Net Academy offers free courses that can really help you build foundational knowledge. Go for it!
Thanks for the tips! I'm definitely gonna check those out.
I've been in tech roles for a long time and honestly, I rarely configure switches. SysAdmin is a broad role, and many of us focus on different parts of the infrastructure, so don't feel you need to know everything upfront. There's plenty of time to learn!
To really cement your knowledge, consider setting up a home lab. Experimenting is a great way to learn. And if you encounter something new at your job, don't hesitate to admit to your manager that you're still learning—it keeps expectations realistic and is an essential part of the job. Good luck!
Totally agree, those moments teach you the most!