When it comes to handling computer systems, whether in an office environment, on-campus, or in an enterprise data center, there is a long list of tools and technologies System Administrators need to master. Various certifications can help prove knowledge and skills in those areas.
In addition to server and client configuration and maintenance, many System Administrators must get access controls, network services, and resource elements for applications. They often see themselves working with directory and name services as well as network addressing, database services, web and desktop applications, email, and more.
Making sense of all these various System Administrator roles and accompanying certifications is no easy task.
More and more businesses and organizations depend on multiple IT systems for their daily communications and workflow; therefore, professionals who are a System Administrator Certification understand how to maintain and keep these systems are in high demand. This demand is not likely to improve any time soon.
To follow up with the new developments in IT technology, it is essential for professionals to hold themselves educated and to keep up with the current IT certifications as credentials for their expertise.
Characteristics of System Administrators
System Administrators typically work in office environments with the following features:
- Extended periods are sitting at a desk.
- Using computers, printers, phones, fax machines, and other office equipment.
- May have to work evenings or weekends.
- May have to be on call to ensure the network and computer systems are operating correctly at all times.
How to Become a System Administrator?
These are the typical steps you should take to seek a career as a System Administrator:
Pursue an Education:
Perform a search in your geographic area and learn the minimum education required to qualify for a position as a System Administrator. Typically, employers favor a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or another closely related field. Take the minimum level of education required for the role.
Obtain Experience:
Most employers favor seeing at least two or more years of experience in system administration. If you lack any experience, you may require to start in a role as a help desk clerk or an IT specialist before progressing into the role of a System Administrator.
To gain some experience, seek internship opportunities while completing your bachelor’s or after graduation. This will allow you to get practical experience in a work environment.
Earn Certifications:
Certifications verify your skills for employers, and many employers want at least QlikView System Administrator certification to qualify for roles. Consider obtaining, at a minimum, the QlikView System Administrator certification, Qlik Sense System Administrator certification. In addition to supporting your competencies in those areas, prove to employers you want to grow and advance your career.
Update Your Resume:
Once you have the needed education, experience, and Qlik certifications, update your resume. Include your highest level of education, the certifications you have gained during your career, and your detailed work history.
Apply for Jobs:
Search for opportunities in your area for System Administrator positions. Recognize the roles for which you are most qualified based on your experience and knowledge and apply using your refreshed resume and a cover letter that you have customized for each position.
System Administrator Job Description
In general, the average system administrator is responsible for, regardless of specialization.
For most System Administrator roles, the job functionality comes down to three different components. First, Engineering and Provisioning includes the installation and implementation of new servers, directories, storage systems, hardware, etc.
This leads to being more of a project-based function. Some junior System Administrators will only be participants in this process, but mid to senior-level ones will invariably begin focusing on engineering, design, and implementation approach as well. Most System Administrators will be responsible for knowing and researching as well as performing new systems.
Second, Operational Support leads to the ongoing day-to-day functioning of the systems. System Administrators will use monitoring tools to ensure maximum uptime and respond to incidents promptly. Automating repeatable tasks is a critical element for progressive IT departments as well, so scripting experience comes in handy here.
Another essential part is the replication or backing up daily operations to create redundancy if disaster recovery is needed.
Finally, Maintenance is the last component of this role. Many companies have older legacy systems that need upgrades, smaller migrations, and different asset management tracking.
Or, on a smaller scale, clearing out older data and bandwidth that is no longer required. In every company, keeping is critical to the durability and long term efficiency of their systems.
Concluding
System Administrators interested in adding meaningful skills and credentials to their arsenals should not ignore the cloud. System Administrator certifications opportunities are increasing, and widespread skills shortages are well documented.
IT professionals tend to forget System Administrator certification competency for the specific version of the technology, which means a new version can reduce the value of your certifications. So, you require to update, renew, or reactivate certifications to ensure that you are well equipped with the latest skills in information technology.
