I'm starting my journey in college for an IT degree with a focus on systems administration. I've always had a passion for computers and troubleshooting, so I'm hopeful that understanding the material will come more easily to me. I've completed my general classes, and as of the 20th, I'll be diving into my core classes, which include online courses on computer applications, beginning HTML & CSS, Programming and Logic, Database Concepts, and Microsoft Desktop Operating Systems. I'm feeling a bit nervous about the workload, especially because math isn't my strong suit. I've heard that there isn't a heavy math requirement in this field, which is reassuring since I barely managed to get through a statistics course. Any tips or advice for tackling these classes or insights into navigating this field would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, I suggest looking into hands-on experience rather than just relying on a degree. If you can, try to find internships or work with PC repair shops to build practical skills. A degree can sometimes feel unnecessary if you can prove your abilities through experience, especially since you've got funding for school. But juggling both could be tough, so consider what you're comfortable handling.
Don’t worry too much; advanced math won’t be a big part of your studies. Just keep in mind that some course material may become outdated pretty fast, so focus on understanding the core concepts like networking, databases, and programming logic. Having a solid foundation will really help you troubleshoot real-world issues. And definitely take time to tinker with things in your free time!
You really don’t need to stress about advanced math for systems administration or the classes you have lined up. You'll be just fine!
That definitely eases my mind, thanks!

Yes! Tinkering is key! Try setting up a server, experiment with Active Directory, or create a 365 tenant and break it just to learn how to fix it!