I'm working towards becoming a system or network administrator and I'm looking for project ideas that don't involve scripting or automation. My experience comes from setting up a Windows Server 2016 domain in VirtualBox three years ago, which helped me land my first IT job. Since then, I've learned a lot through my roles, but I realized I didn't document my earlier project, so I've removed it from my resume. Now, I'm focusing on how to advance my skills for positions that require knowledge beyond my current experience. I'm close to finishing my CCNA studies and plan to set up a DNS/DHCP server on an old Raspberry Pi, but I'm curious about other project ideas I could pursue that will help me in the job market, considering I've heard that scripting and automation are important yet I'm still mastering the basics like Cisco CLI.
1 Answer
It's great that you're thinking about your next steps! I wouldn’t worry too much about scripting just yet. Instead, focus on setting up a real server environment. Consider doing this: get a physical machine or a powerful VM system, install Hyper-V, and create a Domain Controller. Then, install Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP. From there, you can create a member server and learn to implement Group Policies. If you're looking to learn cloud skills, try setting up a free trial with Microsoft Entra and connect your on-premises AD. Those skills are highly valued in Windows environments and can give you a real edge during interviews.
This is solid advice! Just a heads up, the free trial can have time limits, but you can still utilize it for a good learning experience. For showcasing your project, think about creating a presentation or a short demo video that walks through your setup and the skills you acquired.