Hi everyone! I'm new here and looking for some guidance. I currently work as a desktop tech in a school district and have been in this position for about four months. My tasks mostly involve tech deployments and handling tickets. I'm aiming to become a system administrator in the future, so I'd love your advice on certifications to pursue and things I can do to prepare for when a position opens up.
I've learned that my district operates primarily in a Microsoft environment and is transitioning towards a hybrid setup. There are a couple of sysadmins retiring in the next 2-3 years, so I want to make sure I'm qualified to fill one of those spots. I've been advised to learn Hyper-V since we're switching from VMware.
Here's my current plan: I'm considering getting certified in AZ-800 and AZ-801, then moving on to CompTIA Network+ and Security+. I know AZ-800 and AZ-801 are associate-level certifications and I'm open to suggestions if there are better options. What do you all think? Is my plan realistic given my background? I have some experience in IT, including a year at Geek Squad and another year as a BreakFix technician, and I've been getting foundational knowledge from my A+ certification.
Additionally, I have access to Udemy courses through work, and I've set up a home lab where I can practice. I'm really enjoying the AZ-800 course so far, and I'm eager to learn more! Any tips for me would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Working with ProxMox in your home lab is a fantastic idea! Hands-on experience often beats theoretical knowledge. Play around with different setups and scenarios; even breaking things is a part of learning. If you're unsure what to create, start with common server setups, play with different configurations, and follow along with tutorials. Don't hesitate to reach out to your sysadmins with what you've tried, too. They might offer great insights or challenges you can tackle!
It's great that you're already fixing things in your home lab! The hands-on experience will definitely give you an edge. About the certifications, it sounds like you're on the right track with the AZ-800 and AZ-801. Having Microsoft certifications can be incredibly helpful for a future sysadmin role, and since your environment is mostly Microsoft, that makes it even more relevant. I would also recommend considering the CCNA as it provides strong networking knowledge, which is crucial for sysadmin positions.
Totally agree! Networking knowledge is super important for sysadmins and can really set you apart. Just make sure you're comfortable with the basics before diving deeper into certifications.
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been wondering how to get the most out of my lab setup. I’ll definitely try some server setups. Any specific projects you recommend?