Plan the Perfect IT SysAdmin Career Path

What Is a Systems Administrator
A systems administrator’s responsibilities include:
Ensuring the company hardware and software are working as intended.
Installing all the applications needed to support the organization.
Updating systems when new software is released.
Maintaining user accounts and access.
Some functions of a systems administrator may overlap with the company’s network administrator, depending on the size of the company. While a network administrator’s primary focus is the company’s servers and network, a systems administrator primarily focuses on other working parts of the IT system, including the computers themselves and software.

How to Become a Systems Administrator
Most employers look for systems administrator with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related field. Employers usually require three to five years of experience for systems administration positions. Adding certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ will show employers you have the current skills to be successful as a systems administrator. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap for a comprehensive list of certifications that can help you become a systems administrator.

Practical tips for becoming a systems architect
Cozy up to PowerPoint. You two are going to form a close, personal relationship. Presenting clear, high-level information to nontechnical stakeholders is a cornerstone skill in architecting.
Dress and act professionally. You’ll need to impress high-level executives with your professionalism in order to get them to trust you to make decisions they don’t understand.
Learn the business lingo. Speaking intelligently about topics like operating costs and cash flow is going to impress the people who hire systems architects.
Get experience with cloud technologies. Learn about private and public clouds and how they integrate with enterprise systems. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and OpenStack are smart technologies to master.
Get comfortable with compromise. You can advocate for the technically pure solution but you won’t always get it. Understand how to make the right trade-offs between cost, speed and security.
Document and communicate. Learn to document your work with precision. Communicate clearly, concisely and consistently about the status of your projects with your superiors.

Common Career Paths from Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator to Network Administrator to Technical Support to Customer Service Representative to Cashier
Systems Administrator to Technical Support to Customer Service Representative to Cashier to Retail Sales Associate
Systems Administrator to Help Desk Analyst to Technical Support to Customer Service Representative to Cashier
Systems Administrator to System Engineer to Senior System Engineer to Software Engineer to Senior Software Engineer

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