I'm a hobbyist who has been experimenting with my Unraid system, Ubuntu VMs, and Docker, and I'm interested in turning this into a professional career in system administration. I have over 10 years of experience in marketing but want to shift my focus to something more stable. My foundational skills are pretty basic, mostly related to file and permission management through GUI, but I'm learning command line basics through a Udemy course. My networking skills are my biggest weakness, but I'm getting a handle on it with tools like Wireguard and Tailscale. I have a strong background in hardware, system building, and integration, which I hope will be relevant. I'm looking for advice on how to legitimize my skills and make this career transition. Any suggestions on what steps I should take next?
4 Answers
Consider applying at a managed service provider (MSP). It can be a great way to get your foot in the door. If you showed up with your background, I’d hire you on the spot! Your willingness to learn is a huge plus in this field.
Finding a helpdesk position that will train you is a solid strategy. You need to emphasize your desire to learn and offer help during interviews. Just remember, while you may not have much experience, you can definitely talk yourself into an interview if you're persistent!
Sounds like a good plan! I guess I just need to get in there and leverage my existing skills for an entry role.
For solid foundational knowledge, consider the CompTIA Security+ certification. It covers a broad range of generalist topics without diving too deep into any one area, and it’s often a requirement for cybersecurity roles in government jobs.
That sounds like a smart move! A friend of mine works in cybersec, but they can't help me get a job due to recent cutbacks. I noticed the cert is set to retire in 2026—is it better to wait for a new one, or is it still valid for three years even if I get it before retirement?
Set some realistic expectations. Most companies won't hire you directly as a systems administrator without prior IT experience. It’s usually not an entry-level role. Keep building your skills, but be prepared to do some time in a level 1 support role first, like helpdesk work, to gain that experience.
Definitely! I'm not expecting an instant transition, but just looking for ways to make that shift effectively. Thanks for the insight!
By MSP, do you mean managed service provider? I wasn't familiar with that term! Are there any good national companies you'd recommend or should I just look for any openings in my area (LA/Socal)? Thanks!