I've been in the IT field for 15 years, starting as a part-time Help Desk worker and now serving as a systems administrator in a small team. Although I'm doing well with my current responsibilities, I realize there are significant gaps in my knowledge — especially concerning infrastructure design and networking fundamentals. Our CTO, who has been instrumental in developing our systems, is planning to retire in the next five years, which means I might step into the interim CTO role during a tricky transition period. Therefore, I'd like to know what specific areas I should focus on to get ready for this possibility and how to best fill in my knowledge gaps before he leaves.
3 Answers
Consider pursuing structured certifications such as CompTIA Network+ for foundational networking knowledge, and then look into vendor-specific certifications like Cisco's CCNA or Azure certifications if relevant. Also, check out job boards like Zippia or LazyApply to learn what skills are in demand for CTO positions in your area and get a sense of the requirements you'll need to meet.
To step up in your career, you need to become naturally curious about the systems you manage. Ask yourself questions like 'Why did we choose this UPS size?' or 'Why does this SQL work this way?' Getting into the habit of questioning things will deepen your understanding and prepare you for leadership roles in the future.
It's hard to balance everything, but trying to make time for those questions can make a huge difference in the long run!
You should start by really getting to know your current infrastructure. Document what you understand, and then sit down with your CTO to fill in the gaps. Online courses like CBT Nuggets can also be helpful for on-demand learning. Just make sure you're clear about the network gear and systems you're working with so you can target the right areas during your training.
Absolutely, I get that! I want to ask 'why' more often, but it’s tough with all the projects I'm juggling, plus training a new hire.